Thomas Hope

Thomas Hope was a prominent lawyer and Lord Advocate for 15 years during the reign of Charles I. He is mainly remembered for his involvement in the religious conflict that raged in Scotland during his lifetime.

Hope made his name in 1605 when attempting to defend six Church of Scotland ministers accused of treason and while he was unsuccessful, his defence was admired, and he became a sought-after lawyer. In 1625, the year after James VI died, Hope prepared a legal case for revoking James VI’s grants of church property, something that had contributed to the tensions between the King and Presbyterians who wished to organise the church without the influence of the monarch.

Despite his association with Presbyterianism, Charles I appointed him to the high office of Lord Advocate so that Hope was required to represent the monarch’s interests in Scotland and stop opposing them. Even so, in 1638, he signed the National Covenant, a document rejecting the King’s religious policy in Scotland.

Not only did Hope manage to keep his job but the King promoted him to the role of Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, presumably with the intention of keeping him close and therefore less likely to rebel.

As a further attempt to keep him loyal, Hope was also given one of the greatest responsibilities in the land when he was made as one of the Commissioners for managing the Exchequer. Having been literally handed the key to England’s treasure, he died the following year.