[MR] Wikipedia: Archbishop Robert Blackadder

[Garth Groff via Atlantia]

Noble Friends, Especially Fellow Scots:

On this day in 1508, Archbishop of Glasgow Robert Blackadder died while 
on pilgrimage to Jerusalem: 
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Blackadder . Archbishop Blackadder 
was a major supporter James IV, King of Scots, and served as his 
ambassador many times. King James supported his elevation from Bishop to 
Archbishop to prevent too much power being held by the Archbishop of St. 
Andrews. Blackadder was elevated in 1492, becoming the first Archbishop 
of Glasgow.

Archbishop Blackadder was responsible for the addition of the 
"Blackadder Aisle" to Glasgow Cathedral's undercroft (aka St. 
Kentigern's Cathedral, but commonly known as St. Mungo's). This was the 
last expansion of the Cathedral, and it is currently undergoing 
restoration a major restoration.

The Wikipedia article lacks details of Archbishop Blackadder's death. In 
PILGRIMAGE IN MEDIEVAL SCOTLAND by Peter Yeoman (London: B.T. Batsford, 
1999; published for Historic Scotland), the author says Blackadder and 
his party were partly on a diplomatic mission, partly on pilgrimage. 
They stopped in Venice where they were entertained by the Doge. For the 
next leg of their journey, the Archbishop hired a cheap and unsanitary 
shiprather than the Doge's own expensive state galley (He was, after 
all, a penny-pinching Scot!). Blackadder and nearly all the party caught 
some sort of plague died before reaching Jerusalem.

Archbishop Blackadder was part of an influential family, and many men of 
this name bubble up in the porridge of Scottish history: 
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clan_Blackadder .The name is often spelled 
"Blacader" or some other variant, there being no standardized spelling 
in Scots even to this day. You have to admit, no matter how it is 
spelled "Blackadder" is a very cool name, though sadly its origin has 
nothing to do with snakes.

Yours Aye,

Mungo Napier, Laird of Mallard Lodge