David II of Scotland
The child king who spent nearly half his reign in exile, his long rule defined by a desperate struggle to preserve Scotland's hard-won independence from England.
1324–1371 (age 47)·King of Scotland from 1329 to 1371·Birthday: March 5
Biography
David II's life was a marathon of survival. Crowned at age five after the death of his father, Robert the Bruce, his childhood was a catastrophe. Edward III of England exploited his minority, backing Edward Balliol's invasion and shattering Scottish forces at Halidon Hill in 1333. For safety, the young king was shipped to France, where he grew up in the court of Philip VI. He returned in 1341 to a kingdom still at war. His reign reached its lowest point in 1346 when, in support of France, he invaded England only to be captured at the Battle of Neville's Cross. He spent the next eleven years as a prisoner in the Tower of London and other castles, his kingdom governed by regents. His eventual release came with a staggering ransom that Scotland struggled to pay. His later years were consumed by financial strife and a lack of a direct heir, his personal drama ensuring that the crown would pass to his nephew, the Stewart line, upon his death.
#1 When David Was Born
The biggest hits of 1324
David's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1324Born
1329Started school
1337Became a teenager
1340Could drive
1342Could vote
1345Turned 21
1354Turned 30
1364Turned 40
1371Died at 47
Key Achievements
- Maintained Scotland's independence and the Bruce dynasty despite a disastrous start to his reign and an eleven-year captivity in England.
- Secured his eventual release from English captivity through protracted negotiations, though the agreed ransom was largely unpaid.
- Was the last king of the House of Bruce, with his death leading to the succession of the Stewart (Stuart) dynasty via his nephew.
Did You Know?
He was the first Scottish monarch to be anointed with holy oil at his coronation, a practice borrowed from European royalty.
He was imprisoned for a time in Odiham Castle in Hampshire, England.
He married twice, first to Joan of the Tower (sister of Edward III of England) and later to Margaret Drummond.
During his captivity, he became quite Anglicized and was known to have a good relationship with his captor, Edward III.
“My father's crown is a heavy burden for a boy to bear.”
