Trent & Peak Archaeology / The University of Nottingham

King David’s Dungeon  Castle Rock cave CD5 King David’s Dungeon King David II of Scotland David was the only surviving son of Robert I of Scotland and became King on the 7th of June 1329 age 5.  Under the terms of the Treaty of Edinburgh and Northampton David was married to Joanna sister of King Edward III on the 17th of July 1328, he was just four years old!.  Given David’s age at the time of the Treaty the English questioned David’s ability to rule.  In light of this King Edward III of England formed an alliance with Edward Balliol supporting him in his  claim to the Scottish crown.   On the 12th of August 1332 at the Battle of Dupplin in Perthshire David was defeated and on the 24th of September Edward Balliol was crowned King of Scots.   Following another defeat at the battle of Haildon Hill in July 1333, David and his wife fled to France.  David returned to Scotland in June 1341 by which time his supporters had regained control of the country and Balioll had been driven away.  In 1346 David attacked England in support of France but he lost the battle at Neville’s Cross and was captured by the English.  The story of King David II being held captive in the dungeon at Nottingham castle is first recorded by John Leland (antiquary to Henry VIII) on his visit to Nottingham in 1537.  It has been suggested that ‘Davy, King of Scots’ carved a crucifixion scene on the walls of his cell using his finger nails! Romylowe’s Cave Between 1358 and 1367 a significant amount of money was spent on repairing and rebuilding the castle.  The work was overseen by constable of Nottingham castle Steven Romylowe who gave his name to Romylowe’s tower built in 1362 and later Romylowe’s cave.