Biography of King Robert the Bruce I of Scotland 1274-1329

Paternal Family Tree: Bruce of Annandale

Maternal Family Tree: Adela Valois Countess Blois and Vermandois

Descendants Family Tree: King Robert the Bruce I of Scotland 1274-1329

In 1271 [his father] Robert Bruce Earl Carrick (age 27) and [his mother] Marjorie Carrick 3rd Countess Carrick (age 18) were married at Turnberry Castle. He by marriage Earl Carrick. She the daughter of [his grandfather] Niall Carrick 2nd Earl Carrick and [his grandmother] Margaret Stewart Countess Carrick. They were third cousins. He a great x 4 grandson of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England.

On 11 Jul 1274 King Robert the Bruce I of Scotland was born to Robert Bruce Earl Carrick (age 31) and Marjorie Carrick 3rd Countess Carrick (age 21) at Turnberry Castle.

In 1296 King Robert the Bruce I of Scotland (age 21) and Isabella Mar (age 43) were married. The difference in their ages was 21 years; she, unusually, being older than him. She the daughter of Donald Mar 7th Earl Mar and Elen ferch Llewellyn Aberffraw Countess Huntingdon and Mar. He the son of Robert Bruce Earl Carrick (age 52) and Marjorie Carrick 3rd Countess Carrick. He a great x 5 grandson of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England. She a great granddaughter of King John "Lackland" of England.

In 1296 [his daughter] Marjory Bruce was born to King Robert the Bruce I of Scotland (age 21) and [his wife] Isabella Mar (age 43). She a great x 2 granddaughter of King John "Lackland" of England.

On 12 Dec 1296 [his wife] Isabella Mar (age 43) died. She was buried at Paisley Abbey.

In 1302 King Robert the Bruce I of Scotland (age 27) and Elizabeth Burgh Queen Consort Scotland (age 18) were married. She the daughter of Richard "Red Earl" Burgh 2nd Earl Ulster (age 43) and Margaret Burgh Countess Ulster. He the son of Robert Bruce Earl Carrick (age 58) and Marjorie Carrick 3rd Countess Carrick. He a great x 5 grandson of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England.

Battle of Happrew

Around 20 Feb 1304 a chevauchée of English knights including Robert Clifford 1st Baron Clifford (age 29), William Latimer 2nd Baron Latimer of Corby (age 28), John Mohun 1st Baron Dunster (age 35), John Segrave 2nd Baron Segrave (age 48) and the future King Robert the Bruce I of Scotland (age 29) attempted, unsuccessfully, to capture Simon Fraser and William Wallace at Happrew, Peebles during the Battle of Happrew.

Robert "The Bruce" murders John "Red" Comyn

John of Fordun's Chronicle of the Scottish Nation Book 4 Chapter 117. 1305. The same year, after the aforesaid Robert (age 30) had left the king of England (age 65) and returned home, no less miraculously than by God's grace, a day is appointed for him and the aforesaid John (age 36) to meet together at Dumfries [Map]; and both sides repair to the above-named place. John Comyn is twitted with his treachery and belied troth. The lie is at once given. The evil-speaker is stabbed, and wounded unto death, in the church of the Friars [Map]; and the wounded man is, by the friars, laid behind the altar. On being asked by those around whether he could live, straightway his answer is: - "I can." His foes, hearing this, give him another wound; - and thus was he taken away from this world on the 10th of February.

On 10 Feb 1305 John Comyn 3rd Lord Baddenoch (age 36) was murdered by Robert the Bruce (age 30), future King of Scotland, before the High Altar of the Greyfriars Monastery Chapel [Map]. Robert Comyn, John's uncle, was killed by Christopher Seton (age 27). Christopher's brother John Seton (age 27) was also present.

Murder, in a church, in front of the altar, regarded as a terrible crime. The act gave King Edward I of England (age 65) cause to invade Scotland. Robert the Bruce was ex-communicated by the Pope for his actions.

King Edward I of England charged Bishop David de Moravia as being complicit in the murder.

Coronation of Robert the Bruce

On 27 Mar 1306, Palm Sunday, King Robert the Bruce I of Scotland (age 31) was crowned King Scotland at Scone Abbey [Map] by Bishop of St Andrews and Bishop Robert Wishart. [his wife] Elizabeth Burgh Queen Consort Scotland (age 22) was crowned Queen Consort Scotland. Christopher Seton (deceased) and Bishop David de Moravia were present. He was wearing royal robes and vestments previously hidden from the English by Bishop Robert Wishart.

