WI: King William of Scotland is killed at the Battle of Alnwick?

In 1174, King William of Scotland invaded Northumbria during the rebellion against King Henry II of England by his wife and sons, but was defeated by English forces at the Battle of Alnwick. IOTL, William was captured after his horse was killed beneath him and forced to sign the Treaty of Falaise. But what if during the battle, William's horse had crushed him and he died from his injuries on the battlefield or in English captivity? He had no children at the time, so the next in line for the Scottish throne would be his brother, David, Earl of Huntingdon, who also had no children. If David dies without issue, then next in line is their eldest sister, Ada, and her sons, Dirk and William of Holland.

Any thoughts?
 
Bumping for interest. I guess the main question I should have asked was "How would William's ATL death at Alnwick affect Scotland, England and English-Scottish relationships?" Since David aided his brother in the rebellion, perhaps Henry II would strip him of the Earldom of Huntigdon?
 
I imagine Henry does strip David of his earldom and either
Imprisons him if he can, or begins planning a retaliatory raid as soon as possible. David as the new king has to find a wife as soon as possible, something Henry no doubt tries to influence.
 
I imagine Henry does strip David of his earldom and either imprisons him if he can, or begins planning a retaliatory raid as soon as possible. David as the new king has to find a wife as soon as possible, something Henry no doubt tries to influence.

Well, there's no one who really springs to mind in Scotland, England or France. I could be wrong. I often am. David's OTL wife, Matilda of Chester, is three years old at this point. One possibility is Sophia, eldest daughter of King Valdemar I of Denmark. Or maybe Alice of Courtenay, King Louis VII's niece and OTL mother of Isabella of Angouleme.

EDIT: I also just realised that the first Battle of Alnwick in 1093 was where King Malcolm III of Scotland, William and David's great-grandfather, was also killed. If William dies at Alnwick ITTL, maybe there might be myths or legends springing up around Alnwick town/castle.
 
Last edited:
A marriage to Sophia could be quite interesting and would avoid some issues with Henry over a French connection. Though marriage to Alice brings its own possibilities. I'd hold in for Alice myself.

And oh aye.
 
Top