George Buchanan died in Edinburgh on 28 September 1582, aged 76. A historian, poet and humanist scholar, he was a leading intellectual figure in sixteenth-century Scotland.

Buchanan’s career also placed him close to political power. He became tutor to the young James VI and later served as Keeper of the Privy Seal of Scotland. His connection with the monarchy did not prevent him from arguing that a king’s authority had limits.

In De Jure Regni apud Scotos, published in 1579, Buchanan argued that political power came from the people and that rulers who became tyrants could legitimately be resisted.

His final years were also spent completing Rerum Scoticarum Historia, his history of Scotland, published in 1582.

Buchanan died at his home in Edinburgh and was buried in Greyfriars Kirkyard.