Mary in March, 1566, a gift of all the patronages
and endowments in the city, which had belonged
to the Franciscan and Dominican priories, including
the ancient school, which, till then, had been
vested in the abbey of the Holy Cross, in January,
1567, they resolved to erect a suitable schoolhouse
on the land of the Blackfriars monastery ; and
this edifice, which was built for E250 Scots (about
A40 sterling) was ready for occupation in the
following year.
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LADY YLSTER?S CHURCH, 1820. (AfitrStorw.)
ascertained, and they were obliged to teach gr.afi;
the sons of all freemen of the burgh.
For the ultimate completion of its buildings,
which included a tall square tower with a conical
spire, the school was indebted to James Lawson,
who succeeded John Knox as one of the city
clergy ; but it did not become what it was originally
intended to be-an elementary seminary for logic
and philosophy as well as classics ; but it led to the
foundation of the University in its vicinity, and
This edifice, which was three-storeyed with
crowstepped gables, stood east and west, having on
its front, which faced the Cowgate, two circular
towers, with conical roofs, and between them a
square projection surmounted by a gable and
thistle. The main entrance was on the east side
of this, and had over it the handsome stone panel,
which is still preserved in the last new school, and
which bears the city arms, the royal cypher, and
the motto.
MVSIS , RES PUBLICA . FLORET . 1578.
At that time, says Amot, there appears to have
been only two teachers belonging to this school,
with a small salary, the extent of which cannot be
hence, says Dr. Steven, ?? they may be viewed as
portions of one great institution.?
The encouragement received by the masters was
so small that they threatened to leave the school if
it were not bettered, on which they were ordered
to receive a quarterly fee from the sons of the freemen
; the masters of three, and the usher of two
shillings Scots (nearly 6s. and nearly 4s. sterling)
from each; and soon after four teachers were
appointed with fixed salaries and fees, which
were augmented from time to time as the value of
money changed, and the cost of living increased
(Arnot).
In 1584, a man of superior attainments and
considerable genius, named Hercules Rollock, a
