John Herkless

Who was John Herkless?

Sir John Herkless was a Principal and Vice Chancellor of the University of St. Andrews and Principal of United College of St Salvator and St Leonard from 1915 to 1920. He was knighted in 1917 and was the author of several books mainly of an ecclesiatical nature.

He was born in Glasgow on 9 August 1855, the son of William Herkless, an engineer and Janet Robertson. He was educated in the High School of Glasgow before entering Glasgow University. He did not distinguish himself as a student and he left without a degree. However, he studied the arts and attended medical classes. Though he disliked mathematics, he was fond of philosophy. He then studied for the ministry and was duly licensed as a minister. He lectured on English Literature at Queen Margaret College, Glasgow, before becoming an assistant minister. This lasted till 1883 when he was appointed as minister to the parish of Tannadice in Angus. Herkless also held the post of Professor of Ecclesiastical History at the University of St Andrews. During his career he wrote several books including: The Archbishops of St Andrews which he co-wrote with Robert Hannay and Francis and Dominic and the Mendicant Orders.