James I's place in the general history of Scotland, as one of the strongest and ablest kings of the House of Stewart, is assured. Growing up as heir apparent in a period of incessant border warfare which neither his father, the ageing and enfeebled Robert III, nor England's insecurely-placed Henry IV was able to control, he was sent for safety to France in 1406, but was captured at sea by English pirates and taken as prisoner to the English court. This hastened the death of the old king, and James nominally succeeded to the Scottish throne on 4 April 1406. His next eighteen years, however, were spent as a prisoner of the English kings. He appears to have been tolerably well treated, and certainly received an education befitting his rank. After the death of Henry IV, he was taken by Henry…

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Citation: McClure, J. Derrick. "James I, King of Scots". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 10 September 2003 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/speople.php?rec=true&UID=5479, accessed 29 March 2024.]

5479 James I, King of Scots 1 Historical context notes are intended to give basic and preliminary information on a topic. In some cases they will be expanded into longer entries as the Literary Encyclopedia evolves.

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