William the Lion

William the Lion was captured by English forces near Alnwick Castle during an invasion of Northumberland. He was taken prisoner to England, leading to the Treaty of Falaise where Scotland became a vassal state of England.

William the Lion signed the Treaty of Falaise, acknowledging Henry II of England as his feudal overlord. Scotland's castles were garrisoned by English troops, and William paid homage to the English king.

William the Lion founded Arbroath Abbey in Angus, dedicated to St. Thomas Becket. The abbey became a major religious center and later the site where the Declaration of Arbroath was drafted in 1320.

William the Lion paid 10,000 marks to Richard I of England to annul the Treaty of Falaise. This purchase restored Scotland's independence and ended English overlordship, with all English garrisons withdrawn from Scottish castles.