The following day, 28 Mar 1306, King Robert the Bruce I of Scotland was crowned by Isabella Countess Buchan whose family held the hereditary right to place the crown on the King's head; she had arrived too late for the coronation the day before. The right was held by her brother Duncan Fife 4th Earl Fife (age 18) who was under-age and held by the English so she assumed the right in his place.

Battle of Methven

On 19 Jun 1306 the forces of Aymer de Valence 2nd Earl Pembroke (age 31) including Robert Pierrepont ambushed and routed the Scottish army of King Robert the Bruce I of Scotland (age 31) including Simon Fraser, Christopher Seton and John Strathbogie 9th Earl Atholl (age 40) at Methven during the Battle of Methven. John Strathbogie 9th Earl Atholl was captured as well as many others.

Battle of Loch Ryan and the Execution of the Bruce Brothers

On 09 Feb 1307 the Battle of Loch Ryan was a victory of local forces, led by Dungal MacDowall, supporter of King Edward I, over a force consisting of 1000 men and eighteen galleys led by [his brother] Thomas Bruce (age 23) and [his brother] Alexander Bruce (age 22), brothers of King Robert the Bruce I of Scotland (age 32), supported by Malcolm McQuillan, Lord of Kintyre, and Sir Reginald Crawford. Only two galleys escaped. Malcolm McQuillan was captured an summarily executed.

Thomas Bruce, Alexander Bruce and Reginald Crawford were hanged (possibly hanged, drawn and quartered) at Carlisle, Cumberland [Map].

Close Rolls Edward II 1307-1313. 12 Dec 1307 King Edward II of England (age 23). Westminster Palace [Map]. To John de Brittania, Earl of Richmond, [keeper] of Scotland. Order to restore to Aymer de Valencia (age 32), Earl of Pembrok, his lands, etc., in the counties of Sellekyrk [Selkirkshire] and Twedale and in the forest of Sellekyrk, which he has seized into the king's hands because the men and tenants of the same had late traitoroursly adhered to Robert de Brus (age 33), the king's enemy and rebel.

In 1310 Robert the Bruce (age 35) captured Harbottle Castle, Northumberland [Map].

Battle of Bannockburn

On 24 Jun 1314 the Scottish army of King Robert the Bruce I of Scotland (age 39) including, James "Black" Douglas (age 28), heavily defeated the English army led by King Edward II of England (age 30) at the Battle of Bannockburn.

Gilbert de Clare 8th Earl Gloucester 7th Earl Hertford (age 23) was killed. Earl Gloucester, Earl Hertford extinct.

John Comyn 4th Lord Baddenoch (age 20), Robert Felton 1st Baron Felton (age 44) and William Vesci were killed.

William Marshal 1st Baron Marshal (age 36) was killed. His son John Marshal 2nd Baron Marshal (age 22) succeeded 2nd Baron Marshal.

Robert Clifford 1st Baron Clifford (age 40) was killed. His son Roger Clifford 2nd Baron Clifford (age 14) succeeded 2nd Baron de Clifford.

John Lovell 2nd Baron Lovel (age 25) was killed. His son John Lovell 3rd Baron Lovel succeeded 3rd Baron Lovel of Titchmarsh.

Henry Bohun was killed by King Robert the Bruce I of Scotland. He was buried in Llanthony Secunda Priory, Gloucestershire [Map].

Walter Fauconberg 2nd Baron Fauconberg (age 50) possilby died although his death is also reported as being on 31 Dec 1318.

Bartholomew Badlesmere 1st Baron Badlesmere (age 38), Humphrey Bohun 4th Earl Hereford 3rd Earl Essex (age 38), Goronwy ap Tudur Hen Tudor, Henry Beaumont Earl Buchan (age 35), Aymer de Valence 2nd Earl Pembroke (age 39) and Robert Umfraville 8th Earl Angus (age 37) fought.

Pain Tiptoft 1st Baron Tibetot (age 34) was killed. His son John Tiptoft 2nd Baron Tibetot succeeded 2nd Baron Tibetot.

John Montfort 2nd Baron Montfort (age 23) was killed. Peter Montfort 3rd Baron Montfort (age 23) succeeded 3rd Baron Montfort.

Thomas Grey (age 34) undertook a suicidal charge that contributed to the English defeat and subsequently blemished his career.

William Latimer 2nd Baron Latimer of Corby (age 38) was captured.

Michael Poynings (age 44) was killed.

In 1315 [his son-in-law] Walter Stewart 6th High Steward (age 19) and [his daughter] Marjory Bruce (age 19) were married. She the daughter of King Robert the Bruce I of Scotland (age 40) and [his former wife] Isabella Mar. They were second cousin once removed. She a great x 2 granddaughter of King John "Lackland" of England.

