JAMES IV. (1473-1513). King of Scotland from 14RS to 1513. The son of James III. and Margaret of Denmark, he wa.s born March 17. 1473. Though but a youth at his accession, he began immediately to take part in public affairs. and aided personally in suppressing the rebellion headed by the Earl of Lennox. The young King was vigorous as well as popular. Throughout his reign he labored to develop commerce and to build lip a navy. In 1503 he married Mar garet, daughter of Henry VII. of England, and made a treaty with his father-in-law which secured peace between the two countries for a few years. Meantime James was passing laws for the better administration of criminal justice, for the annual election of magistrates, for con firming the privileges of the burghs, fer the discouragement of beggars, and for the daily session of the council at Edinburgh. This city was now becoming the capital of the Kingdom. Not only is his reign important in the history of Scottish law, but he showed skillful diplomacy in securing friendly relations with the Continental powers. From the accession of Henry however. trouble again arose between England and Scotland. In 1513 the English Parliament declared war against both Scotland and France.
The Scottish King. who had long been making preparations, marched with a large, well equipped army to meet Surrey, the English commander, at Flodden. It was a 'black day' for Scotland: she lost perhaps 10.000 men. a great number of nobles. and her King, who fell fighting in the ranks (September 9. 151:3). Though great in the history of Scottish civilization, he was an incompetent general. and the defeat was due chiefly to him. Not till after her union with England did his country recover from the loss. His fickle wavering between France and England also caused Scotland much trouble. James V.. his only legitimate child, succeeded him. Con sult: Treasurer's Accounts. Exchequer Rolls, and Acts of Parliament of his reign: Tetilet. Papiers d'etat, et documents ini'dits ou pen con n us, relatifs a l'histoire de PEcosse an ST"!ene sickle. tires des bibliothi-ques et des archives de France (Paris, 1851-60) : Buchanan. History of Scotland (Glasgow. 1)-4•4) : Brown. History of Scotland, vol. i. (Cambridge. I S99 ) : Burton. History of Scotland (Edinburgh. 1567-70).