Robert the Bruce

Turnberry Castle

Robert I and Isabella of Mar

Death of Comyn

Robert The Bruce Crowned King of Scots

At night when they gathered round the watch-fires, the king would read stories of the old books

Battle of Bannockburn - Bruce addresses troops

Robert the Bruce (11 July 1274 – 7 June 1329), also known as Robert I, was King of Scots from 1306 until his death in 1329. One of the most renowned warriors of his generation, Robert led Scotland during the First War of Scottish Independence against England. He fought successfully during his reign to regain Scotland's place as an independent country and is today remembered in Scotland as a national hero.

Early Life

Robert the Bruce was born on 11 July 1274 into an aristocratic Scottish family, the fourth great-grandson of David I of Scotland. His father, Robert de Brus, 6th Lord of Annandale, was one of the claimants to the Scottish throne during the "Great Cause," a succession crisis that followed the death of Margaret, Maid of Norway. His mother, Marjorie, Countess of Carrick, was the daughter of Niall, Earl of Carrick. Robert's family held estates in both England and Scotland, a factor that would play a significant role in his early life and career.

Claim to the Scottish Throne

The death of Alexander III of Scotland in 1286 and his granddaughter, Margaret, Maid of Norway, in 1290 left Scotland without a clear heir. Edward I of England was invited to arbitrate among the claimants, a process that led to the Treaty of Birgham and eventually Edward's assertion of overlordship over Scotland. Robert's grandfather, Robert de Brus, 5th Lord of Annandale, was a contender for the throne, but the crown was eventually awarded to John Balliol. The Bruce family was initially supportive of Edward I's involvement but became disenchanted, leading to a complex relationship with both Edward and Balliol.

Role in the Wars of Scottish Independence

Robert the Bruce's involvement in the Scottish independence movement was initially ambiguous. He supported Edward I at times but also participated in actions against the English king. His rivalry with John Comyn, another claimant to the Scottish throne, culminated in Bruce murdering Comyn in 1306 at the Greyfriars Church in Dumfries. This act led to his excommunication by the Pope but also cleared the way for his coronation as King of Scots.

Bruce's early reign was marked by military defeats, and he was forced into hiding by English forces. However, he returned to lead a successful guerrilla war against England. His most significant victory came in 1314 at the Battle of Bannockburn, a pivotal event in Scottish history that re-established Scotland as an independent kingdom.

Later Reign and Legacy

After Bannockburn, Robert the Bruce consolidated his control over Scotland and sought to strengthen its independence. He launched raids into Northern England and also fought to secure Scotland's borders. In 1320, the Declaration of Arbroath was sent to Pope John XXII, affirming Scotland's independence from England and the legitimacy of Bruce's kingship.

Robert the Bruce died on 7 June 1329. His heart was to be taken on a crusade by his close friend and lieutenant, James Douglas, but it never reached the Holy Land. Robert the Bruce's legacy is that of a fierce warrior and a national hero who secured Scotland's independence. His story has been romanticized in literature and film, most notably in the movie "Braveheart."

See Also

• Wars of Scottish Independence
• Edward I of England
• John Balliol
• Declaration of Arbroath