David II

Timeline

1. 1329–1341Edinburgh · ScotlandHe acceded in 1329 after the death of his father Robert I, with Thomas Randolph, Earl of Moray, serving as regent because of his youth. Randolph died in 1331–1332, political turmoil followed, the Balliol faction staged a coup with English support, and David was forced to flee to France.
2. 1333–1341Champagne · ChampagneAfter the Scottish royal cause suffered a setback at the Battle of Halidon Hill in 1333, David went into exile in the Champagne region of France, building up strength on the Franco-Scottish alliance. In the later 1330s Bruce commanders gradually recovered lost territory, creating the conditions for his return and personal rule in 1341.
3. 1341–1346Scottish Lowlands · ScotlandHe returned and took personal rule in 1341, continuing to contest the throne with Edward Balliol and English-backed forces. In 1346, answering a French appeal for aid, he marched south into England and was captured at the Battle of Neville's Cross in October, once again setting back the Scottish cause of independence.