King David II

1324 - 1371

Scottish monarch. Born in Dunfermline, David was the only son of Robert the Bruce whom he succeeded in 1329. King Edward III of England's victory at Halidon Hill forced David into exile in France. He returned in 1341 and five years later invaded England only to face another defeat and capture at Neville's Cross. For 11 years he was held prisoner by Edward III and was only released following the payment of a ransom.

He married twice but had no children. Having divorced his second wife, he was ready to marry the daughter of Black Agnes Randolph (b. c.1300) in an attempt to produce an heir, when he died suddenly at Edinburgh Castle. Thus his death marked the end of the Bruce line and he was succeeded by his sister's son, Robert II (1316 - 90), the first of the House of Stewart.

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