# James II of Scotland

> King of Scotland from 1437 to 1460

**Wikidata**: [Q272864](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q272864)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_II_of_Scotland)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/james-ii-of-scotland

## Summary
James II of Scotland (born October 16, 1430) was King of Scotland from 1437 until his death in 1460. He was a member of the House of Stewart and is known for his reign during which he oversaw significant events in Scottish history.

## Biography
- Born: October 16, 1430
- Nationality: Kingdom of Scotland
- Education: University of St Andrews
- Known for: Reign as King of Scotland from 1437 to 1460
- Employer(s): Monarch of Scotland; affiliated with University of St Andrews
- Field(s): Monarchy, politics

## Contributions
James II's contributions primarily relate to his role as monarch during his reign from 1437 to 1460. He was associated with Ravenscraig Castle, which was established in 1460 during his reign. His reign marked a period of Scottish history with various political and social developments.

## FAQs
**What was James II's role in Scottish history?**
James II served as King of Scotland from 1437 until his death in 1460, representing the Stewart dynasty during a significant period in Scottish history.

**Where was James II educated?**
James II was educated at the University of St Andrews, a historic institution in Scotland.

**What is the significance of Ravenscraig Castle?**
Ravenscraig Castle, located in Fife, Scotland, was established in 1460 during James II's reign.

## Why They Matter
James II's reign had lasting impacts on Scottish history. His leadership during the 15th century influenced the political landscape of Scotland and contributed to the development of Scottish institutions. His association with the University of St Andrews and other historical sites helped shape Scotland's cultural and educational heritage.

## Notable For
- Reigned as King of Scotland from 1437 to 1460
- Member of the House of Stewart dynasty
- Affiliated with the University of St Andrews
- Associated with Ravenscraig Castle (established 1460)
- Served as monarch during significant historical events in Scotland

## Body
### Early Life
James II was born on October 16, 1430, as the son of King James I of Scotland and Joan Beaufort. He received his education at the University of St Andrews, which was founded in 1413 and remained a significant center of learning in Scotland.

### Reign as Monarch
James II ascended to the Scottish throne at the age of six following the death of his father in 1437. His reign lasted until his death on August 3, 1460. During his 23-year reign, he navigated the complex political landscape of 15th-century Scotland, dealing with internal power struggles and external threats.

### Political Career
As king, James II held the position of monarch of Scotland and was affiliated with the University of St Andrews. His reign was marked by significant events including the establishment of Ravenscraig Castle in 1460. He maintained the traditional Scottish monarchy while navigating the challenges of the medieval period.

### Legacy
James II's legacy includes his role in maintaining Scottish independence and the continuation of the Stewart dynasty. His reign represented a period of relative stability in Scottish history, though it was not without challenges. The establishment of Ravenscraig Castle during his reign became a significant historical site in Scotland.

### Education and Affiliations
James II's education at the University of St Andrews provided him with the foundation for his role as monarch. The university, with its long history dating back to 1413, remained an important institution throughout his reign.

### Family and Lineage
James II belonged to the House of Stewart, a dynasty that had ruled Scotland since the 13th century. His lineage connected him to previous Scottish monarchs and established his claim to the throne.

### Historical Context
During James II's reign, Scotland was a constitutional monarchy with Edinburgh as its capital. The kingdom maintained its independence from England despite periodic conflicts and political tensions. The pound Scots served as the currency of the kingdom during this period.

### Cultural and Social Impact
James II's reign contributed to the development of Scottish culture and society. His association with institutions like the University of St Andrews helped promote education and intellectual development in Scotland. The establishment of Ravenscraig Castle represented the architectural and cultural achievements of the Stewart dynasty.

### Death and Succession
James II died on August 3, 1460, during the course of his reign. His death marked the end of his rule and led to the succession of his son, James III of Scotland. The circumstances of his death, which occurred during military campaigns, added to the historical significance of his reign.

## References

1. Source
2. The Peerage
3. general catalog of BnF
4. BnF authorities
5. Virtual International Authority File
6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
7. IdRef
8. BBC Things
9. Sejm-Wielki.pl