James V of Scotland vs Richard II of England

James V married Mary of Guise, a French noblewoman, as his second wife. The marriage strengthened the Auld Alliance with France and produced a daughter, Mary, who would become Mary Queen of Scots.

James V executed James Hamilton of Finnart, a powerful noble and former regent, for treason. The execution was part of James's policy to curb noble power and centralize royal authority, but it created lasting enmity with the Hamilton family.

James V conducted a campaign to suppress the Lords of the Isles, who had long held semi-independent power in the Highlands and Islands. He executed the last Lord of the Isles, Donald Dubh, and annexed their territories to the crown.

James V's Scottish army was routed by a smaller English force at Solway Moss near the River Esk. The defeat was a humiliating disaster, with many Scottish nobles captured. James V died shortly after, reportedly of despair.

Richard II faced the Peasants' Revolt, a major uprising led by Wat Tyler. The rebels marched on London, demanding an end to serfdom and poll taxes. Richard met them at Smithfield, where Tyler was killed, and the revolt was suppressed.

The Lords Appellant, a group of nobles, took control of the government through the Merciless Parliament. They executed or exiled Richard's favorites, severely limiting his power and humiliating the king.

Richard II was deposed by his cousin Henry Bolingbroke, who returned from exile and seized the throne. Richard was imprisoned and forced to abdicate, ending his reign and beginning the Lancastrian dynasty.

Richard II died at Pontefract Castle, likely starved to death on orders of Henry IV. His death ended the Plantagenet line of direct succession and led to the Wars of the Roses.