James V of Scotland

Reign: 1513 – 1542
Life: 1512–1542

James's personal rule began in 1528, when he finally escaped the custody of his stepfather, Archibald Douglas, 6th Earl of Angus. His first action was to exile Angus and confiscate the lands of the Douglases. He founded the College of Justice in 1532 and also acted to end lawlessness and rebellion in the Borders and the Hebrides. The rivalry among France, England and the Holy Roman Empire lent James unwonted diplomatic weight and saw him secure two politically and financially advantageous French marriages, first to Madeleine of Valois and then to Mary of Guise.

During James V of Scotland's reign, Henry VIII of England ruled England, Suleiman the Magnificent ruled Ottoman Empire, and Francis I of France ruled France.

Want to learn more? Further reading

Mary of Guise in Scotland, 1548-1560 by Pamela E. Ritchie

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The World During Their Reign

The most notable rulers who held power elsewhere at the same time, from European courts to Ottoman, Mughal, and Chinese thrones.

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Go deeper on James V of Scotland

Hand-picked histories and biographies for readers who want more than the timeline: the same era, told in full.

Mary of Guise in Scotland, 1548-1560

Pamela E. Ritchie

A well-regarded work on James V of Scotland and scottish history, useful for going deeper beyond this page.

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James V
Jamie Cameron
A well-regarded work on James V of Scotland and scottish history, useful for going deeper beyond this page.
Find on Amazon

Some book links on this site point to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate, WhoWasRuling.com may earn from qualifying purchases.