Born: 10 April 1512 · Died: 14 December 1542 · Age at death: 30
How old was James V of Scotland when he died?
James V of Scotland died aged 30. He was born on 10 April 1512 and died on 14 December 1542.
King of Scotland and father of Mary, Queen of Scots
Did you know?He was known to travel around his kingdom in disguise as a commoner, using the alias the Goodman of Ballengeich.
Quick facts
Date of birth10 April 1512
Date of death14 December 1542
Age at death30
NationalityScottish
BirthplaceLinlithgow, United Kingdom
Occupationpoet, aristocrat
Editor's Take:
James V spent his childhood as a prize fought over by Scottish nobles, which left him suspicious and hard on the aristocracy. Once he ruled in his own right he restored royal finances, partly through two marriages to French brides with rich dowries. He spent heavily on palaces such as Falkland and Stirling, bringing Renaissance style to Scotland. He refused to follow his uncle Henry VIII in breaking with Rome. That choice helped lead to war with England. He died at thirty, leaving the crown to a baby girl.
Key Milestones
1513: Becomes King of Scots as an infant
1528: Takes personal control of government
1538: Marries Mary of Guise
1542: Scotland is defeated at Solway Moss
James V (10 April 1512 – 14 December 1542) was King of Scotland from 9 September 1513 until his death in 1542. He was crowned on 21 September 1513 at the age of seventeen months.
Christine Barclay, Madeleine of Valois, Mary of Lorraine
Children
Mary, Queen of Scots, Adam Stewart, Arthur Stewart, Duke of Albany, James Stewart, James Stewart, James Stewart, 1st Earl of Moray, James, Duke of Rothesay, Jean Stewart, John Stewart, Commendator of Coldingham, Margaret Stewart, Robert Stewart, Robert Stewart, 1st Earl of Orkney
