General Notes

Alexander III, b.  Sept.  4, 1241, d.  Mar.  18-19, 1286, king of Scotland,
succeeded his father, Alexander II, in 1249 while still a young boy.  Henry
III of England took advantage of the situation by trying to establish
suzerainty (political control) over Scotland, but the bishop of St.  Andrews,
with help from the papacy, prevented it.  In 1263 the Scottish king confronted
Haakon IV of Norway concerning the possession of the Hebrides and defeated the
Norwegians in the Battle of Largs.  Alexander established a united and
economically prosperous Scotland.  His sudden death, however--followed by that
of his heir, Margaret, maid of Norway--opened the way for Edward I of England
to intervene drastically in Scottish affairs.