The Surprising Reason St Andrews has Red Clocks

St. Andrews, a small town on the east coast of Scotland, is renowned for many things: its ancient university, its status as the home of golf, and its striking medieval architecture. Among the town’s landmarks, there is a distinct feature that often catches visitors' attention: the red clock faces adorning some of its iconic buildings, such as St. Salvator’s Chapel. This unusual choice of colour a deep historical and symbolic meaning, rooted in the religious turbulence of the Scottish Reformation and the story of a young Protestant martyr named Patrick Hamilton.

The tale behind the red clocks begins with Patrick Hamilton, one of the early Protestant reformers in Scotland. Born around carries 1504, Hamilton was educated in Paris and Louvain, where he became influenced by the teachings of Martin Luther and other reformers advocating for changes within the Catholic Church. These ideas, focused on scripture-based faith and salvation by grace, challenged the Catholic Church’s practices, particularly the selling of indulgences and the authority of the papacy.

By the early 1520s, Hamilton had returned to Scotland, where he began to openly preach Protestant doctrine. His teachings quickly attracted attention from the Catholic authorities, who viewed this growing Protestant movement as a threat. In 1527, Hamilton travelled to Marburg, Germany, where he studied further under Protestant theologians before returning to Scotland to continue his efforts.

Unfortunately for Hamilton, his views drew the ire of James Beaton, the Archbishop of St. Andrews, one of the most powerful Catholic figures in Scotland. In early 1528, Beaton summoned Hamilton to St. Andrews under the pretence of a theological debate. Upon his arrival, however, Hamilton was arrested and swiftly condemned for heresy. On February 29, 1528, he was executed by burning at the stake outside St. Salvator’s Chapel, a prominent building at the University of St. Andrews.

Hamilton’s death marked him as the first martyr of the Scottish Reformation, and his execution had a profound impact on the religious landscape of the country. His willingness to die for his beliefs sparked widespread support for Protestant ideas and fuelled the momentum of the Reformation in Scotland. His martyrdom is considered a pivotal moment in Scottish religious history, leading to a series of events that would eventually result in Scotland's shift from Catholicism to Protestantism under the leadership of figures like John Knox.

The clocks on St. Salvator’s Chapel and other buildings in St. Andrews are traditionally painted red in honour of Hamilton’s martyrdom. The red symbolizes the flames that consumed him, serving as a vivid and constant reminder of the price paid by those who fought for religious reform in Scotland. The clocks’ prominent positioning on historic university buildings links the town’s intellectual and theological heritage to the larger story of the Reformation.

This symbolic use of red on public clocks is unique to St. Andrews, and while it may seem a small detail, it carries layers of meaning. For many, it represents the ultimate sacrifice made by Hamilton and other Protestant reformers who sought to bring about change, not just in Scotland but across Europe. At a time when ideas could cost individuals their lives, the red clocks serve as a visual testament to courage in the face of religious persecution.

St. Salvator’s Chapel, where Hamilton’s execution took place, stands at the heart of St. Andrews University. It is one of the university’s most historic buildings, founded in 1450 by Bishop James Kennedy. The chapel has witnessed centuries of Scottish history, but none so transformative as the Reformation.

During the 16th century, Scotland was a hotbed of religious upheaval. The Catholic Church, with its wealth, power, and political influence, came under increasing scrutiny from reformers who wanted a return to a more authentic and scripture-based Christian practice. Figures like Martin Luther in Germany and John Calvin in Switzerland provided the theological framework for these reforms, but it was individuals like Patrick Hamilton who brought these ideas to Scotland.

Hamilton’s execution outside St. Salvator’s Chapel was meant to serve as a deterrent to other would-be reformers. However, it had the opposite effect. Many saw Hamilton as a martyr, and his death became a rallying point for Protestants throughout Scotland. Over the next few decades, the Scottish Reformation gathered steam, culminating in the establishment of the Presbyterian Church of Scotland and the rejection of papal authority.

The red clocks on St. Salvator’s Chapel, and elsewhere in St. Andrews, are a direct reference to this turning point in history. They honour not only Hamilton but also the broader movement that shaped the religious and cultural identity of modern Scotland.

The use of red as a commemorative colour is steeped in symbolism. In Christian tradition, red is often associated with martyrdom and the blood of Christ. It symbolizes sacrifice, suffering, and redemption. In the case of the St. Andrews clocks, the red represents the flames of Hamilton’s execution, but it also evokes the broader theme of religious suffering and the triumph of faith over persecution.

The clocks’ red faces stand out against the traditional stone architecture of the university buildings, making them impossible to ignore. This is fitting, as the legacy of Patrick Hamilton and the Reformation is something that the town of St. Andrews has chosen not to forget. The bright, bold red reminds all who see it of the bloodshed and sacrifice that helped shape Scotland’s religious identity.

The red clocks of St. Andrews are more than just a quirky historical detail. They are a symbol of a critical period in Scottish history, a period marked by religious turmoil, intellectual debate, and the courage of those who dared to challenge the status quo. Patrick Hamilton’s martyrdom set in motion a chain of events that would ultimately lead to Scotland’s religious transformation, and the red clocks serve as a lasting reminder of this pivotal moment.

Through these timepieces, the story of Hamilton and the Reformation remains ever-present in the life of St. Andrews. They continue to keep time, just as Hamilton’s legacy continues to resonate with those who visit this ancient and storied town.

Sources:

McRoberts, David. Essays on the Scottish Reformation, 1513-1625. John Donald Publishers Ltd, 1962.

Dawson, Jane E. A. Scotland Re-formed, 1488-1587. Edinburgh University Press, 2007.

Fry, Michael. The Scottish Empire. Birlinn, 2001.