The burial location for "James 2nd" depends on which monarch is being referred to, as there have been two prominent rulers known by this title in British history: James II of Scotland and James II of England (who was also James VII of Scotland). Their final resting places are distinctly different.
James II of Scotland (reigned 1437–1460)
James II of Scotland was laid to rest in the Abbey of Holyrood, Edinburgh. He reigned from 1437 until his death in 1460, following an accident during the siege of Roxburgh Castle. His burial at Holyrood Abbey marks it as a significant historical site for Scottish monarchs.
- Reign: 1437–1460
- Cause of Death: Accidentally killed by an exploding cannon during a siege.
- Significance of Burial Site: Holyrood Abbey has served as a royal burial ground for many Scottish kings and queens, making it a pivotal location in Scottish history. It is situated adjacent to the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
James II of England and VII of Scotland (reigned 1685–1688)
In contrast, James II of England (and VII of Scotland) is buried in France. Following the Glorious Revolution of 1688, he was deposed and lived in exile. He died in 1701 at the Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye, near Paris.
His burial arrangements were somewhat complex due to his exile and the turbulent times:
- Initially, his remains were placed in the Chapel of Saint Edmund in the Parish Church of Saint-Germain-en-Laye.
- His heart was interred at the Convent of the Visitation at Chaillot, and his brain at the Scots College in Paris.
- During the French Revolution, his tomb was desecrated, and his remains were dispersed.
- However, in 1813, during the Bourbon Restoration, his coffin was rediscovered and permanently re-interred within the Parish Church of Saint-Germain-en-Laye.
Summary of Burial Locations
To clarify the resting places of these two monarchs, refer to the table below:
| Monarch | Reign Dates | Burial Location |
|---|---|---|
| James II of Scotland | 1437–1460 | Abbey of Holyrood, Edinburgh, Scotland |
| James II of England (VII of Scotland) | 1685–1688 | Parish Church of Saint-Germain-en-Laye, France |
Historical Context
Understanding which "James II" is being discussed is crucial given their vastly different historical periods and impacts.
James II of Scotland
This Scottish monarch played a key role in consolidating royal power against the powerful Black Douglas family. His reign saw significant developments in Scottish law and administration, setting the stage for future Scottish governance. His early and sudden death left Scotland under the regency of his young son.
James II of England (VII of Scotland)
This Stuart monarch was the last Catholic king of England, Scotland, and Ireland. His attempts to reintroduce Catholicism and establish religious tolerance, along with his authoritarian tendencies, ultimately led to the Glorious Revolution and his deposition by Parliament. His exile and subsequent death in France marked a definitive shift in British monarchy towards Protestant succession and parliamentary supremacy.
