King James V

1512 - 1542

Scottish monarch. Born in Linlithgow Palace, the only surviving son of King James IV, who died at the Battle of Flodden (1513), and Margaret Tudor. Having inherited the throne when he was just two years old, a series of Regents, including his mother, ruled on his behalf. Between 1526 and 1528, he was held prisoner by his step-father Archibald Douglas (1489 - 1557). Once he escaped James set about asserting control and did not conceal his hatred of the Red Douglases and their English allies.

When his first wife died after just six months of marriage, he married Mary of Lorraine (1515 - 1560), a union which gave rise to Mary, Queen of Scots (1542 - 1587).

James died at Falkland Palace, just days after Mary was born, and was buried at Holyrood Abbey, Edinburgh.

Use the tabs on the right of this page to see other parts of this entry