King James IV of Scotland and the Battle of Flodden, 1513

On 9 September 1513, James IV was killed at the battle of Flodden in Northumbria when his army was defeated by the English. He was 40 years old and died leaving his infant son to succeed him.

James was crowned king of Scotland on 11 June 1488 when he was 15 years old. He reigned for 25 years in which time he played a key role in matters of European politics and diplomacy. He married Margaret Tudor, elder daughter of Henry VII of England, who gave him a son, the future James V. He improved the wealth and stability of the country, strengthened the enforcement of law and order, and promoted education, culture and the arts.

This resource features archives held in the National Records of Scotland that tell part of the story of this king whose life ended tragically on the battlefield.

Link to a timeline of the reign of James IV.