James II of Scotland ruled as king from 1437 to 1460. Succeeding his murdered father James I of Scotland (r. 1406-1437), James inherited the throne as a child. The first part of his reign witnessed intense rivalries between rival barons, which sent Scotland into a civil war. The young king was nicknamed 'fiery face' because of a prominent birthmark on his face. From 1449, James reached maturity and began to take control of his kingdom, and he skilfully fostered allies, reduced the wealth and power of rival families, and championed new military technology. Having eliminated all rivals and made several attacks on northern England, the king died aged just 29 in August 1460 when a cannon he was standing next to exploded. He was succeeded by his son James III of Scotland (r. 1460-1488).
More about: James II of ScotlandDefinition
Timeline
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16 Oct 1430Birth of Prince James, future James II of Scotland.
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1437 - 1460Reign of James II of Scotland.
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1437 - 1439Earl Archibald Douglas acts as Lieutenant-general for James II of Scotland, then a minor.
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1440The 'Black Dinner' in Edinburgh Castle when James II of Scotland invited the young Douglas earls to dinner and had them executed.
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3 Jul 1449James II of Scotland marries the Burgundian noblewoman Mary of Gueldres.
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1450James II of Scotland attacks the estates and castles of the Black Douglases.
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1451The University of Glasgow is founded.
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Feb 1452James II of Scotland stabs William Douglas in Stirling Castle, the earl is then finished off by the king's companions.
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1455James II of Scotland attacks Berwick Castle.
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1456James II of Scotland attacks the Isle of Man.
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1457James II of Scotland attacks Berwick Castle a second time.
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3 Aug 1460James II of Scotland is killed by an exploding cannon while laying siege to Roxburgh Castle.