James V of Scotland, The Poor Man's King, 1513-1542

Not for the first time in the former century and a half the heir to throne was of tender years. Perhaps what is more striking is that James was King of Scotland at the age of just seventeen months. A Governor was required to rule, nominally in the interest of the infant king. This Governor was John Duke of Albany, a grandson of James II of Scotland.

This governorship led to a bitter dispute as Albany was a staunch Francophile and even spoke French as his first language. This leaning he had towards France was directly opposed by those who preferred the friendship of England. In the end Albany was dismissed as Governor due to him spending more time in France than in Scotland.

James now came to power fully. At the age of 14 he ordered the suppression of the warring clans and the destruction of the border raiders. Later he fell out with King Henry VIII of England over his apparent leaning towards France. Once more war broke out with the Scots being humiliated at the Battle of Solway Moss.

With no surviving (legitimate) children and close to death he was told of the birth of perhaps the most famous Stewart of all, his daughter Mary Stewart.

James had married in Paris in 1537. His bride on this occasion was Princess Madeleine de Valois of France. The marriage was short-lived as Madeleine died just 6 months later. His second marriage, to Marie de Guise Lorraine, brought him three children. Unfortunately both James and Arthur died in infancy. He was survived by Mary however.