The Learned Scots in Poland (From the Mid-Sixteenth to the Close of the Eighteenth Century)

The presence of the Scots in Poland can be traced to the fourteenth century. Their emigration into Poland reached a peak in the period from the mid-- sixteenth century to the first half of the seventeenth century.1 Drawn from their homeland by economic, political and religious causes, the Scottish emigrants and refugees were attracted by advantageous conditions in Poland. Having a particular flair for trading, the Scots readily settled in a country where they did not have to compete with the nobility, who regarded-so it was said-engagement in commerce as a degrading occupation. Of no less importance for the Scottish Presbyterians was the knowledge that traditions of humane tolerance prevailed in Poland, even long before the days when Europe was plagued by religious wars. Therefore, they, as well as other groups of religious dissenters, were able to find shelter and accommodation in that Roman Catholic state, where they were free to adhere to their conscience. Obviously, Poland also welcomed Catholic Scots. Moreover, the renowned Scottish foot soldiers were highly appreciated there, as the Polish army consisted mainly of cavalry. In times of peace Scots could serve in private formations of the magnates; in times of war, when levies were announced, they could easily enlist in infantry units of the Crown army.2 The vast majority of the Scottish immigrants busied themselves with trade in Poland. There were, however, others, a small minority, who distinguished themselves in the fields of learning and scholarship, or in various activities which revealed their education. Some of the former gained renown not only in Poland, but also throughout Europe. It has always been characteristic of the Scottish Nation to appreciate education in quite a remarkable way. The Scots, who arrived in Poland, even at the age of thirteen, or those who were born in their new homeland, had already gained the rudiments of learning from denominational schools. The well-to-do families, as a rule, provided tutors at home for their children. It is interesting to note that research data, pertaining to some 8,000 persons, provides no evidence of illiteracy among the Scots, even though this was not always the case with other inhabitants of Poland.3 For their higher education, the Presbyterian youth in Poland attended schools in Radziejow; those located in the estates of the Reformed Church Polish aristocracy: Zabludow, Stuck-at present Slutsk in Belarus, Kiejdany-at present, Kedainiai in Lithuania, and Leszno; or the academic gymnasia at Gdansk and Elblig. Moreover, because of the high quality of education provided by Jesuit colleges, the Scots, as well as various Protestant denominations, readily enrolled in them, or at Zamosc Academy, as its founder, Jan Zamoyski (1542-1605), ensured free admission to students regardless of their religious persuasion. It should also be mentioned that, already from the first half of the fifteenth century, the Scots were enrolled at another Catholic institution-Jagiellonian University in Cracow. Frequently trips to Western Europe followed graduations from Polish schools. They lasted several months, or even, on occasions, one or more years. They were highly advantageous both for the young men and the tutors. The latter, who accompanied their pupils, were often accomplished scholars themselves. Thus, sojourns in renowned centers of learning enabled them to achieve, among other aims, the establishment of close contacts with foreign literati, savants and scientists. The Scots in Poland conscientiously endeavoured to establish and maintain their own churches, as well as to provide for them their own ministers. For these purposes Scottish congregations organized special collections. Moreover, generous provisions in last wills and testaments of wealthy merchants fostered the training of ministers in Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Leiden, or at other Western European universities. The graduates should-as one of the donors, David Aithenhead (d. …

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