James I of Scotland Biography

James I of Scotland was the king of Scotland from 1406 to 1437. He was the youngest of three sons of King Robert III and Annabella Drummond, born 27 years after their marriage. James grew up in Dunfermline Abbey and spent most of his early childhood under his mother’s care until her death in 1401 when he was just seven. He was educated at the English court which imbibed in him respect for English methods of governance. After his father’s death in 1406, James became the uncrowned king of the Scots while being held hostage by King Henry IV of England. His reign over the nation was not much popular since he battled on behalf of Henry V in France and many times against the Scottish forces. He excelled in sporting activities, music, and literature. In 1436, Sir Robert Graham made an unsuccessful attempt to arrest the king at a general council after the king had failed to acquire the English-held Roxburgh Castle. A year later, in February 1437, he was assassinated at Perth. James was married to a daughter of the Earl of Somerset, Joan Beaufort. They had eight children, including James II, the king of Scotland who ruled after his death.