David II of Scotland

David II of Scotland, born on March 5, 1324, ascended to the throne at the tender age of five following the death of his father, Robert the Bruce. His coronation at Scone in November 1331 marked a significant moment in Scottish history, as he became the first monarch to be anointed during the ceremony. During his early years, David was under the guardianship of various nobles while England's Edward III sought to exploit his minority, leading to the Second War of Scottish Independence.

In 1333, after the English victory at the Battle of Halidon Hill, David, along with Queen Joan and the remnants of his government, fled to France. He remained in exile until 1341 when he could safely return to Scotland. In 1346, David took the bold step of invading England to support France during the Hundred Years' War. However, his forces were defeated at the Battle of Neville's Cross, resulting in his capture and an eleven-year imprisonment in England, during which his nephew Robert Stewart governed Scotland.

The Treaty of Berwick in 1357 concluded the Second War of Independence, with Scotland agreeing to pay a ransom of one hundred thousand merks for David's release. Unfortunately, the heavy taxation required to meet this ransom alienated many of his subjects. In a desperate bid to secure the cancellation of the remaining ransom, David proposed to bequeath the Scottish throne to Edward III or one of his sons, a move that was ultimately rejected by the Scottish parliament in 1364.

Despite his long periods of exile and captivity, David II managed to maintain the integrity of his kingdom and implemented significant reforms in governance. As the last male of the House of Bruce, he died childless in 1371 after a reign of forty-one years, leaving the throne to his nephew Robert II. His legacy is marked by both his struggles and his efforts to strengthen the Scottish monarchy.