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December 6, 1214 - Alexander II is crowned King of Scotland at Scone
Welcome back to This Day in Scottish History. I'm your host, Colin MacDonald, and today we journey back to December 6, 1214, a date that marked the coronation of one of Scotland's most impactful monarchs, Alexander II, at Scone. A red-haired king of vision and determination, Alexander’s reign laid foundations that still resonate in Scotland’s history today.
Born on August 24, 1198, in Haddington, East Lothian, Alexander was the only son of King William the Lion and Ermengarde de Beaumont. From an early age, he was immersed in the politics of the day, including being sent to England as part of the terms of the Treaty of Falaise. At just 16 years old, he succeeded to the Scottish throne upon his father’s death, becoming King of Scots in December 1214.
His coronation at Scone, the traditional crowning site of Scottish kings, marked the beginning of a reign characterized by consolidation of power and a relentless pursuit of Scottish sovereignty. His youth, coupled with the political instability of the time, would prove a trial by fire for the young king.
The year after his coronation, Alexander faced rebellion from the clans Meic Uilleim and MacHeth, long-time adversaries of the Scottish crown. His decisive military action quelled the uprising, showcasing his ability to maintain order in a fragmented Scotland.
Alexander’s reign was also marked by territorial ambitions and a push for centralization. His assertion of control over the semi-autonomous regions of Argyll and Galloway reinforced the authority of the crown. The king’s uncompromising response to resistance, such as his brutal suppression of a revolt in Caithness in 1222, earned him the respect of the Church and the reputation of a steadfast ruler.
While Alexander demonstrated martial strength, he also wielded diplomacy as a powerful tool. His involvement in England’s civil unrest saw him ally with the rebellious English barons against King John. However, following John’s death in 1216, Alexander pivoted, establishing peace with John’s successor, the young King Henry III. This peace was solidified in 1221 through Alexander’s marriage to Henry’s sister, Joan of England.
Though the marriage produced no heirs, it symbolized a crucial moment of reconciliation between Scotland and England. This alliance, however, did not deter Alexander from pressing Scottish claims to northern English counties, a long-standing dispute with the English crown.
One of Alexander’s most enduring achievements came in 1237 with the Treaty of York. This landmark agreement defined the border between Scotland and England, largely unchanged to this day. It was a testament to Alexander’s skill in diplomacy and his commitment to securing Scotland’s territorial integrity.
The final years of Alexander’s reign were focused on asserting Scottish authority over the Western Isles, still under Norwegian control. Despite negotiations and attempted purchases, he was unable to bring the islands into Scottish hands. Undeterred, Alexander planned a military campaign but fell ill and died on the Isle of Kerrera in 1249 before it could be realized. His death left the matter unresolved, with the islands remaining a point of contention until the Treaty of Perth in 1266.
Alexander’s reign was pivotal in shaping Scotland’s medieval identity. His efforts to centralize power, secure borders, and protect the kingdom’s sovereignty paved the way for his successor, Alexander III, to build upon his father’s work.
The chronicler Matthew Paris described Alexander as a fiery, red-haired monarch whose resilience earned him respect from allies and adversaries alike. His legacy endures in Scotland’s history as a king who defined an era and whose influence can still be felt in Scotland’s enduring independence.
As we reflect on this day in 1214, we honor the coronation of a monarch who defined an era and whose influence can still be felt in Scotland’s enduring independence.
Thank you for joining me, Colin MacDonald, for another fascinating journey through This Day in Scottish History. Don’t forget to tune in tomorrow for more stories from Scotland’s storied past. Until then, slàinte mhath! Haste ye back!
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bagtown.substack.com
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By Bagtown ClansWelcome back to This Day in Scottish History. I'm your host, Colin MacDonald, and today we journey back to December 6, 1214, a date that marked the coronation of one of Scotland's most impactful monarchs, Alexander II, at Scone. A red-haired king of vision and determination, Alexander’s reign laid foundations that still resonate in Scotland’s history today.
Born on August 24, 1198, in Haddington, East Lothian, Alexander was the only son of King William the Lion and Ermengarde de Beaumont. From an early age, he was immersed in the politics of the day, including being sent to England as part of the terms of the Treaty of Falaise. At just 16 years old, he succeeded to the Scottish throne upon his father’s death, becoming King of Scots in December 1214.
His coronation at Scone, the traditional crowning site of Scottish kings, marked the beginning of a reign characterized by consolidation of power and a relentless pursuit of Scottish sovereignty. His youth, coupled with the political instability of the time, would prove a trial by fire for the young king.
The year after his coronation, Alexander faced rebellion from the clans Meic Uilleim and MacHeth, long-time adversaries of the Scottish crown. His decisive military action quelled the uprising, showcasing his ability to maintain order in a fragmented Scotland.
Alexander’s reign was also marked by territorial ambitions and a push for centralization. His assertion of control over the semi-autonomous regions of Argyll and Galloway reinforced the authority of the crown. The king’s uncompromising response to resistance, such as his brutal suppression of a revolt in Caithness in 1222, earned him the respect of the Church and the reputation of a steadfast ruler.
While Alexander demonstrated martial strength, he also wielded diplomacy as a powerful tool. His involvement in England’s civil unrest saw him ally with the rebellious English barons against King John. However, following John’s death in 1216, Alexander pivoted, establishing peace with John’s successor, the young King Henry III. This peace was solidified in 1221 through Alexander’s marriage to Henry’s sister, Joan of England.
Though the marriage produced no heirs, it symbolized a crucial moment of reconciliation between Scotland and England. This alliance, however, did not deter Alexander from pressing Scottish claims to northern English counties, a long-standing dispute with the English crown.
One of Alexander’s most enduring achievements came in 1237 with the Treaty of York. This landmark agreement defined the border between Scotland and England, largely unchanged to this day. It was a testament to Alexander’s skill in diplomacy and his commitment to securing Scotland’s territorial integrity.
The final years of Alexander’s reign were focused on asserting Scottish authority over the Western Isles, still under Norwegian control. Despite negotiations and attempted purchases, he was unable to bring the islands into Scottish hands. Undeterred, Alexander planned a military campaign but fell ill and died on the Isle of Kerrera in 1249 before it could be realized. His death left the matter unresolved, with the islands remaining a point of contention until the Treaty of Perth in 1266.
Alexander’s reign was pivotal in shaping Scotland’s medieval identity. His efforts to centralize power, secure borders, and protect the kingdom’s sovereignty paved the way for his successor, Alexander III, to build upon his father’s work.
The chronicler Matthew Paris described Alexander as a fiery, red-haired monarch whose resilience earned him respect from allies and adversaries alike. His legacy endures in Scotland’s history as a king who defined an era and whose influence can still be felt in Scotland’s enduring independence.
As we reflect on this day in 1214, we honor the coronation of a monarch who defined an era and whose influence can still be felt in Scotland’s enduring independence.
Thank you for joining me, Colin MacDonald, for another fascinating journey through This Day in Scottish History. Don’t forget to tune in tomorrow for more stories from Scotland’s storied past. Until then, slàinte mhath! Haste ye back!
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bagtown.substack.com