Scotland Alexander III Silver Farthing 1249-1286AD exceptional

Scotland Alexander III Silver Farthing 1249-1286AD exceptional
12mm, 0.37g

Alexander III ascended the throne at eight years old; building a powerful dynasty, he is recognised for successfully removing Norse influence from the Western Isles of Scotland. His early kingship was turbulent when Scotland was governed by rival factions that clashed for authority, during which the infant king was kidnapped at one point, in an attempt to force a power-sharing arrangement.

In 1251 Alexander was married to Margaret, the daughter of King Henry III of England, after which Henry attempted to force his youthful son-in-law to recognise him as the overlord of Scotland. In 1262 Alexander took direct control of his kingdom and progressed the work commenced by his father Alexander II.