#jamesii

[infamoushistory]

The King Killed by His Own Cannon: The Death of James II of Scotland

In 1460, James II of Scotland met a shocking and accidental death at the age of just 29. During the siege of Roxburgh Castle, the Scottish king was overseeing the use of powerful new artillery against the English-held fortress when one of his own cannons suddenly exploded.

The blast killed James instantly, making him one of the few medieval monarchs to die from a battlefield accident involving his own weaponry. The tragedy occurred as Scotland was attempting to capture Roxburgh Castle, one of the last remaining English strongholds in Scotland during the ongoing struggles between the two kingdoms.

James II had ruled Scotland since childhood and was known as the “Fiery Face” because of a distinctive red birthmark on his face. His reign was marked by efforts to strengthen royal authority, control powerful nobles, and expand Scotland’s military power. His unexpected death left the crown to his young son, who became James III of Scotland, beginning a new and challenging chapter in Scottish history.

[theunabashedepicurean]

James II of England, then Duke of York, Henri Gascar, 1673. #henrigascar #henrigascard #art #artwork #artist #oiloncanvas #oiloncanvaspainting #oiloncanvasportrait #portrait #painting #jamesii #jamesiiofengland #dukeofyork #17thcentury #17thcenturyart #baroque #baroqueart #baroquepainting #roman #costume #mars #godofwar #silk #armour #frenchartist #frenchart #frenchpainter #royalcollection #nationalmaritimemuseum #london (at National Maritime Museum) https://www.instagram.com/p/CmR85AUIoz4/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[thebritishmonarchycouk]

On This Day In Royal History . 3 September 1660 . James, Duke of York (later King James II) married Anne Hyde. . . ◼ In 1660 James had prompted controversy by announcing his engagement to Anne Hyde, the daughter of King Charles II’s’ chief minister, Edward Hyde. . ◼ In 1659, while trying to seduce her, James promised he would marry Anne. Anne became pregnant in 1660, but following the Restoration & James’s return to power, no one at the royal court expected a prince to marry a commoner, no matter what he had pledged beforehand. . ◼ Although nearly everyone, including Anne’s father, urged the two not to marry, the couple married secretly, then went through an official marriage ceremony on 3 September 1660 in London. . ◼ Their first child, Charles, was born less than two months later, but died in infancy, as did five further sons & daughters. Only two daughters survived: Mary (born 30 April 1662) & Anne (born 6 February 1665), both future Queen’s. . ◼ Samuel Pepys wrote that James was fond of his children & his role as a father, & played with them “like an ordinary private father of a child”, a contrast to the distant parenting common to royals at the time. James’s wife was devoted to him & influenced many of his decisions. Even so, he kept a variety of mistresses, including Arabella Churchill & Catherine Sedley, & was reputed to be “the most unguarded ogler of his time.” Anne Hyde died in 1671. . . . #OnThisDayInHistory #ThisDayInHistory #TheYear1660 #RoyalWedding #JamesII #KingJamesII #JamesIIofEngland #KingofEngland #DukeofYork #AnneHyde #Royalty #History #RoyaltyinArt #EnglishMonarchy #HouseofStuart #otd #OnThisDay #RoyalHistory #Stuarts #BritishMonarchy #D3Sep (at London, United Kingdom) https://www.instagram.com/p/CEr2FtRDji4/?igshid=f1x3kgb9gtyj

[windsorhouseantiques]

A most unusual stool of James II design in walnut. The upper section with inverted stylised tulips and a wavy cross stretcher. With four grosse-point mid-19th century cushions. c1900 Height 18.00 inch (45.7 cm) Width 60.00 inch (152.4 cm) Depth 26.00 inch (66.0 cm) #antiques #antique #vintage #instagood #furniture #interiors #Photooftheday #picoftheday #antiquesdealersofinstagram #antiquesforsale #periodhome #stool #JamesII https://www.instagram.com/p/Bt6AerLHYaV/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1f2i18no48jmi

