King of Scotland from 1437, who assumed power in 1449. The only surviving son of James I, he was supported by most of the nobles and parliament. He sympathized with the Lancastrians during the Wars of the
Roses, and attacked English possessions in southern Scotland. He was killed while besieging Roxburgh Castle.
Almost continual civil war raged during the period of his minority; the prize of the victors was the custody of the king. In 1449 he married Mary, daughter of the Duke of Gueldres. He was succeeded by his son James III.
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