King James II was killed in the siege of Roxburgh Castle - On this day in history

King James II was killed during the siege of Roxburgh Castle on 3 August 1460, whilst trying to take the castle from English hands. James II was a keen devotee of firearms and cannon and was killed when a cannon known as 'the lion', imported from Flanders, exploded. The siege continued after the king's death and the castle, which was one of the last to remain in English hands following the Wars of Independence, fell a few days later.

James II was succeeded by his son James III, who was nine years old at the time of his father's death. James II's wife Mary of Guelders acted as regent until her own death in 1463.

QUICK LINK: STRANGE DEATHS OF MEDIEVAL KINGS