A Fife Parish: Dalgety in the 17th Century

In the 17th century, Scotland was transitioning from medieval feudalism to the early modern era, marked by wars, witches, and worship. Dalgety Parish was no exception, with the National Covenant uniting the country but also leading to bloodshed and persecution. Presbyterian minister Andrew Donaldson aimed to see people living a Godly life, but was deposed, declared an outlaw, and imprisoned. His successor faced the challenge of restoring the parish and preparing for the Act of Union and Jacobite rebellions.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 28 January 2022
Publisher: Troubador Publishing

Wars, witches, and worship played pivotal roles in the nation of Scotland and the local life of Dalgety Parish during the 17th century. This period marked a significant transition from medieval feudalism to the early modern era in Scotland. Following the Post-Reformation, individuals grappled with the new social and political order. The National Covenant, signed in Greyfriars Kirk, served as a unifying force, but it also initiated a period of turmoil and persecution. The Wars of the Three Kingdoms erupted, leading to civil war in England, where a king was executed, and the struggle for ecclesiastical supremacy persisted until the end of the century.

Caught up in this tumultuous era were the villagers of Dalgety, a small parish in Fife. Earning a livelihood through farming, coal mining, or salt production, they remained exposed to the fervor of the witch-hunt and the coercion of the militia. Amidst this backdrop, Andrew Donaldson, a Presbyterian minister, emerged with a mission to promote Godly living, emphasizing the education of children and the care for the impoverished. Donaldson paid a heavy price for his ideals, enduring deposition, outlaw status, and imprisonment. However, his unwavering commitment led to his restoration to his post when William ascended the throne. During his tenure, he witnessed the parish endure the consequences of the Darien Scheme. His successor faced the challenge of restoring the parish and preparing for a future that would be shaped by significant events such as the Act of Union and Jacobite rebellions.

In conclusion, the 17th century in Scotland was a time of profound transformation and upheaval. Wars, witches, and worship shaped the nation's history, while the villagers of Dalgety Parish experienced the consequences of these events firsthand. The period witnessed the transition from medieval feudalism to the early modern era, the signing of the National Covenant, the outbreak of the Wars of the Three Kingdoms, and the struggle for religious and political dominance. Despite the challenges and hardships, individuals like Andrew Donaldson remained committed to promoting Godly living and improving the lives of those around them. Their stories serve as a testament to the resilience and determination of the Scottish people during a period of significant historical change.

Weight: 378g
Dimension: 157 x 234 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781803130064