In 1320 [his sister-in-law] Matilda Burgh Countess Gloucester and Hertford (age 32) died.

On 17 Jun 1320 Bishop David de Moravia and King Robert the Bruce I of Scotland (age 45) and other Scottish nobles and clergy, by Pope John XXII, as an enemy of King Edward II of England.

On 05 Mar 1324 [his son] John Bruce was born to King Robert the Bruce I of Scotland (age 49) and [his wife] Elizabeth Burgh Queen Consort Scotland (age 40) at Dunfermline Abbey, Dunfermline.

On 05 Mar 1324 [his son] King David II of Scotland was born to King Robert the Bruce I of Scotland (age 49) and [his wife] Elizabeth Burgh Queen Consort Scotland (age 40) at Dunfermline Abbey, Dunfermline.

Froissart Book 1 Chapter 15. After that sir John of Hainault (age 39) was departed from king Edward (age 14), he and the queen (age 32) his mother governed the realm by the counsel of the earl of Kent (age 25), uncle to the king, and by the counsel of sir Roger Mortimer (age 39), who had great lands in England to the sum of seven hundred pounds of rent yearly. And they both were banished and chased out of England with the queen, as ye have heard before. Also they used much after the counsel of sir Thomas Wake (age 30), and by the advice of other who were reputed for the most sagest of the realm. Howbeit there were some had envy thereat, the which never died in England, and also it reigneth and will reign in divers other countries. Thus passed forth the winter and the Lent season till Easter, and then the king and the queen and all the realm was in good peace all this season. Then so it fortuned that king Robert of Scotland (age 52), who had been right hardy and had suffered much travail against Englishmen, and oftentimes he had been chased and discomfited in the time of king Edward the first, grandfather to this young king Edward the third, he was as then become very old and ancient, and sick (as it was said) of the great evil and malady. When he knew the adventures that was fallen in England, how that the old king Edward the second (age 42) was taken and deposed down from his regaly and his crown, and certain of his counsellors beheaded and put to destruction, as ye have heard herebefore, then he bethought him that he would defy the young king Edward the third, because he was young and that the barons of the realm were not all of one accord, as it was said: therefore he [thought] the better to speed in his purpose to conquer part of England. And so about Easter in the year of our Lord MCCCXXVII. he sent his defiance to the young king Edward the third and to all the realm, sending them word how that he would enter into the realm of England and bren before him as he had done beforetime at such season as the discomfiture was at the castle of Stirling [Map], whereas the Englishmen received great damage. When the king of England and his council perceived that they were defied, they caused it to be known over all the realm, and commanded that all the nobles and all other should be ready apparelled every man after his estate, and that they should be by Ascension-day next after at the town of York [Map], standing northward. The king sent much people before to keep the frontiers against Scotland, and sent a great ambassade to sir John of Hainault, praying him right affectuously that he would help to succour and to keep company with him in his voyage against the Scots, and that he world be with him at the Ascensionday next after at York [Map], with such company as he might get of men of war in those parts. When sir John of Hainault lord of Beaumont heard the king's desire, he sent straight his letters and his messengers in every place whereas he thought to recover or attain to have any company of men of war, in Flanders, in Hainault, in Brabant, and in other places, desiring them that in their best apparel for the war they would meet him at Wissant [Map], for to go over the sea with him into England. And all such as he sent unto came to him with a glad cheer, and divers other that heard thereof, in trust to attain to as much honour as they had that were with him in England before at the other voyage. So that by that time the said lord Beaumont was come to Wissant [Map], there was ready ships for him and his company, brought out of England. And so they took shipping and passed over the sea and arrived at Dover, Kent [Map], and so then ceased not to ride till: they came within three days of Pentecost to the town of York [Map], whereas the king and the queen his mother and all his lords were with great host tarrying the coming of sir John of Hainault, and had sent many before of their men of arms, archers and common people of the good towns and villages; and as people resorted, they were caused to be lodged two or three leagues off, all about in the country. And on a day thither came sir John of Hainault and his company, who were right welcome and well received both of the king, of the queen his mother, and of all other barons, and to them was delivered the suburbs of the city to lodge in. And to sir John of Hainault was delivered an abbey of white monks for him and his household. There came with him out of Hainault the lord of Enghien, who was called sir Gaultier, and sir Henry lord d'Antoing, and the lord of Fagnolle, and sir Fastres du Roeulx, sir Robert de Bailleul, and sir Guilliam de Bailleul his brother, and the lord of Havreth, chatelain of Mons, sir Allard de Briffeuil, sir Michael de Ligne, sir John de Montigny the younger and his brother, sir Sanses de Boussoit, the lord of Gommegnies, sir Perceval de Semeries, the lord of Beaurieu and the lord of Floyon. Also of the country of Flanders there was sir Hector of Vilain, sir John de Rhodes, sir Wu there was sir John le Belt and sir Henry his brother, sir Godfrey de la Chapelle, sir Hugh d'Ohey, sir John de Libyne, sir Lambert d'Oupey, and sir Gilbert de Herck: and out of Cambresis and Artois there were come certain knights of their own good wills to advance their bodies: so that sir John of Hainault had well in his company five hundred men of arms, well apparelled and richly mounted. And after the feast of Pentecost came thither sir Guilliam de Juliers (age 28), who was after duke of Juliers after the decease of his father, and sir Thierry of Heinsberg, who was after earl of Loos, and with them a right fair rout, and all to keep company with the gentle knight sir John of Hainault lord Beaumont.

