A Hero And An Outlaw
William Wallace may be the most famous Scottish freedom fighter in modern day, but another who outlived and even fought alongside him at one point was Robert the Bruce. Becoming an enemy of England and the law itself, he fought for Scotland’s independence and to claim his right to the Scottish throne. Facing impossible odds, Robert’s efforts would earn him the legacy of a national hero—even if he was a fugitive at the time.
1. He Had A Claim
Throughout his battles and never-ending trials, the thing that kept Robert the Bruce going was the desire for Scottish freedom and the belief that Scotland’s rule was his by right. Of course, he didn’t just wake up one day with a wish to be king. Born on July 11, 1274, his family was already of a royal lineage, and his later claim to the throne came from his paternal fourth great-grandfather, King David I of Scotland.
Growing up, he wouldn’t spend all his time with his immediate family.
2. They Took Him In
During their childhoods, Robert and his three brothers spent much of their time moving around and experiencing life from different perspectives, as was customary. Gaelic tradition dictated that the young royals would enter into the foster care of several Gaelic relatives who allied with the family.
This turned into quite the enriching experience.
3. He Learned A Lot
Concerning Robert’s foster families, he had an assortment of guardians from both sides of his family, ranging from Irish to Carrick, to Hebridean. Through these varying lifestyles and worldviews, Robert absorbed many influences, and some have posited that this is where he learned about the “hobelar” cavalry tactics he would often use later in life.
Unfortunately, this early time for him became intermingled with grief.
4. He Lost His Mother
When Robert was around 18 years old, his family was struck by tragedy with the passing of his mother, Countess Marjorie of Carrick. However, the larger Scottish political landscape was also in disarray as the recently vacant throne faced 13 possible claimants, including Robert’s grandfather, Robert de Brus, 5th Lord of Annandale.
Suddenly, their family experienced another shift.
5. They Moved Things Around
When King Edward I of England finally chose Scotland’s new ruler, Robert’s family was disappointed to learn they had lost out. Instead, John Balliol became the new King of Scots, meaning Robert’s grandfather needed to act quickly. He transferred his claim to Robert’s father, who only owned English lands, while Robert received his father’s earldom of Carrick.
Meanwhile, Robert made an important union.
6. They Got Together
As with any royal, and especially with his new title, Robert was likely expected to find a wife as soon as possible. He wouldn’t have to wait too long, as he and Isabella of Mar married in 1296, but their union wouldn’t last long. She passed later that year, either sometime after the birth of their child, Marjorie Bruce, or because of it.
At the same time, a divide was occurring on a larger scale.
7. They Picked A Side
At the behest of the Guardians of Scotland, King Edward had chosen John Balliol as king, but it didn’t mean they were on good terms. In fact, it didn’t take long for Balliol’s resentment towards Edward’s constant displays of control to boil over, and the two soon had a falling out. As for Robert’s family, they firmly stood against Balliol and therefore supported King Edward.
However, the fight was just getting started.
8. Their Enemies Arrived
Tensions escalated even further in early 1296, when those who supported John Balliol launched an attack on the city of Carlisle. This wasn’t just any random attack to prove a point, however, since Carlisle stood as the main residence of Robert’s family, and this was a direct affront to them.
Naturally, King Edward wasn’t just going to sit by.
9. He Retaliated
King Edward knew he had no choice but to remove King John from the throne, and the attack on Carlisle was the final nudge that got him going. Invading Scotland mere days after John’s supporters besieged the city, the English army moved through Berwick and seized the town in what became an especially nasty battle.
This initial conflict would soon come to an end.
10. He Took Him Down
This time, King Edward’s campaign in Scotland would only last for about another month, mostly due to the lack of strategic skill on King John’s part. In one short but decisive battle, the English defeated the Scottish forces and practically ended this first conflict, leading to King John’s removal and imprisonment.
Of course, this wouldn’t be the last resistance King Edward faced.
11. They Rebelled
Only a few months after England’s victory, Robert and his father were among 1,500 other noblemen who swore fealty to King Edward in Berwick. This didn’t seem to matter to Robert too much, considering he joined the ranks of James Stewart, 5th High Steward of Scotland, a year later, as they revolted against the English king.
This wasn’t a family decision, though.
12. He Was His Own Man
Robert’s father had also previously sworn fealty to King Edward, and as the next revolt began in 1297, he stayed out of it. It’s unknown whether he truly supported Robert in his new allegiance. However, the young Earl of Carrick was old enough to make his own decisions, even if several family friends had influenced him.
