The Early Stewart King  Cleric-Knight-Workman

                         The Early Stewart Kings 

This period was marked by the continuing recovery from the effects of the Wars of Independence. Together with the ongoing hostility of the Kings of England towards Scotland. The early Stewart Kings, Robert II (1371-90) and Robert III (1390 – 1406) kept things ticking over. While their successors James I (1406 – 1437), James II (1437 – 1460) and James III (1460 – 1488) substantially increased centralised royal power. They also greatly increased the resources available to the crown.

                         Conflict with the House of Douglas

This was particularly true under King James II. Who while conducting his ongoing conflict with the House of Douglas managed to greatly increase the royal control of land and of resources. This being mainly at the expense of the House of Douglas. There was also a concentration by the royal governments on increasing trade. On the founding of  universities and on avoiding conflict with England. There was  particular successes in the marriages of the Stewart Kings in this period. Particularly as regards that of James III, who acquired the Orkney and Shetland Islands in lieu of a dowry payment from the King of Denmark/Norway.

                                               King James IV

The last Stewart king of this period who is often described as the most successful was King James IV (1488-1513). He had many successes including the building up of the Scottish navy. In particular in the huge warship , the Great Michael . Which on its launch in 1511 was the largest warship in Europe. It was estimated to have been twice the size of the more famous Mary Rose. James IV also founded a printing press and the Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh.

                                               The Battle of Flodden

All of these many achievements however were eclipsed by his disastrous decision to risk the Scottish Common Army in a pointless pitched battle. This Scotland’s only defensive force was subsequently defeated at the Battle of Flodden in September 1513. James IV and many of the aristocracy including eleven earls and two Archbishops were also killed in the battle. As well as some 5000 ordinary soldiers. This needlessly fought battle and the heavy losses sustained in it led directly to the next stage of the Stewart saga.