William I of Scotland

Also known as: K. William / William king of Scotland / William king of Scots / king William · Family: Scotland · Role: king of Scotland · First appears: King John 1

William I of Scotland was brother to David of Scotland, Earl of Huntingdon and Margaret of Scotland, and cousin to King John. Around c. 1199, after King John’s coronation, he sent William, Prior of May, William, Prior of St Colme's Inch, and William Hay to demand the restoration of Northumberland and Cumberland, promising service to King John if they were restored. When King John summoned him to Nottingham through Philip of Poitiers, Bishop of Durham, William did not attend in person, instead sending Roger, Bishop of St Andrews and Hugh Malebisse and promising to refrain from invading England for forty days while awaiting an answer.

Around c. 1200, William agreed to meet King John at Lincoln after receiving a safe conduct from ambassadors including Philip of Durham, Roger Bigot, Earl of Norfolk, Henry de Bohun, Earl of Hereford, and David of Scotland, Earl of Huntingdon. Henry de Bohun, Earl of Hereford was identified as William’s nephew, while David of Scotland, Earl of Huntingdon accompanied the embassy as his brother. At Lincoln, “the king of Scots did homage vnto king John,” swearing fealty of life, limb, and worldly honour to King John.

William was later succeeded by his son Alexander II of Scotland, who became the lawful successor to the crown of Scotland after William’s death.