James III of Scotland

Reign: 1460 – 1488
Life: 1451–1488

He inherited the throne as a child following the death of his father, King James II, at the siege of Roxburgh Castle. James III's reign began with a minority that lasted almost a decade, during which Scotland was governed by a series of regents and factions who struggled for possession of the young king before his personal rule began in 1469. While his reign saw Scotland reach its greatest territorial extent with the acquisition of Orkney and Shetland through his marriage to Margaret of Denmark, James was accused of debasing the coinage, hoarding money, failing to resolve feuds and enforce criminal justice, and pursuing an unpopular policy of alliance with England. His preference for his own "low-born" favourites at court and in government alienated many of his bishops and nobles, as well as members of his own family, leading to tense relationships with his brothers, his wife, and his heir.

During James III of Scotland's reign, Louis XI of France ruled France, Afonso V of Portugal ruled Portugal, and Mehmed II ruled Ottoman Empire.

Further reading: The Bruce by Barbour, John

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James III of Scotland

The World During Their Reign

Meanwhile in history

Further Reading

The Bruce

James III