The Boyd faction made itself unpopular, especially with the king, through self-aggrandisement. He succeeded his father James II on 3 August 1460 and was crowned at Kelso Abbey, Roxburghshire, a week later.ĭuring his childhood, the government was led by three successive factions, first the King's mother, Mary of Guelders (1460–1463) (who briefly secured the return of the burgh of Berwick to Scotland), then James Kennedy, Bishop of St Andrews, and Gilbert, Lord Kennedy (1463–1466), then Robert, Lord Boyd (1466–1469). His most recent biographer, the historian Norman Macdougall, argued strongly for late May 1452 at St Andrews, Fife. The place of birth was either Stirling Castle or the Castle of St Andrews, depending on the year. Claims were made that he was born in May 1452, or 10 or 20 July 1451. His exact date and place of birth have been a matter of debate. James was born to James II of Scotland and Mary of Guelders.
His reputation as the first Renaissance monarch in Scotland has sometimes been exaggerated, based on attacks on him in later chronicles for being more interested in such unmanly pursuits as music than hunting, riding and leading his kingdom into war.
James was an unpopular and ineffective monarch owing to an unwillingness to administer justice fairly, a policy of pursuing alliance with the Kingdom of England, and a disastrous relationship with nearly all his extended family.