David II of Scotland

David II became King of Scotland at age five after his father Robert the Bruce’s death, and was crowned in November 1331. Edward III of England took advantage of his minority, backing Edward Balliol’s invasion, sparking the Second War of Scottish Independence. Following the Battle of Halidon Hill in 1333, David was exiled to France, returning to Scotland in 1341. In 1346, he was captured at the Battle of Neville’s Cross and imprisoned in England for eleven years, during which Robert Stewart governed Scotland. The Treaty of Berwick in 1357 ended his captivity, imposing a heavy ransom on Scotland.

David’s rule saw attempts to consolidate power, including proposing his succession to the English throne, which was rejected by the Scottish Parliament. He was married twice but had no children, and his reign concluded without a direct heir, leading to his nephew Robert II’s succession. Despite challenges, David reformed government and strengthened the monarchy, ensuring Scotland’s survival as an independent kingdom.