Andrew Knox (bishop)

Andrew Knox (1559 – 27 March 1633) was a Scottish churchman who was Bishop of the Isles in Scotland from 1605 to 1619 and Bishop of Raphoe in Ireland from 1610 to 1633.

He was the second son of John Knox of Ranfurly in Renfrewshire. He was educated at the University of Glasgow, where he graduated M.A. in 1579. In 1581 he was ordained minister of Lochwinnoch in Renfrewshire, and in 1581 was translated to the abbey church of Paisley. On 6 March 1590 he was appointed on a commission of select clergymen to promote subscription to the confession of faith and covenant over the whole kingdom.

In December 1592 he was instrumental in arresting George Kerr on the Isle of Cumray as he was on the point of sailing for Spain, and was thereby the means of bringing to light and frustrating the conspiracy of the Earls of Huntly, Errol, and Angus. In 1597 he was appointed a commissioner with others to seek out and apprehend Catholics and others in touch with the King of Spain. He accidentally caused the death by drowning of Hew Barclay of Ladyland, who had intended to capture and fortify Ailsa Craig; he was exonerated and commended by parliament.

Knox was involved in disputes with his fellow-citizens, and during the course of one of them struck an adversary, George Stewart, burgess of Paisley, in public court. He was ordered to do public penance in his church. In 1606 Knox was created Bishop of the Isles, and having obtained leave from the presbytery he immediately proceeded to his diocese. On 31 July he was commissioned along with others to meet with David, Lord Scone and hear the offers made by the inhabitants of the Isles and the Highlands on the royal rents. In January 1607 he was appointed constant moderator of the presbytery of the Isles, and on 4 June he took the oath of allegiance. His absence from his charge at Paisley meant that on 12 November 1607 he was relieved of his charge.

...
Wikipedia