On 26 Oct 1327 [his wife] Elizabeth Burgh Queen Consort Scotland (age 43) died.

Treaty of Edinburgh Northampton

On 17 Mar 1328 Robert the Bruce (age 53) signed the Treaty of Edinburgh Northampton bringing to an end the First Scottish War of Independence. The English Parliament signed at Northampton [Map] on 03 May 1328. The terms of the Treaty included:

Scotland to pay England £100,000 sterling,

The Kingdom of Scotland as fully independent,

Robert the Bruce, and his heirs and successors, as the rightful rulers of Scotland, and.

The border between Scotland and England as that recognised under the reign of Alexander III (1249-1286).

The Treaty lasted four years only being regarded by the English nobility as humiliating; the work of Edward's (age 15) mother Isabella of France Queen Consort England (age 33) and Roger Mortimer 1st Earl March (age 40) rather than King Edward. Two years after King Edward commenced his personal reign he commenced the Second War of Scottish Independence in Aug 1332.

Marriage of King David II of Scotland and Princess Joan

On 17 Jul 1328 [his son] King David II of Scotland (age 4) and [his daughter-in-law] Joan of the Tower Queen Consort Scotland (age 7) were married at Berwick on Tweed, Northumberland [Map]. She the daughter of King Edward II of England and Isabella of France Queen Consort England (age 33). He the son of King Robert the Bruce I of Scotland (age 54) and [his former wife] Elizabeth Burgh Queen Consort Scotland.

After 1329 [his daughter] Christina Bruce was born to King Robert the Bruce I of Scotland (age 54).

Death of Robert the Bruce

On 07 Jun 1329 King Robert the Bruce I of Scotland (age 54) died at Cardross Manor, Argyll. He was buried at Dunfermline Abbey, Dunfermline. His son [his son] King David II of Scotland (age 5) succeeded II King Scotland. [his daughter-in-law] Joan of the Tower Queen Consort Scotland (age 7) by marriage Queen Consort Scotland.

