William de Lamberton

William de Lamberton was bishop of St Andrews and a major Scottish political figure during the Wars of Scottish Independence. He supported William Wallace and later became an ally of Robert the Bruce.

Lamberton used ecclesiastical authority, diplomacy and resources to support the cause of Scottish independence. Although forced at times to submit to English power, he remained important to Bruce’s legitimacy and government.

In J.R. Tomlin’s Path in the Dark, A brutal punishment and a secret letter reveal that William de Lamberton, Bishop of St Andrews, paid to hide his illegitimate son among the monks, and Donald flees before he can be forced into permanent vows.