[thelastduke]

I buried Him with fitting dignity. There in the middle, there was a box, lightly Gilded, set with stones. It contained His heart and parts of Mine. For He is gone now. Lost in the darkness of His soul. Purcell Fills this hallowed hall. The air laden with clouds of sacred smoke. There I sit, Adorned in Ermine as only You would remember Me. It was quite lovely, despite the tragedy. The others, they merely looked on. They never knew. How I loved You. How You suffered under the weight of Your guilt and conscience. In the I had to choose. A matter of life and death. I decided. I want to live. This time is was too short. We didn't get the chance to become what We wanted. But Dearest I am grateful. For the time We had. For the love We shared. Will You wait for Me at the end? We'll meet amongst the stars where We belong together. I'll meet You there. I'll wait for You, I promise. I love You. #london #mooddujour #saturday #mood #ermine #erminefur #cape #robes #jamesii #dukeofyork #art #details #burial #purcell #incense #poetry #poems #words #mylifeinwriting #littlestoriesofmylife #courage #dear #heart #stars #heaven #loveisallyouneed #waitforme #traditionalism

[infamoushistory]

Battle of Sedgemoor: The Final Clash of the Monmouth Rebellion

On July 6, 1685, the last major pitched battle on English soil took place at Sedgemoor in Somerset, as the forces of King James II decisively defeated the rebel army led by James Scott, Duke of Monmouth. The battle marked the climax of the Monmouth Rebellion, an uprising sparked by opposition to James II’s Catholic rule and an attempt to place the Protestant Duke of Monmouth on the throne.

The poorly organized rebel force attempted a night attack across the Somerset Levels, but muddy terrain and confusion led to disaster when royal troops launched a disciplined counterattack. Monmouth’s army collapsed, and he fled the battlefield but was soon captured. The defeat sealed the rebellion’s fate and reaffirmed royal authority in England.

The aftermath was harsh: the so-called “Bloody Assizes,” led by Judge Jeffreys, followed with mass executions and transportations of rebels, deepening fear of James II’s rule and intensifying political tensions that would later contribute to the Glorious Revolution of 1688.

[infamoushistory]

James II and the Prince of Wales

On July 4, 1688, King James II of England formally created his infant son, James Francis Edward Stuart, as Prince of Wales. The birth of the child just weeks earlier in June had already shaken the English court, confirming a Catholic male heir to a Protestant kingdom and intensifying fears among many English political elites and Protestant factions.

The timing could hardly have been more explosive. James II’s reign was already strained by accusations of Catholic favoritism and authoritarian rule, and the arrival of a male Catholic heir meant that his Protestant daughters from his first marriage were displaced in the succession. For many observers, this shift made a Catholic dynasty appear permanent rather than temporary.

In response, opposition among nobles and political leaders rapidly coalesced, setting the stage for the Glorious Revolution later that same year. James II was ultimately deposed, and his infant son—later known to supporters as the “Old Pretender”—was carried into exile. The Stuarts’ removal from the throne marked a turning point in English constitutional history and ensured a lasting Protestant succession under William and Mary.

[infamoushistory]

James II of Scotland Marries Mary of Guelders

On 3 July 1449, 18-year-old King James II of Scotland was married to 15-year-old Mary of Guelders at Holyrood Abbey in Edinburgh. The union was arranged to strengthen Scotland’s diplomatic position in Europe, particularly through ties with the powerful Duchy of Guelders in the Low Countries. The ceremony marked an important moment for the young king, who had only recently taken personal control of the Scottish crown after a turbulent minority rule.

Mary of Guelders, who became Queen of Scots, brought prestige and continental connections to the Scottish court, helping to reinforce alliances beyond Britain. Mary of Guelders would later play a significant role in Scottish political life, especially after James II’s death, acting as regent for their son James III. Their marriage symbolized both political strategy and the dynastic ambitions of the Stewart monarchy during a period of ongoing power struggles in Scotland.