James I

James I of Scotland reigned from 1406 to 1437, though he spent the initial 18 years of his rule as a captive in England following his capture by pirates while en route to France. After paying a substantial ransom, he returned to Scotland in 1424 and embarked on a vigorous campaign to consolidate royal authority, reform the legal system, and curb the power of the nobility. James was determined to modernize Scotland, drawing inspiration from his experiences in England. His reign saw the establishment of the first Scottish Parliament independent of the king and the introduction of significant legislative reforms. However, his assertive measures and efforts to extract revenues antagonized many, leading to his assassination in 1437. Despite the abrupt end to his rule, James I's legacy is marked by his ambitious reforms and vision of a centralized, sovereign Scottish state.