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Fallen at Flodden: James IV - Scotland's Greatest King

Factual: History

09/09/2013

BBC Radio Scotland - Fallen at Flodden: James IV - Scotland's Greatest King

A greatly beloved king, a tragic battle. Susan Morrison explores Flodden.

Susan Morrison explores the world of King James IV and asks why so many of his subjects fell at his side 500 years ago at Flodden.

500 years ago in 1513 James IV led his army to the devastating and traumatic defeat of Flodden. James himself, perhaps Scotland's most brilliant, gifted and beloved king, was killed and the country left in such shock that women had to be banned from publicly weeping in the streets of Edinburgh. Entire communities were devastated. 'James IV, as he was greatly beloved while alive, so when dead, his memory was cherished with an affection beyond what I have ever read, or heard of being entertained for any other king' so wrote the historian George Buchanan. It was because James was so popular and effective as a king that he was able to muster an army over 35, 000 strong from almost all parts of the country. (He was not a popular man in the Western Isles but that's another story!) What made all these people so willing to die for him? What went so tragically wrong? With the help of historians and battle-field archaeologists, history enthusiast Susan Morrison tries to come to grips with the tragedy of Flodden.

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