1. King Alexander III and the ‘Golden Age’
Ruled from the age of 8 ( )
A very strong King
Scotland was at peace with England
Controlled the nobles and dealt fairly with his subjects
Trade increased and towns and burghs prospered
Scotland’s northern and western borders were fixed

2. Alexander III’s family tree
William I the Lion
( )
Alexander II
( )
(1) Margaret m
Alexander III
( )
m (2) Yolande
Margaret m
Eric II
(King of Norway)
Alexander
David
Margaret, Maid of Norway
1275 Alexander III’s wife Margaret(English princess) died
All 3 of Alexander’s children died before him
Alexander remarries Yolande Dreux and hoped that she would provide him a male heir to the throne.

3. 18 March 1286
Alexander III was having a meeting with his Grand Council in Edinburgh
After the meeting the King travelled back to Kinghorn in Fife to be with Yolande
Kinghorn
Edinburgh

4. The Journey
Violent storm was raging
Headed for Dalmeny to cross the Firth of Forth
Advised against the 2 mile crossing
At Inverkeithing he was offered a bed for the night but refused
He continued his journey with 2 guides along a narrow seashore path
In the darkness Alexander lost his guides

5. The following morning...
Alexander’s body was found at the bottom of a cliff
Memorial to King Alexander III, Kinghorn

6. How the Scots felt...
When Alexander our King was dead, That Scotland ruled in love and lee Away was wealth of ale and bread, Of wine and wax, or game and glee Our gold was changed into lead. Then cry to God, for only He Can save us in perplexity.

7. The Next Heir? (1) Margaret m m (2) Yolande William I the Lion
( )
Alexander II
( )
(1) Margaret m
Alexander III
( )
m (2) Yolande
Margaret m
Eric II
(King of Norway)
Alexander
David
Margaret, Maid of Norway

8. Margaret the Maid of Norway
Problems.....
3 years old
Norway
Female ?
Finding a suitable husband