The rise and triumph of Robert Bruce

Initial stages

Robert Bruce initially supported Edward I during the succession crisis, hoping to be chosen as the next king of Scotland.
Robert Bruce quickly became disillusioned with Edward I’s actions and he joined forces with Scottish nobles around 1297.
Although he was a key figure of the Scottish resistance, he held an ambivalent position; he had sworn fealty to Edward I but also participated in the uprising against the English.

In 1298, he was one of the Guardians of Scotland, albeit reluctantly.
In February 1306, Bruce murdered his rival John Comyn in a church in Dumfries, a sacrilegious act that required he seek an immediate papal absolution.
After securing this, he declared himself King of Scots on March 27, 1306, despite his lack of support from many Scottish nobles and clergy.

As king, Robert Bruce faced several challenges, including defending Scotland against English invasion and unifying a divided country.
Robert’s guerrilla warfare methods in these early years, which involved avoiding large-scale battle and focusing on small victories, were partly a result of necessity due to his lack of support.
In 1307 Edward I died, leaving his less militarily capable son Edward II in charge, which proved advantageous for Bruce.

The pivotal Battle of Bannockburn in 1314 marked a significant victory for Bruce. His forces, though smaller, applied strategy and knowledge of the terrain to triumph over a larger English army.
The victory established Bruce’s authority as king and significantly boosted Scottish morale in the wars for independence

The Declaration of Arbroath was sent to Pope John XXII in 1320. This document, signed by numerous Scottish nobles, asserted Scotland’s independence and Robert’s right to the throne.
The Treaty of Edinburgh-Northampton in 1328 recognised Robert Bruce as the rightful king and Scotland as an independent kingdom, marking the end of the wars of independence.
Robert the Bruce died in 1329, leaving a legacy of tenacious resistance and determination to establish an independent Scotland.