Essays Radical and Orthodox

Scottish poet and herald Sir David Lyndsay of the Mount (c. 1490-c. 1555) attained the highest heraldic post of Lyon King of Arms. He is still considered as a respected poet whose writings, notably as a makar, capture the spirit of the Renaissance. He was the son of Garmylton and David Lyndsay, Second of the Mount (Fife). His birthplace and early schooling are unclear, however, there is evidence that he may have gone to the University of St. Andrews because there is an entry for "Da Lindesay" for the academic year 1508-1509 on its books. He worked as a courtier for the future King James V of Scotland, first as an equerry and subsequently as an usher (assistant to a head tutor). His poems make reference to his involvement in James V's education, and some of them offer the young monarch guidance. He wed court seamstress Janet Douglas in 1522. He was appointed Snowdon Herald for his first heraldic position, then in 1529, he was made Lord Lyon King of Arms and knighted. He worked in diplomacy (twice in foreign embassies, to the Netherlands and France), and as a general master of ceremonies due to his heraldic authority.