David II of Scotland

David II (* March 5, 1324, † February 22, 1371 in Edinburgh Castle ) was from 1329 until his death King of Scotland. He was the son of Robert I ( Robert the Bruce ) and his second wife Elizabeth de Burgh.

Biography

In accordance with the Agreement of Edinburgh and Northampton he was on July 17, 1328 with Princess Joan of England († 1362 ), married the daughter of the English king Edward II and Isabella of France. After the death of his father on June 7, 1329 he became king of Scotland, the coronation at Scone in November 1331st

Because of the victory of Edward III. and whose favorite Edward Balliol at the Battle of Halidon Hill in July 1333 were taken to safety in France David and his queen. In May 1334, they arrived in Boulogne -sur -Mer, where the French king Philip VI. were received very friendly. From the Scottish king in France life little is known except that he received the Château- Gaillard as the residence and at the bloodless meeting of the English and French armies at Vironfosse in October 1339 it was.

In the meantime, his representatives had gained the upper hand in Scotland. David returned in June 1341 returned to Scotland, where he took control in his own hands. In accordance with the provisions of the Auld Alliance his army invaded in 1346 in England to relieve France. However, at the Battle of Neville 's Cross on 17 October, he was defeated and taken prisoner. He remained for eleven years in England, and lived mainly in London and in Odiham in Hampshire. His captivity was not too rigorous and the negotiations for the release started shortly thereafter. But it was only in October 1357 after numerous interruptions, an agreement was signed in Berwick -upon- Tweed. The Scots undertook to pay a ransom for their king.

David, probably Edward III. had recognized as his liege lord, immediately returned to Scotland, but because of the poverty of the country, it was not possible to pay the ransom. Although some rates were abgestottert, but David sought to settle the debt by Edward III. or one of his sons to the Scottish throne appointed. 1364 showed the Scottish Parliament the request indignantly rejected, Lionel of Antwerp, the Duke of Clarence, to appoint his successor. But David had with Edward III. in this matter secret negotiations after he had suppressed a rebellion of some nobleman.

The king died in 1371 almost 47 years old and childless in Edinburgh Castle. His second wife was Margaret Drummond. Shortly before his death he had intended to marry his mistress Agnes Dunbar. His nephew Robert II succeeded him on the throne.