James Sharp

James Sharp 1613-79, Scottish prelate. As a Presbyterian minister, Sharp became (1650) a leader of the moderate wing of the Scottish church called the Resolutioners. He was captured (1651) by Oliver Cromwell's forces and imprisoned until 1652. Sent (1657) to London to represent the interests of the Resolutioners, Sharp became involved with George Monck in his schemes for the restoration of the monarchy and secretly shifted his loyalties to the restoration of episcopacy in Scotland. After the Restoration of Charles II he was appointed (1661) archbishop of St. Andrews and primate of Scotland and thereupon embarked on a policy of severe repression of the principles of the Covenanters . He was murdered by a group of Covenanters on Magus Moor. In Scottish history Sharp is usually pictured as a hated figure.

Sharp, James (1618–79), Abp. of St Andrews from 1661. He was rewarded by appointment to this office for his collaboration with General G. Monck in 1660 and his secret work for the restoration of episcopacy. As Archbishop he took severe measures to abolish Presbyterianism, and he aroused bitter resentment by his support for the oppressive policy of the Earl of Lauderdale. He was murdered.

Sharp, James (1613–79). Archbishop. Sharp was educated at Aberdeen University and appointed professor of philosophy at St Andrews. At the Restoration he worked closely with Monck and was sent to Breda to negotiate with Charles II. He was appointed royal chaplain in Scotland, and made archbishop of St Andrews in 1661. He then began a determined attack upon the presbyterian clergy he had just left. In 1668 he escaped an attempted assassination but in 1679 fell into the hands of a covenanting group in Fife and was murdered. The incident led to the covenanting rising, suppressed at Bothwell Bridge.