James IV

James IV (1473-1513), king of Scotland (1488-1513), who unified the country under his rule and, in spirit of the Renaissance, patronized arts and learning. He was the son of King James III. Within a few months after his accession he ended the revolt by Scottish nobles that had cost his father his life. James expanded the Scottish navy, encouraged commerce, and reformed the administration of criminal justice. His romantic disposition induced him to support Perkin Warbeck, a claimant to the English throne, and to invade England in behalf of Warbeck in 1495. Two years later, however, a 7-year truce was concluded between Scotland and England. In 1503 James married Margaret Tudor, the eldest daughter of King Henry VII of England. This marriage eventually led to the union of the crowns of England and Scotland. After 1509, when Henry VIII became king of England, relations between the two countries became strained. Scotland was a traditional ally of France, and during Anglo-French hostilities in 1513 James invaded England in aid of his ally. Despite initial successes, he was plagued by desertions from his army, which was defeated at the Battle of Flodden on September 9, 1513. James himself was killed. He was succeeded by his son, James V. See also Flodden Field.