Robert the Bruce
His official title was Robert I (11 July 1274–7 June 1329) and he was King of Scots from March 25, 1306, until his death in 1329. Destinated to become one of Scotland's greatest Kings he led Scotland during the Wars of Scottish Independence against the England, claiming the Scottish throne as a fourth great-grandson of David I of Scotland. During his reign he lived to see Scotland gain its status as an independent Nation.
Today Bruce is remembered as a Scottish National hero. His body is buried in Dunfermline Abbey & his heart is buried in Melrose Abbey; his embalmed heart was taken on a crusade. Robert the Bruce's paternal ancestors were originally form Normandy (Scots-Norman) & on his maternal side he was Franco-Gaelic.
Robert the Bruce was one of the most popular Kings of Scotland and a well-known warrior. He led Scotland through the wars of Scottish independence against England. He was probably born in Turnberry Castle, Ayrshire in 1274 and became King in 1306. After the defeat by the English Army he lived by the Irish Sea. As a warrior he returned to Scotland to defeat an English Army at Loudoun. Only two years later he was able to hold his parliament by St. Andrews.
Between 1310 and 1314 he won control of Northern Scotland. After capturing the Castle of Edinburgh and Roxburgh he decided to take over Stirling Castle which was the last Castle under English control. Because of his limited resources Bruce had to find a good strategy to defeat the English knights in Stirling. Therefore he decided to attack from a stream by Stirling called Bannockburn. This battle was the worst one in English history and a great success for the Scots to gain control over their land again.
Robert the Bruce | William Wallace | Mary Queen of Scots | Rob Roy Macgregor | Reverend Kirk
Sir Walter Scott | Historical Buildings & Places to Visit
Click here to go back to the Main History Page
|