This Day in History: 1040-08-14
In 1040 Macbeth became King of Scotland.
Macbeth’s cousin, Duncan was King of Scotland from 1034 until when he was killed in battle by the forces under Macbeth on the 14th of August 1040. Macbeth Then became King of Scotland and is believed to be the first king to introduce feudalism to Scotland. Duncan’s widow, Suthed, was from an influential family in Northumbria, England and when Macbeth accepted Normans into his court he created tensions between himself and the last Saxon King of England, Edward the confessor. In retaliation for the murder of Suthed’s husband, Duncan, the Earl of Northumbria led an invasion of Scotland. The English forces, which included Duncan’s son and heir Malcolm, met with the forces of Scotland led by Macbeth. During the Battle Malcolm killed Macbeth on the 15th of August 1057 and subsequently became King Malcolm III of Scotland.
The Story of Duncan and Macbeth became legend early in the 17th century the story of Macbeth was written by William Shakespeare, which was very loosely based on the legend.