William Spence (schoolmaster) explained

William Spence
Religion:Christianity
School:Presbyterianism
Profession:Schoolmaster

William Spence was a Scottish schoolmaster in Fife. In the month of May 1685, he was summoned to appear before the Privy Council.[1] Phillimore says he "had committed the offence of teaching his pupils the doctrines of Presbyterianism, and attending the forbidden conventicles."[2] Dickson says he "was committed to the Bass where he remained for more than a year, when he petitioned for his liberty on the ground of ill-health."[3] He was sent to the Bass Rock at the same time as Peter Kid and had fourteen months of imprisonment.[4] On the 20th of July 1686, “My Lords ” agreed to his release “upon his finding caution to compear before the Council, when cited; and, in the meantime, to live peaceably and not to keep a school, under a penalty of five thousand merks, Scots money, in case of failure.” He was liberated along with John Greg.[5] After he was set free he had to periodically reappear before the Council to retain his liberty.[6]

Not to be confused with

William Spence secretary to the Earl of Argyle who was tortured with the boot.

Notes and References

  1. Book: M'Crie . Thomas, D.D. the younger . The Bass rock: Its civil and ecclesiastic history . 1847 . J. Greig & Son . Edinburgh . 376 . 11 February 2019.
  2. Book: Phillimore . R.P . The Bass Rock : its history and romance . 1911 . North Berwick, Scotland . 94 . 21 March 2019.
  3. Book: Dickson . John . Emeralds chased in Gold; or, the Islands of the Forth: their story, ancient and modern. [With illustrations.] ]. 1899 . Oliphant, Anderson & Ferrier . Edinburgh and London . 231 . 3 March 2019.
  4. Book: Porteous . James Moir . The Scottish Patmos. A standing testimony to patriotic Christian devotion . 1881 . J. and R. Parlane . Paisley . 75 . 3 March 2019.
  5. Book: Paton . Henry . The register of the Privy Council of Scotland. 3rd series . 1930 . To be purchased directly from H.M. STATIONERY OFFICE at the following addresses 120, George Street, Edinburgh . 338 . 12 1686 . 7 April 2019.
  6. Book: Paton . Henry . The register of the Privy Council of Scotland. 3rd series . 1930 . To be purchased directly from H.M. STATIONERY OFFICE at the following addresses 120, George Street, Edinburgh . 526 . 12 1686 . 7 April 2019.

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