James V: Religion and Reform

For James, there was a political element to his faith, as well as a religious one.

‘hold by God and Holy Kirk as our ancestors have done these thirteen hundred years.’

A later suggestion to James that the monasteries ought to be put down to enable him to take their property was met with the answer that he could not see any benefit in so doing:

‘[they have stood] these many years, and God's service maintained and kept in the same, and I might have anything I require of them…’

James was further honoured by the Pope (Paul III) in 1537, when he dispatched a cap of maintenance and sword to the King, as he travelled through France. James tipped the Papal messenger 400 crowns and gave him a horse trapped in velvet.