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.