15th , 1040
Duncan I (1001 - August 15, 1040) was a son of Crinan the Thane de Mormaer, lay abbot of Dunkeld, and Princess Bethoc of Scotland. He became King of the Scots in succession to his maternal grandfather Malcolm II in 1034, having previously ruled as rex Cumbrorum in Strathclyde. His accession is said to be the first example of inheritance of the Scottish throne in the direct line.
Duncan was known as Duncan The Gracious, a title that was not entirely complimentary. His uncaring approach to matters of state made him unpopular both with his subjects and the nobility. Not a strong ruler, he is chiefly known today through his connection with Macbeth, which has been immortalized by Shakespeare. The feud between these two princes originated probably in a dispute over the succession to the throne; its details, however, are obscure, and the only fact which can be stated with any certainty is that Duncan was slain in battle by Macbeth, near Elgin in Morayshire on August 15, 1040.
Duncan is a king whos reputation improved due to his portrayal by Shakespeare in Macbeth. In Macbeth he was a gentle, wise old man, in reality he was young and as war-inclined as other kings of the period, although not considered to be a particularly able ruler. He was the grandson and tanaise of Malcolm II and son of Crinan, lay Abbot of Dunkeld, and Bethoc as well as being the ruler of Cumbria (Strathclyde), in fact he was the last to be so called. Duncans brother, Maldred, married into the Earl of Northumbrias house by wedding the sister of Earl Eadulf, she was also the daughter of Earl Uhtred of Cumberland. Duncan himself married a cousin of the Earl of Northumbria and they had two sons, Malcolm and Donald, both of whom became king of Scotland. These English connections were to cause problems in the future, especially for Duncans successor Macbeth.
In 1039, Duncan marched south to besiege Durham, but was defeated with heavy losses. He also attempted to seize control of Moray, but was twice defeated by the Earl of Orkneys son, Thorfinn, before being killed in battle. He was killed at Bothnguane and buried at Iona.
Details of Duncans marital life are a matter of debate among historians. The Scottish Regnal List I calls her Suthen, and John of Fordun calls her a kinswoman of Siward Biornsson, Earl of Northumbria. The United Kingdoms official History of the Monarchy states that she was Siwards cousin. Two of Duncans sons, Malcolm III Canmore and Donald Bane, were afterwards kings of the Scots. Little is also known historically concerning Duncans reign. It is known that he fought against his cousin, Thorfinn, Earl of Orkney, twice and was defeated on both occasions, as he was when he pursued a siege against Durham in 1039, this time with heavy casualties. He was king for only six years and in that time he sallied into northern England on several occasions. He died in battle against Macbeth and this may have occured near Birnam Woods as he is said to have held court on Birnam Hill, near Dunkeld.