Still, others tried to sway him.
13. He Didn’t Listen
Although Robert was now marching with the other rebels against King Edward, some among the English couldn’t seem to accept this. As the fighting passed into the summer, Robert received orders to abandon his current allegiance and go to the aid of John de Warenne, the English commander. As expected, Robert ignored these letters.
Eventually, though, he changed his tune.
14. He Played Nice
Unfortunately, the Scots soon became overwhelmed with their own issues. In July 1297, they were preparing to battle at Irvine when their ranks began to fall apart. Knowing they couldn’t win with this dissension, several leaders—including Robert—negotiated the Capitulation of Irvine with King Edward, which pardoned their actions in exchange for their submission.
Following this, Robert soon got a leg up.
15. He Took The Job
Robert had fought alongside the likes of freedom-fighter William Wallace, who at this point was a Guardian of Scotland—until King Edward defeated him in the Battle of Falkirk. As a result, Wallace resigned his post, allowing Robert and a baron named John Comyn to take his place together. However, they couldn’t overcome their issues, and Robert resigned in 1300.
Meanwhile, he hadn’t forgotten his cause.
16. He Submitted
Although he was instrumental in the Capitulation of Irvine, Robert remained a supporter of Scottish independence. This was until the defeat of Wallace at Falkirk, which effectively ended this first iteration of their fight for freedom, and prompted Robert to submit to the English officially in 1302.
This wasn’t his only instance of moving on at this time, though.
17. He Remarried
Also in 1302, Robert had his second marriage to the much younger daughter of the 2nd Earl of Ulster, Elizabeth de Burgh. They wouldn’t have their first child, David, until 22 years later, and she would then welcome three more—one of which sadly passed at an early age. Still, there was more trouble on the way.
18. They Gave In
Several rebel groups still fought against the English, so in 1303, King Edward aimed to crush them once and for all. Leading another successful invasion of Scotland, all who hadn’t yet submitted to King Edward followed suit—with the notable exclusion of William Wallace. However, another noteworthy name that surrendered to the King was John Comyn, who was once again Guardian of Scotland.
All the while, Robert never stopped planning.
19. He Knew His Destiny
Robert may have submitted to King Edward several times already, but he would never stop fighting against the English, as he knew the Scottish throne belonged to him. Unfortunately, his former co-Guardian, John Comyn, not only had supported John Balliol but also staked his own claim to the throne through royal lineage on both sides of his family.
Suddenly, a solution appeared.
20. They Made A Deal
In mid-1305, Robert and Comyn were able to reach an arrangement that benefited both of them and would allow Robert to realize his destiny. Negotiating in secret, their written and signed agreement stated that if Robert led an uprising against King Edward, he would grant Comyn his lands. In exchange, Comyn would forfeit his claim to the throne.
As you might suspect, this didn’t end well.
21. He Warned Him
According to several accounts, Comyn’s agreement was only a ploy, as the baron quickly betrayed its secrecy to King Edward. The King immediately ordered Robert’s capture, but thankfully, the Earl of Gloucester sent a message to Robert in the form of a pair of spurs and 12 pence. Robert understood this warning and left for Scotland immediately.
Robert and Comyn’s next meeting was far less cordial.
22. They Started Fighting
Relations between Robert and Comyn had already been on shaky grounds, but this development had brought them to a whole new level. Therefore, when they met again on February 10, 1306, Robert immediately confronted Comyn. One thing led to another, and the argument turned physical, which resulted in Robert stabbing his rival.
This isn’t the only version of events, however.
23. He May Have Had Help
While it’s clear that Robert facilitated Comyn’s demise, another source from the following year claimed that they weren’t the only ones present. According to the Flores Historiarum’s version, Robert only hit his rival over the head, at which point his supporters emerged and drove their blades into Comyn.
There are also rumors as to what happened next—and it's far more cruel.
24. They Might Have Finished Him Off
The idea that Robert had assistance in the slaying of John Comyn went a bit further, as the Scotichronicon claims that Comyn didn’t perish then and there. In this telling, Comyn lived through the initial fight, but later received a visit from Robert’s men as he recovered, who then ended his life.
Following this, Robert sought redemption.
