Heritage > Rulers


Robert I, Robert the Bruce, 1306-1329

Robert the Bruce was born in Essex in 1274, he gained the throne of Scotland when aged 31.

He came to prominence during the interregnum which had lasted between 1296 and 1306. He had assumed the crown through the act of murdering one of his two co-rulers who had been appointed by the Council of Magnates. He murdered Sir John Comyn in a church in Dumfries and was immediately excommunicated by the Pope. His action brought the wrath of King Edward I of England who attempted to capture him. The English were perfectly happy to have Scotland as a colony under a somewhat divisionary rule the menace of a new King of Scotland could not be tolerated.

It is not until the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314 that the English were driven out of Scotland. Edward II found himself hard pressed to stop Robert's countless excursions into the northern territories of England. It was not until 1328 that Scottish independence was once more recognised by the English, at this time with Edward III as their king. In the Treaty of Northampton this recognition was duly sealed by way of marriage, as was the custom in these days, with Joanna, sister of Edward marrying Robert's son, David. One clause in the Treaty was never honoured though. The Stone of Destiny was not returned to Scone.

It is from Robert the Bruce's children that a latter great house was born. He was married twice, his first wife being Isabella and his second being Elizabeth. Isabella provided him with one daughter, Marjorie. Marjorie was to become the founder of the Stewart lineage. Elizabeth provided him with four children; Matilda, David, Margaret and John.

It is said that upon his death, Robert the Bruce's heart was taken to the Holy Land by Sir James Douglas. Although this loyal knight died fighting the Moors in Spain the heart was returned to Scotland and buried in Melrose.

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