King David I of Scotland (1084 – 1153)

The son of Malcolm Canmore, David became King of Scotland in 1124. He brought many Anglo-Norman followers to settle in Scotland and to regulate landholding he introduced feudal laws and privileges similar to those in England. David also reformed the Scottish church on the Roman model. He supported the Empress Matilda against King Stephen and claimed the counties of Cumberland, Northumberland and Westmorland. After Stephen invaded Scotland in 1138, David responded by attacking England, but was defeated at the Battle of the Standard near Northallerton in North Yorkshire. David founded Scotland's first towns, including Edinburgh where he also established the Abbey of Holyrood, in penance, it is said, for hunting on a Sunday.