James III

Also known as: Iames the third / King Iames / King James III · Family: Scotland · Role: king of Scots · First appears: Edward IV 36

Around 1480, James III sent an embassy to Edward IV seeking a marriage between his eldest son, James IV, and Cecily of York. Although Edward IV accepted and advanced money for the match, James later broke his oaths and agreements by ordering raids into the English borders, “spoiling, burning, and killing king Edwards liege people.” His rule was described as dominated by his own opinions and by low-born flatterers, while nobles were subjected to imprisonment, exactions, and death.

In 1482, England and Scotland agreed to a temporary truce, while Edward IV refused the proposed marriage and sought repayment of the money advanced. During the following conflict, English forces captured Berwick and besieged its castle, then marched toward Edinburgh, burning towns and bastiles. At Edinburgh, Richard III spared the town and inhabitants at the request of Alexander Stewart, Duke of Albany, but demanded that James honor his agreements, compensate English subjects, and restore Alexander Stewart, Duke of Albany to his offices and possessions. James refused to answer and remained within Edinburgh Castle: “King Iames would make no answer, neither by word nor writing, but kept himselfe close within the castell.”

Alexander Stewart, Duke of Albany, James’s brother, had earlier been exiled and stayed with Edward IV, helping prompt the English war against James. After releasing James from captivity around 1483, Alexander Stewart, Duke of Albany again fell into danger when James, led by hostile counsellors, sought his death and exiled him; Alexander Stewart, Duke of Albany then fled to France.