On this day in 1165 William I, "The Lion", was crowned at Scone.
He was known as "The Lion" because of his standard, a red lion rampant on a yellow background, which remains Scotland's royal standard today. His 50-year reign was initially marked by conflicts with Henry II of England, during which William was captured and had to pay homage to Henry in exchange for his release, and sign the humiliating Treaty of Falaise. The Scottish subjects were taxed heavily to cover the cost of the English forces' occupation of their country. 15 years later Richard I, seeking funds for his crusades, released Scotland from this treaty in exchange for a huge sum of money.
