David I of Scotland 1124-1153462,383

A shadowy figure in history, but who apparently loved gardening, was “morally fastidious,” and had a developed sense of duty and justice.292

Spent his formative years at the court of Henry I of England. When he became king he brought a number of Anglo-Norman tenants-in-chief: the de Balliols, Bruces, Lindsays, Somervilles, and FitzAlans (later known as the Stewarts).292

Earl of Huntingdon. United Alba with Strathclyde. Earl of Northampton. Popularly reputed as a saint, his feast day is 24th May. The Complete Peerage vol.V, pp.641-2.283

David’s English connections were reinforced by education at Ramsey Abbey and at the court of his brother-in-law, Henry I. In 1113, he further tied himself to English affairs by marrying Matilda, in whose right David became earl of Huntingdon.205

His reign saw the influx of Anglo-Norman lords being granted Scottish fiefs, particularly in the Lowlands. He also adopted English administrative methods. Increasingly the relationship between king and nobility took on the character of vassalage familiar to the Norman English.205

David invaded England in 1136, ostensibly to uphold the rights of his niece, the Empress Matilda, though more likely to secure his son’s right to the earldom of Huntingdon. He invaded again in 1138, resulting in catastrophe at the Battle of the Standard, which ranks among other ignominious Scottish defeats. But due to King Stephen’s weakness, David was able to secure favorable terms, including the confirmation of his son Henry as earl of Northumberland.205

David joined Matilda after her triumph at Lincoln and just as hurriedly left after her defeat at Winchester. David walked a fine line during the English civil war, as he could easily have asserted his right to the English throne. It is significant that Henry FitzEmpress chose to be knighted by David (his uncle) in 1149, recognizing David as the senior male member of the family and signalling his eclipse.205

David was apparently a keen garderner, in particular a skilled fruit grower.205

First married to Simon de Senlis. After he died, she brought David the earldom of Huntingdon (extensive lands in the English Midlands) and a claim to the vast Northumbrian estates. “This made David an English baron as well as a Scottish king, a complex double title which was to have far-reaching consequences in years to come.”292