25. He Was Forgiven
Upon arriving in Glasgow, Robert knew that—unlike when fighting against an opposing army—he had sinned in the slaying of John Comyn. Wanting absolution, he visited Bishop Robert Wishart, his long-time friend. While the bishop granted his request and spoke up for him to his fellow clergy-members, the church still excommunicated Robert for his actions.
Despite this, Robert finally kicked off his biggest conflict yet.
26. He Began His Fight
Despite being an outlaw from the English for his actions against King Edward and the slaying of John Comyn, Robert was as steadfast as ever in his quest for Scottish independence. Beginning his campaign against England, he finally achieved his goal as Bishop William de Lamberton crowned him King of Scots on March 25, 1306.
Of course, in the coming conflict, he wasn’t undefeated.
27. They Were Ousted
King Edward pushed into Scotland that spring, this time to answer Robert’s challenge. The two sides met at the Battle of Methven, but Robert’s fortune would run out, forcing him to escape into hiding with a small group of men, including three of his brothers. As for his wife and daughters, they went to Kildrummy under the safety of Robert’s other brother, Neil.
Sadly, not all of his family was safe.
28. They Were Captured
During Robert’s absence, the English surged through Scotland and reached Kildrummy, where the Scottish king’s family was. Under Edward, Prince of Wales, the English took the castle and captured Robert’s brother, Nigel de Bruce, along with Robert’s wife and daughters. Not long after, King Edward ordered the execution of all of the Scottish king’s followers, so Nigel perished.
Eventually, Robert got right back on the horse.
29. They Came Back
While Robert stayed in hiding somewhere off the mainland, it’s still not completely clear where. Nonetheless, he and his men returned in February 1307, but knew the risk of capture was high. They split into two groups and arrived at different locations, but the English took the other group and executed them, including Robert’s brothers, Thomas and Alexander.
This time, Robert wouldn’t go down so easily.
30. He Kept Winning
Only a couple of months after getting back, Robert led his forces at the Battle of Glen Trool, emerging victorious against the English. This winning streak continued when he triumphed at the Battle of Loudoun Hill, and Robert’s enemies felt his encroaching threat as he moved from castle to castle, either capturing or burning them down.
Back in England, however, something big was happening.
31. He Took Over
For a while, King Edward’s commanders had been fighting for him in Scotland, but following the English defeat at Loudoun Hill, he decided to see to his campaign himself. However, this journey proved too difficult for him, and he soon passed on July 7 from dysentery. In his place, his son ascended the throne as the new King Edward II.
Meanwhile, Robert had run into his own problem.
32. He Wasn’t Well
As 1307 proceeded, Robert continued to strike fear into those who opposed him, but he again had to take some more time off before too long. Shortly after issuing a threat to the town of Banff, the collective toll of such a long and exhausting campaign finally caused him to fall ill.
Fortunately, unlike Edward I, Robert’s end hadn’t come yet.
33. He Got Better
Robert just needed a bit of rest, as he quickly returned to his campaign, only to face a somewhat familiar foe. Pushing on, he soon met John Comyn on the field of battle, but this wasn’t a case of resurrection. This was John Comyn, 3rd Earl of Buchan and cousin to the man slain by Robert, and a man whom Robert soundly defeated at the Battle of Inverurie in 1308.
Still, Robert remained unsatisfied.
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34. He Was Merciless
Robert knew that the whole Comyn clan was out for his blood, and that this second John Comyn wouldn’t be the end of it. To further deter them from moving against him, Robert ordered his men to pillage the lands that belonged to the clan in Buchan. Through this, he all but destroyed the Comyns’ century-long influence in Scotland.
Turns out, this was exactly what he needed.
35. They Acknowledged Him
While a bishop had performed Robert’s coronation, the Scottish church as a whole had still excommunicated him, resulting in him losing their support. Fortunately, this all changed in 1310, when the clergy of Scotland held a general council and acknowledged Robert’s status as king—despite him remaining excommunicated.
He still wasn’t done.
36. He Wouldn’t Stop
Robert had lost many of his family members and experienced a physical toll on his health, but he was nowhere near finished fighting. Whether it was due to him personally or the men fighting for him, English castles continued to fall to his forces steadily over the next three years.
Of course, England was due to retaliate.
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37. He Took His Turn
The conflict wore on as Edward II took the English throne, and by 1314, he had lost most of his castles in Scotland to Robert—who showed no sign of stopping. Eager to put an end to the Scottish king once and for all, King Edward gathered a force of around 20,000 men to march into Robert’s kingdom again.
Of course, some Scottish victories were easier than others.
