 The English would later charge Wallace with forcing the Chapter of Saint Andrews into electing Lamberton although evidence suggests that Lamberton was a popular candidate amongst the Chapter attracting the support of Nicholas Balmyle and William Comyn.He was consecrated in Rome on 1 June 1298, before joining other Scots on a diplomatic mission to France.Bishop Lamberton took a young James Douglas as his squire, Douglas' father William the Hardy, Lord of Douglas had joined the Scots during the First War of Independence and died while imprisoned by King Edward I. Lamberton protected Douglas and took him to court to petition unsuccessfully for the return of his estates.