Froissart Book 1 Chapter 20. The foresaid peace, which was purchased between England and Scotland, was to endure three year; and in the meantime it fortuned that king Robert of Scotland (age 54) was right sore aged and feeble: for he was greatly charged with the great sickness, so that there was no way with him but death. And when he felt that his end drew near, he sent for such barons and lords of his realm as he trusted best, and shewed them how there was no remedy with him, but he must needs leave this transitory life, commanding them on the faith and truth that they owed him, truly to keep the realm and aid the young prince [his son] David (age 5) his son, and that when he were of age they should obey him and crown him king, and to marry him in such a place as was convenient for his estate. Then he called to him the gentle knight sir William Douglas (age 43) [Note. William appears to be a mistake since it was James "Black" Douglas who took Robert's heart?], and said before all the lords, 'Sir William, my dear friend, ye know well that I have had much ado in my days to uphold and sustain the right of this realm; and when I had most ado, I made a solemn vow, the which as yet I have not accomplished, whereof I am right sorry: the which was, if I might achieve and make an end of all my wars, so that I might once have brought this realm in rest nd peace, then I promised in my mind to rave gone and warred on Christ's enemies, adversaries to our holy Christian faith. To this purpose mine heart hath ever intended, but our Lord would not consent thereto; for I have had so much ado in my days, and now in my last enterprise I have taken such a malady that I cannot escape. And sith it is so, that my body cannot go nor achieve that my heart desireth, I will send the heart instead of the body to accomplish mine avow. And because I know not in all my realm no knight more valiant than ye be, nor of body so well furnished to accomplish mine avow instead of myself, therefore I require you, mine own dear especial friend, that ye will take on you this voyage, for the love of me, and to acquit my soul against my Lord God. For I trust so much in your nobleness and truth, that an ye will take on you, I doubt not but that ye shall achieve it, and declare then shall I die in more ease and quiet, so that it be done in such manner as I shall declare unto you. I will that as soon as I am trespassed out of this world, that ye take my heart out of my body and embalm it, and take of my treasure, as ye shall think sufficient for that enterprise, both for yourself and such company as ye will take with you, and present my heart to the Holy Sepulchre [Map], whereas our Lord lay, seeing my body cannot come there: and take with you such company and purveyance as shall be appertaining to your estate. And wheresoever ye come, let it be known how ye carry with you the heart of king Robert of Scotland at his instance and desire, to be presented to the Holy Sepulchre.' Then all the lords that heard these words wept for pity: and when this knight sir William Douglas might speak for weeping, he said: ' Ah, gentle and noble king, a hundred times I thank your grace of the great honour that ye do to me, sith of so noble and great treasure ye give me in charge; and, sir, I shall do with a glad heart all that ye have commanded me, to the best of my true power, howbeit I am not worthy nor sufficient to achieve such a noble enterprise.' Then the king said, ' Ah, gentle knight, I thank you, so that ye will promise to do it.' 'Sir,' said the knight, ' I shall... embalmed, and honourably he was interred in the abbey of Dunfermline [Map] in the year of our Lord God MCCCXXVII., the seventh day of the month of November [Note. Appears to be an error here 1329 rather than 1327, and most sources agree the date of his death was the 7th of June.].' And when the springing-time began, then sir William Douglas purveyed him of that which appertained for his enterprise and took his ship at the port of Montrose in Scotland, and sailed into Flanders, to Sluys, to hear tidings and to know if there were any nobleman in that country that would go to Jerusalem [Map], to the intent to have more company. And he lay still at Sluys the space of twelve days or he departed, but he would never come a-land, but kept still his ship, and kept always his port and behaviour with great triumph, with trumpets and clarions, as though' he had been king of Scots himself; and in his company there was a knight banneret and seven other knights of the realm of Scotland, and twenty-six young squires and gentlemen to serve him; and all his vessel was of gold and silver-pots, basins, ewers, dishes, flagons, barrels, cups and all other things; and all such as would come and see him, they were well served with two manner of wines and divers manner of spices, all manner. of people according to their degrees. And when he had thus tarried there the space of twelve days, he heard reported that Alphonso king of Spain (age 17) made war against a Saracen king of Granade. Then he thought to draw to that part, thinking surely he could not bestow his time more nobly than to war against God's enemies and that enterprise done, then he thought to go forth to Jerusalem [Map] and to achieve that he was charged with. And so he departed and took the sea toward Spain, and arrived at the port of Valence the great. Then he went straight to the king of Spain, who held his host against the king of Granade Saracen, and they were near together, on the frontiers of his land.

Battle of Teba

On 25 Aug 1330 James "Black" Douglas (age 44) was killed during the Battle of Teba at Teba whilst en route to the Holy Land with the heart of King Robert the Bruce I of Scotland.

Battle of Dupplin Moor

On 12 Aug 1332 Battle of Dupplin Moor was fought between the supporters of the infant [his son] King David II of Scotland (age 8), son of King Robert the Bruce I of Scotland, and the supporters of King Edward I of Scotland (age 49), supported by the English. The Bruce army included [his son] Robert Bruce Lord of Liddesdale and Domhnall Mar II Earl Mar (age 39). The Balliol army included David III Strathbogie 11th Earl Atholl (age 23), Ralph Stafford 1st Earl Stafford (age 30), Thomas Ughtred 1st Baron Ughtred (age 40) and Walter Manny 1st Baron Manny (age 22). The battle is notable for being the first to use dismounted men-at-arms supported by archers; a formation that would bring repeated success to the English both in Scotland and France.

Robert Bruce Lord of Liddesdale was killed leading a charge.

Nicholas Hay (age 47) was killed.

Thomas Randolph 2nd Earl Moray was killed. His brother John Randolph 3rd Earl of Moray (age 26) succeeded 3rd Earl Moray.

