David I: King of Scots, 1124-1153

David I of Scotland was able to transform his inheritance and create a powerful and dynamic kingship by drawing on the experiences and connections of his youth and the dominant personality and intense piety of his mother, St Margaret. He pursued his wife Matildas lost inheritance in Northumbria, gaining control over much of northern England and investing in patronage of the reformed monastic orders and the reconfiguration of the secular Church in Scotland. This secured him a reputation as a saintly visionary.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 528 pages
\n Publication date: 06 February 2020
\n Publisher: John Donald Publishers Ltd
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David, who was never expected to ascend to the Scottish throne in 1124, swiftly showcased his remarkable skills, ruthlessness, and ambition to become one of the most influential rulers of the kingdom. Drawing upon his experiences and connections during his youth at the court of his brother-in-law, Henry I of England, and influenced by the dominant personality and profound piety of his mother, St Margaret, David embarked on a mission to transform his inheritance and establish a powerful and dynamic kingship.

By neutralizing all challengers to his throne and consolidating a new power base that drew support from both the native nobles of Scotland and the English and French knights he settled in his realm, David emerged as a significant power broker in mid-twelfth-century Britain. He relentlessly pursued his wife Matilda's lost inheritance in Northumbria, gaining control over a vast region of northern England and securing access to abundant economic resources. These resources enabled him to invest in patronage of the reformed monastic orders and play a crucial role in reshaping the secular Church in Scotland.

The peace and stability that characterized David's kingdom, coupled with the economic prosperity brought about by a burgeoning population during an era of favorable climate conditions, earned him a reputation as a saintly visionary. His achievements in cultural and political transformation left an indelible mark on Scotland, securing his legacy as one of the most remarkable kings in its history.

\n Weight: 1044g\n
Dimension: 168 x 243 x 45 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781910900291\n \n