The Intriguing Scottish History of James The Fourth - A Royal Legacy

Scotland has a rich and captivating history, marked by the reign of various iconic kings and queens. One such monarch who left an indelible mark on Scottish history is James IV, known as James the Fourth. Born on March 17, 1473, James IV ascended to the throne at the tender age of 15. His reign was characterized by political intrigue, military prowess, cultural development, and undeniable charm. Join us as we delve into the captivating Scottish history of James the Fourth, exploring his triumphs, challenges, and fascinating legacy.

Early Life and Ascension

James IV was the son of King James III and Margaret of Denmark. His childhood was tumultuous, marred by power struggles and civil unrest within the Scottish monarchy. However, this challenging upbringing instilled resilience and determination in the young prince, qualities that would prove vital during his reign.

At the age of 15, James IV assumed the throne, succeeding his father, who had tragically died in battle. Despite his youth, James IV quickly demonstrated his ability to lead, commanding respect from his subjects and solidifying his grip on power.

The Scottish History of James the Fourth: Why, angry Scot, I visit thee for love; then what moves thee to wrath?

by Peter Loge (Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	250 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	119 pages

FREE

A Reign of Military Success

James the Fourth's reign was marked by significant military victories that further cemented Scotland's place on the international stage. One of his most notable accomplishments was the successful invasion of England in 1496. This victory bolstered Scotland's sense of national identity and independence, firmly establishing James IV as a formidable military leader.

Furthermore, James IV was an innovator when it came to warfare, embracing new technologies and military strategies. He invested in a powerful navy, modernized Scotland's army, and established a royal foundry for the production of artillery. These advancements enabled Scotland to hold its ground against its more powerful neighbors, securing its sovereignty.

Patronage of the Arts

Beyond his military prowess, James IV was also a passionate patron of the arts and humanities. His reign witnessed a flourishing of Scottish literature, music, and architecture. James IV actively supported poets, musicians, and scholars, fostering a golden era of cultural development.

Among his most famous cultural endeavors was his sponsorship of the printing press, which revolutionized communication and learning. The first-ever book printed in Scotland, The Aberdeen Breviary, was commissioned by James IV. This milestone played a crucial role in disseminating knowledge throughout the kingdom and beyond.

Tragic End and Legacy

Despite his many achievements, James the Fourth's reign ultimately met a tragic end. In 1513, he led an ill-fated invasion of England in support of France during the War of the League of Cambrai. The catastrophic Battle of Flodden Field resulted in a heavy loss of life for the Scottish forces, including James himself, who became the last monarch from the British Isles to die in battle.

James IV's demise marked the end of an era characterized by ambitious kingship and Scottish political independence. Although his reign came to an untimely end, James IV's legacy persists to this day. He is remembered as a charismatic ruler who elevated Scotland's status, both on the battlefield and in the realm of culture.

Furthermore, James the Fourth's contributions to Scottish arts and education continue to resonate. His patronage of the printing press laid the foundation for Scotland's literary heritage, which still captivates readers around the world today.

In

The captivating Scottish history of James the Fourth illuminates a remarkable chapter in the country's past. From his ascension at a young age to his military victories and commitment to the arts and education, James IV left an indelible mark on Scotland's cultural and political development.

While his reign may have ended tragically, James the Fourth's life and achievements serve as a testament to his resilience, charm, and enduring impact on Scottish history. He stands as a symbol of a bygone era, one in which Scotland asserted its independence and flourished under the leadership of an extraordinary king.

The Scottish History of James the Fourth: Why, angry Scot, I visit thee for love; then what moves thee to wrath?

by Peter Loge (Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	250 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	119 pages

FREE

Robert Greene was, by the best accounts available, born in Norwich in 1558 and baptised on July 11th.

Greene is believed to have been a pupil at Norwich Grammar School and then attended Cambridge receiving his B.A. in 1580, and an M.A. in 1583. He then moved to London and began an extraordinary chapter in his life as a widely published author.

His literary career began with the publication of the long romance, ‘Mamillia’, (1580). Greene's romances were written in a highly wrought style which reached its peak in ‘Pandosto’ (1588) and ‘Menaphon’ (1589). Short poems and songs incorporated in some of the romances attest to his ability as a lyric poet.

In 1588, he was granted an MA from Oxford University, almost certainly as a courtesy degree. Thereafter he sometimes placed the phrase Utruisq. Academiae in Artibus Magister', "Master of Arts in both Universities" on the title page of his works.

The lack of records hinders any complete biography of Greene but he did write an autobiography of sorts, but where the balance lies between facts and artistic licence is not clearly drawn. According to that autobiography ‘The Repentance of Robert Greene’, Greene is alleged to have written ‘A Groatsworth of Wit Bought with a Million of Repentance’ during the month prior to his death, including in it a letter to his wife asking her to forgive him and stating that he was sending their son back to her.

His output was prolific. Between 1583 and 1592, he published more than twenty-five works in prose, becoming one of the first authors in England to support himself with his pen in an era when professional authorship was virtually unknown.

In his ‘coney-catching’ pamphlets, Greene fashioned himself into a well-known public figure, narrating colourful inside stories of rakes and rascals duping young gentlemen and solid citizens out of their hard-earned money. These stories, told from the perspective of a repentant former rascal, have been considered autobiographical, and to incorporate many facts of Greene's own life thinly veiled as fiction. However, the alternate account suggests that Greene invented almost everything, merely displaying his undoubted skills as a writer.

In addition to his prose works, Greene also wrote several plays, none of them published in his lifetime, including ‘The Scottish History of James IV’, ‘Alphonsus’, and his greatest popular success, ‘Friar Bacon and Friar Bungay’, as well as ‘Orlando Furioso’, based on Ludovico Ariosto's Orlando Furioso.

His plays earned himself the title as one of the ‘University Wits’, a group that included George Peele, Thomas Nashe, and Christopher Marlowe.

Robert Greene died 3rd September 1592.