Battle of Annan Moor

On 16 Dec 1332 the Battle of Annan Moor was fought between the supporters of the seven year old [his son] King David II of Scotland (age 8), son of King Robert the Bruce I of Scotland, and the supporters of King Edward I of Scotland (age 49), supported by the English. The Bruce army, led by, Archibald Douglas (age 34), supported by John Randolph 3rd Earl of Moray (age 26) and [his grandson] King Robert II of Scotland (age 16) surprised King Edward I of Scotland and his supporters at Annan and threw them out of Scotland.

Battle of Dornock

On 25 Mar 1333 the Battle of Dornock was fought between the supporters of the seven year old [his son] King David II of Scotland (age 9), son of King Robert the Bruce I of Scotland, and the supporters of King Edward I of Scotland (age 50), supported by the English, commanded by Ralph Dacre 1st Baron Dacre Gilsland (age 43). The English army quickly overwhelmed the Scottish force. William "Flower of Chivalry and Knight Liddesdale" Douglas 1st Earl Atholl (age 33) was captured and spent two years in prison.

Froissart Book 1 Chapter 4. This king Edward the second was married to Isabel, the daughter of Philip le Beau king of France, who was one of the fairest ladies of the world. The king had by her two sons and two daughters. The first son was the noble and hardy king Edward the third, of whom this history is begun. The second was named John, and died young. The first of the daughters was called Isabel, married to the young [his son] king David of Scotland, son to king Robert de Bruce, married in her tender youth by the accord of both realms of England and Scotland for to make perfect peace. The other daughter was married to the earl Raynold, who after was called duke of Gueldres, and he had by her two sons, Raynold and Edward, who after reigned in great puissance.

[his daughter] Margaret Bruce was born to King Robert the Bruce I of Scotland.

[his daughter] Matilda Bruce was born to King Robert the Bruce I of Scotland and Elizabeth Burgh Queen Consort Scotland.

[his son] Elizabeth Bruce was born to King Robert the Bruce I of Scotland.

Froissart Book 1 Chapter 17. These Scottish men are right hardy and sore travailing in harness and in wars. For when they will enter into England, within a day and a night they will drive their whole host twenty-four mile, for they are all a-horseback, without it be the trandals and laggers of the host, who follow after afoot. The knights and squires are well horsed, and the common people and other on little hackneys and geldings; and they carry with them no carts nor chariots, for the diversities of the mountains that they must pass through in the country of Northumberland. They take with them no purveyance of bread nor wine, for their usage and soberness is such in time of war, that they will pass in the journey a great long time with flesh half sodden, without bread, and drink of the river water without wine, and they neither care for pots nor pans, for they seethe beasts in their own skins. They are ever sure to find plenty of beasts in the country that they will pass through: therefore they carry with them none other purveyance, but on their horse between the saddle and the panel they truss a broad plate of metal, and behind the saddle they will have a little sack full of oatmeal, to the intent that when they have eaten of the sodden flesh,' then they lay this plate on the fire and temper a little of the oatmeal; and when the plate is hot, they cast of the thin paste thereon, and so make a little cake in manner of a cracknell or biscuit, and that they eat to comfort withal their stomachs. Wherefore it is no great marvel though they make greater journeys than other people do. And in this manner were the Scots entered into the said country, and wasted and brent all about as they went, and took great number of beasts. They were to the number of four thousand men of arms, knights and squires, mounted on good horses, and other ten thousand men of war were armed after their guise, right hardy and fierce, mounted on little hackneys, the which were never tied nor kept at hard meat, but let go to pasture in the fields and bushes. They had two good captains, for king Robert of Scotland, who in his days had been hardy and prudent, was as then of great age and sore grieved with the great sickness; but he had made one of his captains a gentle prince and a valiant in arms called the earl of Moray, bearing in his arms silver, three oreillers gules; and the other was the lord William Douglas, who was reputed for the most hardy knight and greatest adventurer in all the realm of Scotland, and he bare azure, a chief silver. These two lords were renowned as chief in all deeds of arms and great prowess in all Scotland.

[his father] Robert Bruce Earl Carrick and Matilda aka Maud Fitzalan were married. She the daughter of John Fitzalan 7th Earl of Arundel and Isabella Mortimer Countess Arundel. They were second cousin once removed. He a great x 4 grandson of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England. She a great x 3 granddaughter of King John "Lackland" of England.

