King Malcolm IV, Died at Jedburgh Castle

King Malcolm IV, of Scotland, (between 23 April and 24 May 1141 – 9 December 1165) nicknamed Virgo, “the Maiden” Malcolm the Maiden, died at Jedburgh Castle, Roxburghshire, Scotland on December 09, 1165. He was the grandson of David I and became the King of Scotland in 1153 at the age of 12, succeeding his grandfather. He was the King of Scotland until is his death, 1165.

Called Malcolm the Maiden by later chroniclers, a name which may incorrectly suggest weakness or effeminacy to modern readers, he was noted for his religious zeal and interest in knighthood and warfare. For much of his reign he was in poor health and died unmarried at the age of twenty-four. His premature death may have been hastened by Paget’s disease (a chronic disorder that typically results in enlarged and deformed bones).

Reign

Malcolm IV’s reign was marked by efforts to centralize royal authority, maintain peace with England, and address internal issues within the kingdom. He faced challenges from powerful nobles, particularly in the northern regions of Scotland.

As a new and young king, Malcolm also faced threats to his rule from his neighbours. Foremost among them were Somerled, King of Argyll; Fergus, Lord of Galloway; and Henry II, King of England. Only Rognvald Kali Kolsson, Earl of Orkney, was otherwise occupied (on a pilgrimage), and his death in 1158 brought the young and ambitious Harald Maddadsson to power in Orkney, who proved yet another threat to the young Malcolm.

Jedburgh Castle

Jedburgh Castle, where Malcolm IV died, was one of the royal castles during his reign. The circumstances of his death are not entirely clear, but he likely faced health issues. His death led to a period of succession challenges and conflicts in the Scottish monarchy during the late 12th century.