David II of Scotland ruled as king from 1329 to 1371 CE. Succeeding his father Robert the Bruce (r. 1306-1329 CE) when still a child, his early reign was threatened by the pretender Edward Balliol (c. 1283-1364 CE), son of King John Balliol (r. 1292-1296 CE). Edward Balliol had the support of Edward III of England (r. 1327-1377 CE), and he managed to declare himself king twice and rule parts of Scotland in Sep-Dec 1332 CE and again in 1333 to 1336 CE. David was forced into exile in France but returned to Scotland in 1341 CE. An invasion into northern England proved a disaster when David was captured at the Battle of Neville's Cross in 1346 CE and kept in the Tower of London for 11 years until a ransom secured his release. Ruling Scotland well when he got the opportunity, the king greatly improved the Crown's finances. David died without an heir in 1371 CE and was succeeded by Robert Stewart, the King's Lieutenant, who became Robert II of Scotland (r. 1371-1390 CE) and founder of the royal house of Stewart/Stuart.
More about: David II of ScotlandDefinition
Timeline
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5 Mar 1324David Bruce, future David II of Scotland, is born in Dunfermline.
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12 Jun 1328David Bruce, future David II of Scotland, marries Joan, daughter of Edward II of England.
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1329 - 1371Reign of David II of Scotland.
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24 Nov 1331David II of Scotland is crowned at Scone Abbey.
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11 Aug 1332Edward Balliol invades Scotland and defeats the royal Scottish army at Dupplin Moor near Perth.
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24 Sep 1332Edward Balliol is crowned King of nScotland at Scone Abbey.
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Dec 1332David II of Scotland's supporters win a battle at Annan obliging Edward Balliol to retreat to York.
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19 Jul 1333Edward III of England wins a victory against the Scots loyal to David II of Scotland at the Battle of Halidon Hill.
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May 1334David II of Scotland flees to France after Edward Balliol declares himself king for a second time.
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1336Edward Balliol is removed from the Scottish throne by Robert Stewart and barons loyal to David II of Scotland.
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1337 - 1453The Hundred Years' War between England and France.
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Jun 1341David II of Scotland returns to Scotland from exile in France.
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1346 - 1357Robert Stewart, the King's Lieutenant, rules Scotland on behalf of David II of Scotland.
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Oct 1346David II of Scotland, ally of Philip VI of France, invades northern England.
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17 Oct 1346An English army defeats the Scots at the Battle of Neville’s Cross near Durham and captures David II of Scotland.
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Oct 1357 - Nov 1357The Treaty of Berwick between England and Scotland releases David II of Scotland from his captivity under Edward III of England.
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1363Robert Stewart launches an unsuccessful coup against David II of Scotland.
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22 Feb 1371David II of Scotland dies in Edinburgh Castle.
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c. 1375David's Tower is completed at Edinburgh Castle, a project begun by David II of Scotland.
