Thomas Joseph Nicolson

Thomas Joseph Nicolson ( – 12 October 1718) was a Roman Catholic bishop who served as the Vicar Apostolic of Scotland.

Life

Early life Born in Birkenbog, Banffshire in 1645, he was the son of Thomas Nicolsone, merchant, and his wife, Elizabeth Abercrombie of Birkenbog. His older brother was Sir George Nicolson, Lord Kemnay. He was raised an Episcopalian and studied at the University of Aberdeen matriculating in 1660. He became a regent (i.e. professor) of the University of Glasgow. He would not comply with the Test Act passed by the Scottish Parliament in 1681, and was removed from his position at the University of Glasgow. He converted to the Roman Catholic Church in 1682.

Priesthood Nicolson was appointed to the staff at the episcopal seminary of Padua, and later decided to become a priest himself. He was prefect of studies there from 1685 to 1687, and was ordained a priest on 9 March 1686. He then returned to the Glasgow on mission, and was imprisoned in Stirling Castle at the time of the Glorious Revolution. He was exiled to France, where he became chaplain to English Benedictine nuns at Dunkirk.