The Scottish monarchs tried to introduce the same kind of centralised
monarchy that the Tudors had so successfully developed in England. But it was
much harder, because the Scottish economy was weaker, and Scottish society more
lawless. However, James IV, James V, Mary who was executed by her cousin
Elizabeth of England, and her son James VI made important steps forward. They
tried to control the lawless border country with England, and the disobedient
Highland clans in the north. For the Scottish kings there was always a problem.
The most disobedient were often the best fighters, and no king wanted to make
enemies of those who might help him in battle against the English.
Knowing how weak they were, the Scottish kings usually avoided war with
England* They made a peace treaty with Henry VII, the first with an English
king since 1328, and James IV married Henry's daughter Margaret. But Henry VIII
still wanted Scotland to accept his authority. In 1513 his army destroyed the
Scottish army at Flodden. It was the worst defeat the Scots ever experienced.
James himself was killed, and with him over twenty Scottish nobles.
