David II, king of Scotland

David II (David Bruce), 1324–71, king of Scotland (1329–71), son and successor of Robert I. David's guardians were not strong enough to prevent the invasion (1332) of Scotland by Edward de Baliol, who, with the support of Edward III of England, was victorious at Halidon Hill (1333). The young king was sent to France, where he was maintained in the Château Gaillard by Philip VI. David returned to rule Scotland in 1341. In 1346 he invaded England to aid the French king and was captured and held prisoner until, in 1357, he was ransomed for the promise of 100,000 marks. Finding the money to pay the ransom (never paid in full) occupied him for most of the rest of his inglorious reign. His nephew Robert II succeeded him.

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