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Professor Ambrose Swott was a former headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Born in 1698, he attended Hogwarts as a student. After graduating, he decided to become a friar but eventually returned to the school to take on the position of headmaster.

Swott had a passion for studying religions and was known to be a pious man himself. He especially admired the Order of Saint Benedict and often quoted the Benedictine monks. In fact, the motto on his portrait reads "Ora et Labora", which is Latin for "pray and work." This was the motto abided by the Benedictine monks. Swott was also known to be a diligent worker. During his time as headmaster, he encouraged students to study hard and created tutoring programs for students who needed the extra help.

After his death in 1741, not one but two different portraits of Ambrose Swott were hung in Hogwarts Castle. One of the portraits depicts Swott as a young man wearing spectacles and dressed in a nice suit. This portrait can be found on the walls near the Grand Staircase. The other portrait depicts him later in life as headmaster of Hogwarts. The latter can be found in the Headmaster's office, along with several other portraits of former headmasters. This portrait is a huge contrast from the other portrait as it shows Swott now with a long beard, dressed in black robes, and spectacle-less. In both portraits, he can be found praying or reading the Bible on occasion.