The British History Podcast 468 – Regicide’s Back On The Menu Boys
Feb 11, 2025
King Malcolm Canmore reached his breaking point while navigating tumultuous diplomatic relations with King Rufus of England. The brutal quest for power included ruthless military campaigns that devastated innocent lives. After Queen Margaret's death, a chaotic succession struggle unfolded, pitting her brother Donald against Duncan for the crown. The ongoing conflicts also spotlighted Welsh resistance to Norman invasions and the complexities of shifting power dynamics. Political turmoil hinted at future ambitions of regicide amid escalating territorial tensions.
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Malcolm's Breaking Point
- King Malcolm Canmore sought peace with Norman England, even potentially offering his daughter as Rufus's wife.
- Rufus, however, was uninterested in diplomacy, leading to Malcolm's breaking point and invasion of England.
Collateral Damage
- Malcolm's invasion targeted innocent peasants, not Rufus directly.
- This highlights how common people suffered due to conflicts between rulers.
Conflicting Accounts
- English chroniclers depict Malcolm's attack as savage.
- However, their potential Norman bias needs consideration, given their interest in blaming Scotland for the North's condition.