David II of Scotland

David II was the King of Scotland from 1329 until his death in 1371. He became king when he was just five years old after his father, Robert the Bruce, passed away. Because he was so young, other leaders, called guardians, helped him rule. During this time, the nearby country of England, led by Edward III of England, tried to take control of Scotland.

David had to spend many years far away from Scotland, living in France, because the situation in his country was unsafe. Later, he led an army into England to support France in a big war called the Hundred Years' War, but he was captured and kept in England for eleven years. After agreeing to certain conditions in the Treaty of Berwick, he was allowed to return to Scotland.

Even though David faced many challenges, including difficult times and disagreements with his relatives, he worked to keep Scotland strong. He was the last male member of the House of Bruce and died without children, so his nephew, Robert II, became the next king after him.

Early life

David II was born on 5 March 1324 at Dunfermline Abbey in Fife, one of twin sons born to King Robert the Bruce, and Elizabeth de Burgh. He was made Earl of Carrick by his father in 1326, and had his own household at Turnberry Castle. His mother passed away when he was three. When he was four, David married Joan, the daughter of Edward II of England and Isabella of France, at Berwick Castle. King Robert made sure David was educated by Dominican friars and even bought books for him.

Reign

David became king of Scotland when his father passed away in 1329. Because he was very young, his coronation was delayed until he was seven years old. He was crowned at Scone Abbey, becoming the first Scottish king to be anointed during the ceremony.

During his early years as king, Scotland was guided by guardians until David could rule on his own. However, conflicts with England led by Edward Balliol, supported by King Edward III of England, caused instability. David and his wife later traveled to France for safety after a battle but returned to Scotland in 1341 when they regained control.

In 1346, David led an invasion of England but was captured at the battle of Neville's Cross. He was held in England for eleven years until a ransom was paid. David finally returned to Scotland in 1357. He worked to strengthen the kingdom and maintain peace with England until his death in 1371.

Relationships

King David II of Scotland married twice and had several partners, but none of his relationships produced children.

1. Joan of the Tower, the daughter of King Edward II of England and Isabella of France, was David's first wife. They married when David was four and Joan was seven, as part of a peace agreement called the Treaty of Northampton. They were married for 34 years but did not have any children. Joan passed away in 1362.
2. Margaret Drummond was with David before his first wife passed away. They married after Joan's death, but still did not have any children. David tried to end the marriage, but the leader of the Christian church did not allow it. When David passed away, they were still married.
3. Agnes Dunbar was with David near the end of his life. He planned to marry her, but could not because of the situation with Margaret.

Death

David II passed away suddenly from natural causes at Edinburgh Castle on 22 February 1371, at the age of forty-six. Instead of being buried with his parents at Dunfermline Abbey, he was laid to rest before the high altar of Holyrood Abbey. This may have been because Holyrood was closer to the castle, just a mile away, and perhaps his successor wanted to move quickly to start a new reign. Since David II had no children, he was the last male from the House of Bruce. He was succeeded by his nephew, Robert II, who was the son of David's half-sister Marjorie.

Fictional portrayals

David II has appeared in many stories. One book from 1865 called Cressy and Poictiers; or, the Story of the Black Prince's Page tells stories from 1344 to 1370, including parts of the Hundred Years' War and the Second War of Scottish Independence. David II is an important character in this book.

Another book from 1988, Flowers of Chivalry by Nigel Tranter, covers events from the Second War of Scottish Independence between 1332 and 1339. David II plays a smaller role in this story.

He also shows up in a modern book called Vagabond from 2002 by Bernard Cornwell. David II is also a character in an old play named Edward III and in a computer game called Crusader Kings II from 2012.