10 Facts about Medieval Scotland

In this article, I would like to share you the 10 less-known facts about medieval Scotland. This article will concern the history of Scotland from the departure of the Romans to the adoption of major aspects of the Renaissance in the beginning of the sixteenth century. Northern Britain was separated into series of petty kingdoms. The four most important to emerge were the Picts, the Gaels of Dal Riata, the Britons of Strathclyde and the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Bernicia, later taken over by Northumbria. The more interesting facts about medieval Scotland will be presented below.

Facts about Medieval Scotland 1: Political History in The Early Middle Ages of Minor Kingdoms

Ida is the first king of English in the historical record. Ida is said to have obtained the throne and the kingdom about 547. There were changes of dynasty and the kingdom was divided, but it was re-united under Ida’s grand grandson’s, Oswald (r.634-42) who had converted to Christianity while in exile in Dal Riata and looked to Iona for missionaries to help convert his kingdom.

Facts about Medieval Scotland 2: Origins of The Kingdom of Alba

In AD 867 the Vikings seized Northumbria and formed the kingdom of York. Subsequently, they conquered much of England except for a reduced Kingdom Wessex, leaving the new combined Pictish and Gaelic Kingdom almost encircled. After Kenneth Macalpin died in 900, Domnal II (Donald II) was the first man to be called ri Alban (i.e. King of Alba).

the 10 amazing facts about medieval scotland

Facts about Medieval Scotland 3: Gaelic King From Constantine II to Alexander I

The constantine II is the key to formation of the king of Alba. Shortly afterwards the king of Norway concluded a treaty recognising Norwegian authority over the Western isles. In practice Norse control of the isles was loose, with local chiefs enjoying a high degree of independence. he was succeeded by his brother Alexander.

Facts about Medieval Scotland 4: Scotland in the Early Middle Ages (400-900)

Bridei mac Maelchon (r.c. 550-84) was the first king of the kingdom. Scotland had a big wide range of territories. In the middle ages, there are several kingdoms, after the death king of Alba, Domnal II (Donald II), the entire area controlled by its kings would be referred to as Scotland.

Facts about Medieval Scotland 5: Scotland in the High Middle Ages (900-1286)

The long reign (900-about 942/943) of Causantine II is often regarded as the key to formation of the Alba Kingdom. By the reign of Alexander III, the Scots were in position to annexe the remainder of the western seaboard, which they did following Haakon Haakonarson’s ill-fated invasion and the stalemate of the battle of Largs with the treaty of parts in 1266.

Facts about Medieval Scotland 6: Scotland in the Late Middle Ages (1286-1513)

During the late of middle ages, the wars of independence have been happened. The death of King Alexander III in 1286, and then of his granddaughter and their Margaret, Maid of Norway in 1290, made 14 rivals for succession.

the 10 amazing facts about medieval scotland

Facts about Medieval Scotland 7: Scoto-Norman Kings, David I

When Alexander died in 1124, the crown passed to Margaret’s fourth son, David I.

Facts about Medieval Scotland 8: Scoto-Norman Kings, Alexander III

By the reign of Alexander III, the Scots were in a position to annexe the remainder of the western seaboard, which they did following Haakon Haakonarson’s ill-fated invasion ad the stalemate of the battle of Largs with Treaty of Perth in 1266.