author
David Hay Fleming
1849–1931
A self-taught Scottish historian and antiquary, he left business behind to devote himself to the history of St Andrews, the Scottish Reformation, and church life. His books are valued for their careful use of local records and for the independent streak that made him a lively critic as well as a patient researcher.
1 Audiobook
The Story of the Scottish Covenants in Outline
by David Hay Fleming
About the author
Born in St Andrews on 9 May 1849, David Hay Fleming was educated at Madras College and first worked in his family's china and stoneware business. After selling the business in 1883, he turned fully to historical research, building a reputation as a meticulous scholar of Scottish local and church history.
He wrote widely on St Andrews, Fife, Mary Queen of Scots, and the Scottish Reformation, and he was known for grounding his work in original documents rather than repeating old legends. From 1904 to 1906 he served as lecturer in Church History at New College, Edinburgh, and his work reflected a strong lifelong interest in Presbyterian and ecclesiastical history.
Fleming died in 1931, but his connection to St Andrews lasted beyond his lifetime. His books, papers, and bequests helped preserve local history, including the reference collection that bears his name.