A Walk through History
A walk through the History of Robert the Bruce, King of Scotland
The Beginning
Robert the Bruce, also known as Robert I, was a significant figure in Scottish history. Born on July 11, 1274, he became King of Scots in 1306 and ruled until his death in 1329. He is best known for leading Scotland during the First War of Scottish Independence against England. His most notable victory was at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314, where he defeated a much larger English army, securing Scotland’s independence.
Robert the Bruce’s leadership and military strategy were crucial in restoring Scotland as an independent kingdom. He is celebrated as a national hero in Scotland.
Invasion
Robert I defeated his other opponents, destroying their strongholds and devastating their lands, and in 1309 held his first parliament. A series of military victories between 1310 and 1314 won him control of much of Scotland, and at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314, Robert defeated a much larger English army under Edward II of England, confirming the re-establishment of an independent Scottish kingdom. The battle marked a significant turning point, with Robert’s armies now free to launch devastating raids throughout northern England, while he also expanded the war against England by sending armies to invade Ireland, and appealed to the Irish to rise against Edward II’s rule.
Despite Bannockburn and the capture of the final English stronghold at Berwick in 1318, Edward II refused to renounce his claim to the overlordship of Scotland. In 1320, the Scottish nobility submitted the Declaration of Arbroath to Pope John XXII, declaring Robert as their rightful monarch and asserting Scotland’s status as an independent kingdom.
Ultimately Pope John honored the declaration of Arbroath and gave in, subsequently acknowledging Robert the Bruce as the Lawful King of the Independant nation of Scotland.
Legacy
Robert died on 7 June 1329, at the Manor of Cardross, near Dumbarton. Apart from failing to fulfill a vow to undertake a crusade he died utterly fulfilled, in that the goal of his lifetime’s struggle — untrammelled recognition of the Bruce right to the crown — had been realised, and confident that he was leaving the kingdom of Scotland safely in the hands of his most trusted lieutenant, Moray until his infant son reached adulthood. Six days after his death, to complete his triumph still further, papal bulls were issued granting the privilege of unction at the coronation of future Kings of Scots.
the Declaration of Arbroath
The Declaration of Arbroath is a letter dated 6 April 1320. Written by Scottish barons and addressed to Pope John XXII, it sought recognition of Scotland’s independence and acknowledged Robert the Bruce as the country’s lawful king.
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