Scottish monarch. Son of Robert III and Annabella Drummond. He reigned 1406-1437, though from 1406 til 1424, he was king in name only. When his father sent him away as a child for his own protection, he was captured by the English and held in the Tower of London for 18 years. During his imprisonment, he fell in love with Joan Beaufort, and the two were married on February 2, 1424 in Southwark. They had 8 children together. James returned to Scotland to find his country in chaos. He was formally crowned on May 21, 1424 at Scone. He took immediate action to regain his authority and control, including executing the Albany family, his fiercest opponents. He ruled with a firm hand, achieving numerous legal and financial reforms, including remodeling the Scottish parliament after its English counterpart, and renewing the Auld Alliance with France. His actions, although very effective, upset many, namely the descendents of his grandfather, Robert II's second marriage (James was descended from the first marriage). Conflict arose between the two factions over who should be on the throne. The problems came to a head when James was murdered by his uncle Walter, Earl of Athol, at Friars Preachers Monastery in Perth. The king was 42. James was a handsome, accomplished man, being a poet, singer, and musician as well as a talented athlete, excelling at shotput and hammer throw.

Scottish monarch. Son of Robert III and Annabella Drummond. He reigned 1406-1437, though from 1406 til 1424, he was king in name only. When his father sent him away as a child for his own protection, he was captured by the English and held in the Tower of London for 18 years. During his imprisonment, he fell in love with Joan Beaufort, and the two were married on February 2, 1424 in Southwark. They had 8 children together. James returned to Scotland to find his country in chaos. He was formally crowned on May 21, 1424 at Scone. He took immediate action to regain his authority and control, including executing the Albany family, his fiercest opponents. He ruled with a firm hand, achieving numerous legal and financial reforms, including remodeling the Scottish parliament after its English counterpart, and renewing the Auld Alliance with France. His actions, although very effective, upset many, namely the descendents of his grandfather, Robert II's second marriage (James was descended from the first marriage). Conflict arose between the two factions over who should be on the throne. The problems came to a head when James was murdered by his uncle Walter, Earl of Athol, at Friars Preachers Monastery in Perth. The king was 42. James was a handsome, accomplished man, being a poet, singer, and musician as well as a talented athlete, excelling at shotput and hammer throw.

Bio by: Kristen Conrad