William I

William I, known as Uilleam mac Eanric or "William the Lion," reigned as King of Scotland from 1165 to 1214. Succeeding his brother Malcolm IV, William's long reign was marked by his attempts to recover territories lost to England and by his assertive stance against English dominance. However, in 1174, he was captured during an invasion of northern England and, as a result, was forced to sign the Treaty of Falaise, recognizing the overlordship of the English king. This humiliating treaty was later annulled in 1189, restoring Scottish independence in exchange for a monetary payment. Domestically, William enacted legal and administrative reforms, consolidating central authority and enhancing the role of burghs. As one of Scotland's longest-reigning medieval kings, William I left an indelible mark on the nation's history, balancing conflict with state-building endeavors.