James V

1512-1542. Scottish King.

Born April 10 1512 in Linlithgow Palace, died December 14 1542 in Falkland Palace, shortly after a devastating defeat against England in the Battle of Solway Moss. Became King of Scots at the age of just seventeen months 9 September 1513, when his father was killed in battle. Remained King until he died. His parents were James IV of Scotland and Margaret Tudor.

Was married to French women twice. His first wife, Madeleine of Valois, daughter of King Francis of France, died a few months after their wedding. Had three children with his second wife, Mary of Guise. Two sons died in their early childhood. Only surviving legitimate child, Mary Stuart, succeeded him at the age of six days.

James ruled with authority, but had sympathies for the needs of the poor in Scotland, thus was nicknamed “the poor man’s king”.

In 1542 James invaded England, but is defeated in the Battle of Solway Moss. The defeat is often said to have claimed such shame in James that he died of it a few weeks later. Modern historians blame recurrent epidemics, such as pestilence or cholera, for James’ death.

Sources

The Oxford Illustrated History of the British Monarchy: Cannon, John. Oxford University Press, 1988 [please adapt to the stylesheet of the English Department]

The Kings & Queens of Britain: Cannon, John and Hargreaves, Anne. Oxford University Press, 2001

http://www.britroyals.com