David
David, the name of two kings of Scotland.
David I(1084-1153) was the son of Malcolm (III) Canmore. He became king in 1124 after two older brothers had reigned but died without heirs. Influenced by his mother, (Saint) Margaret, an English princess, David reformed the church and brought in new monastic orders. He also introduced feudal customs to Scotland, and under his rule towns were formally established. To aid his niece Matilda, who was trying to unseat King Stephen of England, David invaded England but was defeated by Stephen at the Battle of the Standard in 1138.
David II(1324-1371) was the son of Robert (I) the Bruce. He became king in 1329 but had to go into exile in France in 1334, after Edward Baliol, with English support, seized power. David regained his throne in 1341, but in 1346 was persuaded by France to invade England, where he was defeated and captured. He was not released until 1357, when Scotland agreed to pay a ransom. David was succeeded by the first Stewart king, Robert II.