← Explore on the interactive map

William I (the Lion)

Type Figure Region Scotland Time 1143–1214 Also known as William the Lion、William I of Scotland、Uilliam mac Eanric

William I (1143–1214), King of Scotland, was nicknamed 'the Lion' for the red lion on his arms;…

Timeline

  1. 1143–1165Scotland · ScotlandBorn into the Scottish royal family, he was the younger brother of Malcolm IV. He acceded to the throne in 1165 after his brother's death, becoming King of Scotland and adopting the red lion as his personal heraldic emblem.
  2. 1166–1174Northumberland · NorthumberlandHe invaded England repeatedly to press his claim to Northumberland. In 1174 he was defeated and captured at the Battle of Alnwick, forced to do homage to Henry II and sign the Treaty of Falaise, leaving Scotland dependent on English overlordship.
  3. 1189–1214Stirling · ScotlandIn 1189 Richard I, to raise funds for the Crusade, accepted money in exchange for surrendering his claim of overlordship over Scotland; in 1194, after a huge ransom was paid, the Treaty of Falaise was annulled. In his later years he promoted church and town development, dying at Stirling in 1214.

Sources