Beaton, David definition of Beaton, David in the Free Online Encyclopedia.

Beaton or Bethune, David (both: bē`tən), 1494–1546, Scottish churchman, cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church. He was made cardinal in 1538 and succeeded his uncle, James Beaton, as archbishop of St. Andrews and primate of Scotland in 1539. Beaton arranged the marriage of James V and Mary of Guise and tried to assume the regency for Mary Queen of Scots (1542), but James Hamilton Hamilton, James, 2d earl of Arran, d. 1575, Scottish nobleman; son of James Hamilton, 1st earl of Arran.
..... Click the link for more information. , 2d earl of Arran, seized power. The following year Arran renounced Protestantism and sided with Beaton, who crowned Mary. Beaton became chancellor of Scotland and ably opposed the designs of Henry VIII Henry VIII, 1491–1547, king of England (1509–47), second son and successor of Henry VII .

Early Life

In his youth he was educated in the new learning of the Renaissance and developed great skill in music and sports.
..... Click the link for more information. of England. Beaton's relentless persecution of Scottish reformers led to the execution of George Wishart Wishart, George (wĭsh`ərt), 1513?–1546, Scottish religious reformer, Protestant martyr.
..... Click the link for more information. in 1546, and in reprisal the cardinal himself was murdered in his castle two months later.