John of Fordun's Chronicle of the Scottish Nation Book 4 Chapter 112. After the withdrawal of the king of England, the English nation lorded it in all parts of the kingdom of Scotland, ruthlessly harrying the Scots in sundry and manifold ways, by insults, stripes, and slaughter, under the awful yoke of slavery. But God, in His mercy, as is the wont of His fatherly goodness, had compassion on the woes, the ceaseless crying and sorrow, of the Scots; so He raised up a saviour and champion unto them - one of their own fellows, to wit, named Robert of Bruce. This man, seeing them stretched in the slough of woe, and reft of all hope of salvation and help, was inwardly touched with sorrow of heart; and, putting forth his hand unto force, underwent the countless and unbearable toils of the heat of day, of cold and hunger, by land and sea, gladly welcoming weariness, fasting, dangers, and the snares not only of foes, but also of false friends, for the sake of freeing his brethren.

[his son] Neil Bruce was born to King Robert the Bruce I of Scotland.

John of Fordun's Chronicle of the Scottish Nation Book 4 Chapter 115. Now, when Robert was nearing the borders of the marches, there met him a messenger whom, when he sighted him afar off, he suspected, both from the fellow's gait and from his dress, to be a Scot. So, when he got nearer, he asked him whence he came and whither he was making his way. The messenger began to pour forth excuses for his sins; but Robert ordered his vassals to search him. Letters, sealed with Robert's seal about the covenant entered into between him and John Comyn, were found addressed to the king of England through this messenger, and were forthwith pulled out. The messenger's head was thereupon struck off, and God very much be praised for His guidance in this prosperous journey.

John of Fordun's Chronicle of the Scottish Nation Book 4 Chapter 113. So, in order that he might actually give effect to what he had gladly set his heart upon, for the good of the commonwealth, he humbly approached a certain noble, named John Comyn (who was then the most powerful man in the country), and faithfully laid before him the unworthy thraldom of the country, the cruel and endless tormenting of the people, and his own kind-hearted plan for giving them relief. Though, by right, and according to the laws and customs of the country, the honour of the kingly office and the succession to the governance of the kingdom were known to belong to him before any one else, yet, setting the public advantage before his own, Robert, in all purity and sincerity of purpose, gave John the choice of one of two courses: either that the latter should reign, and wholly take unto himself the kingdom, with its pertinents and royal honours, for ever, granting to the former all his own lands and possessions; or that all Robert's lands and possessions should come into the possession of John and his for ever, while the kingdom and the kingly honour were left to Robert. Thus, by their mutual advice as well as help, was to be brought to maturity the deliverance of the Scottish nation from the house of bondage and unworthy thraldom; and an indissoluble treaty of friendship and peace was to last between them. John was perfectly satisfied with the latter of the aforesaid courses; and thereupon a covenant was made between them, and guaranteed by means of sworn pledges, and by their indentures with their seals attached thereto. But John broke his word; and, heedless of the sacredness of his oath, kept accusing Robert before the king of England, through his ambassadors and private letters, and wickedly revealing that Robert's secrets. Although, however, Robert was more than once sounded thereupon by the aforesaid king, who even showed him the letters of his adversary who accused him, yet, inspired by God, he always returned an answer such that he over and over again softened the king's rage by his pleasant sayings and skilful words. The king, however, both because he was himself very wily and shrewd, and knew full well how to feign a sham friendship, and also because Robert was the true heir of the kingdom of Scotland, looked upon the latter with mistrust, - the more so because of John's accusations. So, because of his aforesaid grounds for mistrust, Edward bade Robert stay always at court; and he delayed putting him to death - or, at least, in prison - only until he could get the rest of this Robert's brothers together, and punish them and him at once, in one day, with sentence of death.

[his daughter] Margaret Bruce was born to King Robert the Bruce I of Scotland and Elizabeth Burgh Queen Consort Scotland.

[his son] Walter Bruce was born to King Robert the Bruce I of Scotland.

[his son] Robert Bruce Lord of Liddesdale was born to King Robert the Bruce I of Scotland.

John of Fordun's Chronicle of the Scottish Nation Book 4 Chapter 114. As the said John's accusations were repeated, at length, one night, while the wine glittered in the bowl, and that king was hastening to sit down with his secretaries, he talked over Robert's death in earnest, - and shortly determined that he would deprive him of life on the morrow. But when the Earl of Gloucester, who was Robert's true and tried friend in his utmost need, heard of this, he hastily, that same night, sent the aforesaid Robert, by his keeper of the wardrobe, twelve pence and a pair of spurs. So the keeper of the wardrobe, who guessed his lord's wishes, presented these things to Robert, from his lord, and added these words: "My lord sends these to you, in return for what he, on his side, got from you yesterday." Robert understood, from the tokens offered him, that he was threatened by the danger of death; so he discreetly gave the pence to the keeper of the wardrobe, and forthwith sent him back to the Earl with greeting in answer, and with thanks.

