James I
James I was born in 1394 as the son of King Robert III of Scotland. James was the youngest of three sons but by the time he was 8 years old both of his brothers had died. His middle brother died of suspicious causes while in the care of his uncle, which led to fears for James’ safety. In order to protect the future King, it was decided that James would live in France. In 1406 he was sailing for France when the boat he was on was attacked by pirates. The pirates delivered the prince to Henry IV of England.
Just two weeks after his capture, James I’s father died, making the 12-year-old the new King. The English put a price on the King’s head, but as it was his uncle who took the throne in his absence, there was no desire to pay to the ransom. For 18 years, James I remained a prisoner of the English. He was given a good education and developed a sense of respect for Henry IV. In 1413, Henry IV died and his son Henry V sought to end the lavish lifestyle of James I and had him imprisoned in the Tower of London.
Eventually James I got himself into the good graces of Henry V and he became less of a prisoner and more of a guest. He even helped Henry V in his battles against the French and his desires to take the French crown. A group of Scots fighting for the French who fought against the English found themselves hanged for treason against their King when they fought the English troops that James I was with.
After Henry V died, his infant son Henry VI took the throne. The regency decided that it was time to end the captivity of James I and sent a group to negotiate the release. In 1424, James I married Joan Beaufort while still officially a prisoner of the English. A few months later he was released and finally able to take his throne.