King Alexander III of Scotland died on the night of 18-19 March 1286 when his horse lost its footing on the cliffs near Kinghorn in Fife during a violent storm. He had insisted on crossing the Forth despite warnings about the weather and had dined at Edinburgh Castle with his council. His body was found the next morning on the beach. The death of this capable king -- at only 44, newly remarried and attempting to produce an heir -- was catastrophic for Scotland. It triggered the Interregnum, the Maid of Norway episode, the Great Cause, and ultimately the Wars of Independence. The cliff edge where he died is marked today.
Alexander III killed
No military engagement
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