James I of Scotland ruled as king from 1406 to 1437. In 1406, the future king was captured by pirates and then imprisoned by Henry IV of England (r. 1399-1413), a confinement that lasted for 18 years. He succeeded his father Robert III of Scotland (r. 1390-1406) but in James' absence, Scotland was ruled by his uncle the Duke of Albany (l. 1339-1420). James finally returned to Scotland in 1424, but his harsh treatment of the nobility, unpopular fiscal policies, and a failed siege of Roxburgh Castle culminated in his assassination in 1437. He was, nevertheless, succeeded by his son James II of Scotland (r. 1437-1460) who continued the royal Stewart line.
More about: James I of Scotland7 days left
Server Costs Fundraiser 2026
It costs $20,000 a year to run our servers, and we need your help to pay for them!
$11367 / $20000
Definition
Timeline
-
25 Jul 1394Future James I of Scotland is born in Dunfermline Palace.
-
1406 - 1437Reign of James I of Scotland.
-
22 Mar 1406The young Prince James, future James I of Scotland, is captured after a shipwreck and imprisoned in England for 18 years by Henry IV of England.
-
1420James I of Scotland fights as an ally of Henry V of England in France.
-
Sep 1420Death of the Duke of Albany, uncle and regent of James I of Scotland.
-
Apr 1421Henry V of England invites James I of Scotland to join the Order of the Garter.
-
Feb 1424James I of Scotland marries Lady Joan Beaufort.
-
Apr 1424James I of Scotland is released from captivity and returns to Scotland.
-
May 1425James I of Scotland executes his former regent Murdoch Stewart.
-
16 Oct 1430Birth of Prince James, future James II of Scotland.
-
Aug 1436James I of Scotland fails to take control of Roxburgh Castle after a short siege.
-
21 Feb 1437James I of Scotland is assassinated.
