The capture of King David II of Scotland at the Battle of Neville's Cross was a defining episode in the Anglo-Scottish Wars. Leading his forces against an English army, King David sought to reclaim Scottish territories and bolster his position after ascending to the throne in 1329. The battle occurred on October 17, 1346, in County Durham, when David's forces faced the heavily armed English troops led by the Earl of Salisbury. The Scots were outmaneuvered and suffered a significant defeat, paving the way for the English to capture the Scottish king himself.

David II was taken prisoner and spent the next eleven years in captivity, which resulted in a power vacuum in Scotland and a significant shift in the political dynamics of the region. His imprisonment led to a period of turbulence as rival factions vied for control of the Scottish crown in his absence. Meanwhile, England capitalized on this instability, further asserting its dominance over Scottish affairs.

David was eventually released in 1357, compelled to make considerable concessions to England, including substantial ransom payments. This period in captivity not only altered Scotland's political trajectory but also impacted the broader relationship between England and Scotland, setting the stage for future conflicts and negotiations as each kingdom sought to reclaim dominance and control over the other in the years to come.