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King James IV of Scotland and the Battle of Flodden, 1513

On 9 September 1513, James IV was killed at the battle of Flodden in Northumbria when his army was defeated by the English. He was 40 years old and died leaving his infant son to succeed him.

James was crowned king of Scotland on 11 June 1488 when he was 15 years old. He reigned for 25 years in which time he played a key role in matters of European politics and diplomacy. He married Margaret Tudor, elder daughter of Henry VII of England, who gave him a son, the future James V. He improved the wealth and stability of the country, strengthened the enforcement of law and order, and promoted education, culture and the arts.

This resource features archives held in the National Records of Scotland that tell part of the story of this king whose life ended tragically on the battlefield.

Link to a timeline of the reign of James IV.

The government
of King James IV
Scotland's
relations
with England
Scotland's
relations
with France
Preparations for
the invasion of England,
August 1513
The Battle of
Flodden and
the aftermath
Image shows detail from a grant of lands by King James IV, 1489. National Records of Scotland reference: RH6/544 Image shows detail from the Treaty of Perpetual Peace, 1502. National Records of Scotland reference: SP6/31/1 Image shows detail from a letter from Louis XII of France, 1512. National Records of Scotland reference: SP7/21/54 Image shows detail from the exchequer accounts for the invasion of England, 1513. National Records of Scotland reference: E30/3 fol.83r. Image shows detail from an engraving of a sketch of the battlefield at Flodden. Published in 'The Pictorial History of Scotland' by James Taylor, vol.1 (London, 1859) p.407

 

 

 

 
 
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