John de Coupland

John de Coupland (died 1363), also known as John Copeland, was the squire from Northumberland who captured David II of Scotland after the Battle of Neville's Cross in 1346. He was knighted for his actions, becoming a powerful figure in the north of England. However, his ruthless pursuit of power produced many enemies. He was ambushed and killed in 1363.

Capture of David II

John de Coupland captured David II in the aftermath of the Battle of Neville's Cross on 16 October 1346. Sources state David was seriously wounded, struck by two arrows in the head, but attempted to fight off Coupland and managed to knock out two of his teeth. Upon David's capture, Coupland rode away from the site for 15 leagues until he came to a castle in Ogle. There he secured his prisoner. When Queen Philippa heard of David's capture, she requested Coupland bring him to her at once. Coupland refused, stating he would only surrender his prisoner to the King of England himself. Philippa then wrote to King Edward III, who was in Calais, to inform him of Coupland's actions. The king then summoned Coupland to Calais. Coupland secured David in a castle, rode to Dover then continued to Calais by sea.

King David had recently been released and returned to Scotland. Coupland was an opponent of peace with Scotland, and was seen as a hardliner who profited from war. Penman does not rule out David's involvement in his former captor's death. Coupland would have to be "pacified or otherwise neutralised" to ensure a peace deal.

In literature As "John Copland" he appears in the Elizabethan play Edward III, in which he gives a series of chivalric speeches defending his honour.