The New Student's Reference Work/James IV

James IV of Scotland, the son of James III and Margaret of Denmark, was born on March 17, 1472. The rule of the new king, who came to the throne after the death of his father, gave promise of being both vigorous and popular, while his personal beauty and open frankness won the hearts of his people. He exhibited energy and sense in the management of public affairs, in vindicating the law and punishing crime, in encouraging ship-building and in developing agriculture and manufactures. In 1503 the king married Margaret, oldest daughter of Henry VII of England, an alliance which led to the union of the two crowns just 100 years later. Henry VIII came to the English throne in 1509, disputes followed, and James invaded England. He was met by the earl of Surrey, and in the battle of Flodden, Sept. 9, 1513, the king and many of his nobles were killed. He was 46 years old, and had reigned 26 years. James was onty in his 16th year when he was persuaded to join the barons in their rebellion against his father. The remorse which he felt when he learned that his father had been cruelly murdered is shown by his wearing an iron chain about his waist and doing many other things by way of penance for his guilt. He possessed great ability, but was headstrong, obstinate and overfond of pleasure. See Gregory Smith’s Days of James IV.