The Scholar · c. 1504 – 1528

Patrick Hamilton

Played by Jaymes Hamilton · Principal lead · Cast

A young nobleman and scholar whose convictions lit the first flame of the Scottish Reformation.

Profile

Patrick Hamilton was born into one of Scotland's most influential families, yet chose a path that would ultimately cost him his life. Through his mother he was descended from the royal Stewarts; through his father he was heir to the name and loyalties of the house of Hamilton.

Named titular abbot of Fearn while still a boy, Patrick used the income to study abroad. He took his Master of Arts in Paris in 1520, came home to the University of St Andrews in 1523, and in 1527 travelled to Wittenberg and Marburg, where he wrote the theses later known as Patrick's Places.

In the film, Patrick is portrayed by principal lead Jaymes Hamilton, a direct descendant of the Hamilton lineage whose history inspired the story. His courage, conviction and sacrifice helped ignite the flame of Reformation in Scotland, a flame that could not be extinguished.