Full Name: James IV of Scotland
Profession: King of Scotland
Biography: James IV was crowned King of Scotland at 15 years old, with the death of his father James III in the Battle of Sauchieburn. He held this position for 25 years until his death in 1513 at the Battle of Flodden, after which his son James V inherited the crown.
Generally regarded as the most successful Stewart monarch, James IV oversaw a number of important developments as well as the strengthening of the Scottish nation. His patronage brought the printing press to Scotland, for instance, and he brought about a major expansion of the Scottish navy.
While his rule was broadly a time of great peace, it ended in 1513 when the French invaded England. James IV chose to support the French, in which war he was to die.
Born: March 17, 1473
Birthplace: Stirling Castle, Stirling, Scotland
Star Sign: Pisces
Died: September 9, 1513 (aged 40)
Cause of Death: Killed in the Battle of Flodden leading his army in an attack against northern England
Historical Events
- 1488-06-24 James IV is crowned King of Scotland at Scone Abbey in Scone, aged 15
- 1492-03-04 King James IV of Scotland concludes an alliance with France against England
- 1495-11-27 Scottish king James IV receives Perkin Warbeck, pretender to the English trone
- 1513-09-09 Battle of Flodden: English forces defeat the Scots near Branxton in Northumberland and kill King James IV of Scotland, the last monarch in Great Britain to be killed in battle
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