38. He Gave It Up
Among Robert’s surviving family was his brother, Edward Bruce, who soon saw that some battles proved to be less difficult, such as his siege of Stirling Castle that spring. Knowing the nature of the oncoming battle, the castle’s Governor Philip de Mowbray struck a deal with the Scots that said if King Edward didn’t relieve him by June 24, he would surrender Stirling.
Naturally, someone wasn’t too happy about this.
39. He Heard About It
Governor Mowbray’s agreement with the Scots wasn’t any kind of secret, and once King Edward learned of the deal, it lit a fire under him. Not wanting to lose another castle to Robert, especially one as significant as Stirling, the English king spurred his forces on from Berwick to relieve the governor.
Robert was ready for him.
40. They Clashed
While Robert only commanded about 6,000 men, he prepared them for King Edward’s arrival. Finally, the enemy drew close to the Bannock Burn stream in June and intended to cross, only to find Robert’s men. Following a smaller fight, in which the English retreated, King Edward marched his men on until they ran into the Scottish army again at New Park.
This was to their disadvantage.
41. They Were Surprised
King Edward had proceeded toward New Park, and while he didn’t expect to see Robert’s forces for a while, he was sorely mistaken. The majority of Robert’s men emerged from the woods there, overwhelming the unprepared English, who already found it difficult to maneuver in the surrounding narrow terrain.
Edward's next move was so shocking—no one saw it coming.
42. He Ran Away
The English tried, unsuccessfully, to regain the upper hand, until it was clear that they were on track toward defeat. It was here that King Edward displayed a primary difference between himself and Robert, since while the Scottish king led his men in front and fought alongside them, King Edward ran away to Dunbar.
In the aftermath, Robert wanted to take things further.
43. He Wanted Another Crown
Robert had accomplished many incredible feats with very little, but he wasn’t content with the limits his army was under. Wanting to come at England from another front, he instructed his brother, Edward, to invade Ireland in 1315 and take the crown. In this, Edward gained some success, and he became High King of Ireland the following year.
Of course, Robert wasn’t going to let him have all the fun.
44. He Joined Him
Edward had accomplished the plan his brother had outlined, but he still had work to do, and Robert soon traveled to Ireland to aid in the conflict. Unfortunately, their time fighting together was short-lived, as Edward sadly perished amid the Battle of Faughart in 1318. Although the end to the fighting was still a while off, it was drawing ever closer.
45. He Relented
During the following decade, no other battles occurred on the same level as Robert’s victory against King Edward at Bannockburn, and fortunately, they didn’t seem necessary. After all the bloodshed and suffering, the new King Edward III acknowledged Scotland’s independence with the 1328 Treaty of Edinburgh–Northampton.
This year also saw another of Robert's issues resolved.
46. He Was Redeemed
By the time Scotland gained its independence, Robert and others had already taken steps to repair his relationship with the church, such as with the 1320 Declaration of Arbroath. These efforts were successful in 1328, when Pope John XXII finally lifted Robert’s excommunication. While this was cause for celebration, Robert was already dealing with something else.
47. He Came Down With Something
Around this time, Robert’s health was on a steady decline, as a sickness had plagued him for over a year. While many recorded this illness as leprosy, the term was commonly used by those at the time to describe several forms of skin disease, even eczema. Therefore, it’s unclear what exactly his ailment was.
Luckily, he had the strength for one more trip.
48. He Took A Journey
In keeping with his renewed connection to the church, Robert spent some of his last days traveling to Whithorn, specifically the shrine of Saint Ninian. While some posit this was to pray for a miracle cure, this journey allowed him to visit his son one last time, and possibly settle his spiritual affairs.
This wasn’t his final act of piety, though.
49. He Gave It All Away
Robert’s condition only worsened on his pilgrimage, but he was able to return home after visiting Saint Ninian’s shrine. There, as he lay on his deathbed, he ordered his men to send a great many gifts to various religious houses and foundations, hoping this might ensure his salvation.
Preparing for the worst, he made one final request—and it was utterly gruesome.
50. He Was Successful
After making a final request for his men to remove his heart and take it on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem upon his passing, Robert the Bruce succumbed to his illness on June 7, 1329. Although only 54 when he perished, there’s a good chance that in the end, he felt like he had fulfilled his destiny. All those years ago, he had set out to claim the Scottish crown and ensure the kingdom’s independence—both of which he succeeded in doing.