< Back Kings, Poets and Writers John Hamilton John Hamilton (1511 – 1571) became a monk in his youth, and soon became Abbot of Paisley. Following his studies in Paris he returned to Scotland, earning power and influence in a short space of time, succeeding David Beaton as Archbishop of St Andrews in 1546 and becoming treasurer of the kingdom during the same period. He made great efforts to support the growth of Protestantism, but persecution was not the policy of Hamilton, and having incurred the displeasure of the Protestants, the archbishop was imprisoned in 1563. Following his release he became an active supporter of Mary Queen of Scots. He was tried for murder and hanged on the 6th of April 1571.