Robert the Bruce

11 July 1274 – 7 June 1329

Robert I, popularly known as Robert the Bruce, was King of Scots from 1306 until his death in 1329. He led Scotland during the First War of Scottish Independence against England, winning the decisive Battle of Bannockburn in 1314. His reign culminated in the Treaty of Edinburgh-Northampton of 1328, in which England recognized Scotland's independence.

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Lived at the same time

Well-documented people whose lives overlapped with Robert the Bruce.

Life events

Born, probably at Turnberry Castle in Ayrshire
11 July 1274

Robert was born into the powerful Bruce family, son of Robert de Brus, 6th Lord of Annandale, and Marjorie, Countess of Carrick.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Married Elizabeth de Burgh
1302

Robert married his second wife, Elizabeth de Burgh, daughter of the Earl of Ulster; she later became Queen of Scots.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Killed John Comyn at Greyfriars Church in Dumfries
10 February 1306

Robert stabbed his rival John Comyn before the altar of the Greyfriars church, an act that led to his excommunication and precipitated his bid for the throne.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Crowned King of Scots at Scone
25 March 1306

Robert was crowned King of Scots at Scone, openly defying Edward I of England.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Defeated and driven into hiding
June 1306 – February 1307

After defeats at Methven and Dalrigh, Robert fled the Scottish mainland and spent the winter in hiding while his family and supporters were captured or executed.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Won the Battle of Loudoun Hill
10 May 1307

Returning to the mainland, Robert defeated an English force under Aymer de Valence at Loudoun Hill, beginning the recovery of his kingdom.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Won the Battle of Bannockburn
23 June 1314 – 24 June 1314

Robert decisively defeated the much larger English army of Edward II near Stirling, the greatest Scottish victory of the wars of independence.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Declaration of Arbroath sent to the Pope
6 April 1320

Scottish nobles sent the Declaration of Arbroath to Pope John XXII, asserting Scotland's independence and Robert's right to the throne.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Treaty of Edinburgh-Northampton recognized Scottish independence
17 March 1328

England formally recognized Scotland as an independent kingdom and Robert as its king.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Died at Cardross, Dunbartonshire
7 June 1329

Robert died at his manor of Cardross after a long illness; his body was buried at Dunfermline Abbey and his heart taken on crusade toward the Holy Land.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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