Robert I of Scotland

Robert I, (Robert de Brus in Norman French and Roibert a Briuis in medieval Gaelic), usually known in modern English today as Robert the Bruce (July 11, 1274–June 7, 1329), was King of Scotland (1306–1329). He was one of Scotland's greatest kings, and one of the most famous warriors of his generation, leading Scotland during the Wars of Scottish Independence against England. He claimed the Scottish throne as a great-great-great-great grandson of David I of Scotland.

Family

Robert Bruce had a large family in addition to his wife Elizabeth and his children. There were his brothers, Edward, Alexander, Thomas and Nigel, his sisters Christian, Isabel (Queen of Norway), Margaret, Matilda and Mary, and his nephews Donald, Earl of Mar and Thomas Randolph. Alexander, Thomas and Nigel were all executed by the English following capture, and Edward was killed in battle in Ireland.

Related Topics:
Thomas Randolph - Edward - Ireland

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In addition to his legitimate offspring, Robert Bruce had several illegitimate children by unknown mothers. His sons were Robert (died 1332 at the Battle of Dupplin) and Nigel (died 1346 at the Battle of Durham). His daughters were Elizabeth (married Walter Oliphant), Margaret (married Robert Glen), and Christian (died after 1329).

Related Topics:
Battle of Dupplin - Battle of Durham

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Robert the Bruce died on June 7 1329 at the Manor of Cardross in Cardross Parish, Dunbartonshire (the exact location is uncertain and it may not have been very near the modern village of Cardross). He had suffered for some years from what some contemporary accounts describe as an "unclean ailment"; the traditional story is that he died of leprosy, but this is now rejected. However it is unclear what his illness actually was, although syphilis, psoriasis, and a series of strokes have all been suggested.

Related Topics:
June 7 - 1329 - Dunbartonshire - Cardross - Leprosy - Syphilis - Psoriasis - Strokes

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His body lies buried in Dunfermline Abbey, but, according to his wishes, Sir James Douglas removed the late king's heart and took it on a Crusade in Moorish Spain, where he was killed in battle. It was later recovered, taken back to Scotland and buried at Melrose Abbey in Roxburghshire.

Related Topics:
Dunfermline Abbey - Sir James Douglas - Crusade - Moorish - Spain - Melrose - Roxburghshire

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Robert Bruce left his sole surviving infant son, David II, to succeed him.

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