James IV

James IV was born on 17 March 1473 and died on 9 September 1513. He was King of Scotland from 1488 to 1513 and ascended the throne when he was only fifteen years old. His father was James III who was king of Scotland until his death in 1488. Because he was killed in a battle James IV needed to succeed to the throne after his father. James IV is said to have been a popular ruler. He united Scotland under royal control and improved the position of Scotland in Europe.

But during his reign there were also many wars with England and in 1495 James IV prepared for an invasion of England as he supported Perkin Warbeck, a pretender to the throne of England. In the end in 1497 a seven-year peace was negotiated.

In 1503 James IV married Margaret Tudor, the daughter of the king of England Henry VII. This political marriage stabilized the relationship between England and Scotland. James had one son together with Margaret, James V.

The relationship between Scotland and England was again weakened as Henry VIII entered the throne. Therefore, James VI allied with France in 1512. When in 1513 Henry VIII invaded France James took the chance and invaded England. He captured four castles in the north of England. This lead to the Battle of Flodden, where the Scottish army was defeated by the English. The battle toot place near Branxton on 9 September 1513. James VI was killed during this battle as he was fighting on foot.

Sources: James IV: https://www.britannica.com/biography/James-IV-king-of-Scotland