Then, when twilight came on, that night, after having ostentatiously ordered his servants to meet him at Carlisle [Map], with his trappings, on the evening of the following day, he straightway hastened towards Scotland, without delay, and never stopped travelling, day or night, until he was safe from the aforesaid king's spite. Tor he was under the guidance of One of whom it is written: - "There is no wisdom, no foresight, no understanding against the Lord, who knoweth how to snatch the good from trial, and mercifully to deliver from danger those that trust in Him.".

Royal Ancestors of King Robert the Bruce I of Scotland 1274-1329

Kings Wessex: Great x 7 Grand Son of King Edmund "Ironside" I of England

Kings England: Great x 5 Grand Son of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England

Kings Scotland: Great x 6 Grand Son of King Duncan I of Scotland

Kings Franks: Great x 15 Grand Son of Louis "Pious" King Aquitaine I King Franks

Kings France: Great x 7 Grand Son of Robert "Pious" II King France

Royal Descendants of King Robert the Bruce I of Scotland 1274-1329

King Robert II of Scotland

King David II of Scotland

Ancestors of King Robert the Bruce I of Scotland 1274-1329

Great x 3 Grandfather: William Bruce 2nd Lord Annandale

Great x 4 Grandmother: Agnes Paynel Lady Annandale Lady Skelton

Great x 2 Grandfather: William Bruce 3rd Lord Annandale

Great x 3 Grandmother: Euphemia Crosebi Lady Annandale

Great x 1 Grandfather: Robert Bruce 4th Lord Annandale

Great x 2 Grandmother: Christina Unknown Lady Annandale

GrandFather: Robert Bruce 5th Lord Annandale 4 x Great Grand Son of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England

Great x 1 Grandmother: Isabel "the Scot" Dunkeld Lady Annandale 3 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Ranulf Gernon 4th Earl Chester

Great x 3 Grandfather: Hugh de Kevelioc Gernon 5th Earl Chester Great Grand Son of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Matilda Fitzrobert Countess Chester Grand Daughter of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England

Great x 2 Grandmother: Matilda Gernon Countess Huntingdon 2 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England

Great x 3 Grandmother: Bertrade Montfort Countess Chester

Great x 4 Grandmother: Mathilde Unknown Countess Évreux

Father: Robert Bruce Earl Carrick 4 x Great Grand Son of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Richard de Clare

Great x 3 Grandfather: Roger Clare 2nd Earl Hertford

Great x 4 Grandmother: Alice Gernon

Great x 2 Grandfather: Richard Clare 3rd Earl Hertford

Great x 3 Grandmother: Maud St Hilary Countess Hertford

Great x 1 Grandfather: Gilbert Clare 5th Earl Gloucester 4th Earl Hertford 2 x Great Grand Son of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Robert Normandy 1st Earl Gloucester Son of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England

Great x 3 Grandfather: William Fitzrobert 2nd Earl Gloucester Grand Son of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Mabel Fitzhamon Countess Gloucester

Great x 2 Grandmother: Amice Fitzrobert Countess Hertford Great Grand Daughter of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Robert Beaumont 2nd Earl of Leicester

Great x 3 Grandmother: Hawise Beaumont Countess Gloucester

Great x 4 Grandmother: Amice Gael Countess Leicester

GrandMother: Isabel Clare Lady Annandale 3 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Gilbert Giffard

Great x 3 Grandfather: John Fitzgilbert

Great x 2 Grandfather: William Marshal 1st Earl Pembroke

Great x 3 Grandmother: Sybil of Salisbury

Great x 4 Grandmother: Sybilla Chaworth Baroness Chitterne

Great x 1 Grandmother: Isabel Marshal Countess Cornwall, Gloucester and Hertford

Great x 2 Grandmother: Isabel Clare Countess Pembroke

Great x 4 Grandfather: Diarmait Macmurrough

Great x 3 Grandmother: Aoife NI Diarmait Macmurrough Countess Pembroke and Buckingham

King Robert the Bruce I of Scotland 5 x Great Grand Son of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England

GrandFather: Niall Carrick 2nd Earl Carrick

Mother: Marjorie Carrick 3rd Countess Carrick

Great x 3 Grandfather: Walter Fitzalan 1st High Steward

Great x 2 Grandfather: Alan Fitzwalter 2nd High Steward

Great x 1 Grandfather: Walter Stewart 3rd High Steward

GrandMother: Margaret Stewart Countess Carrick

Great x 2 Grandfather: Gille Críst Angus 4th Earl Angus

Great x 1 Grandmother: Bethóc Angus