16
Oct

Richard III and the Scottish Connection

   Posted by: Win Tonkin   in Medieval Miscellany

This is the third part of Win’s talk about Scotland which was presented to our Branch on 9 October 2010.

James III of Scotland reigned 1460-88. He cultivated friendship with England by a marriage being arranged between his son James later IV and Edward IVs 3-year-old daughter the Lady Cecilia. This marriage did not take place as it was cancelled by Edward IV.

James IV of Scotland

When negotiations broke down skirmishing broke out between the two countries.

An English invasion army under the Duke of Gloucester was mustered and moved into Scotland. The Scottish army’s leadership was in disarray and no attempt was made to check the English advance. They retreated to Edinburgh and imprisoned King James who was at odds with the army.

The English army entered the city. The situation put Richard in a quandary as the King he had come to depose was a prisoner already. The Duke of Albany, the King’s brother, was acting as regent for the young prince.

Richard of Gloucester extracted a bond for the repayment of Princess Cecilia’s dowry and returned to England capturing Berwick Castle and the town which remained in English hands (see also here).

Another betrothal for Prince James was negotiated with Richard, then King, in 1484 with Anne de la Pole but the death of Richard III at Bosworth put paid to that plan. James IV eventually married Margaret Tudor, daughter of Henry VII.

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