Baillie, Robert (1599–1662)

Scottish Presbyterian cleric. He was one of the commissioners appointed to prepare charges 1640 against Archbishop Laud, whose political and religious attitudes helped precipitate the English Civil War.

Baillie had great influence on Scottish political affairs, playing a considerable part in rousing Scottish opposition to Charles I, and, later, in urging the repudiation of Oliver Cromwell and the restoration of Charles II.

Baillie was educated at Glasgow University, and became the first professor of divinity at the university 1642. He sat in the Westminster Assembly of Divines, and was made principal of Glasgow University 1660.