Robert Bruce, 1306-1328

Robert Bruce, 1306-1328

Robert Bruce’s Coronation (1306)

Following John Balliol’s abdication, Robert Bruce engaged in a power struggle with fellow claimant John Comyn.
They met at Greyfriars Church in Dumfries, where Bruce killed Comyn. This was considered a sacrilegious act, and Bruce was excommunicated.
Despite this, shortly after the incident, Bruce was crowned King of Scotland in March 1306.

Bruce’s Initial Challenges and Defeats (1306-1307)

Following his coronation, Bruce suffered several damaging defeats against the English.
He fled to the Hebrides, and then to Ireland, after his defeat in the Battle of Methven by Aymer de Valence.
Despite these setbacks, his dramatic comeback, initially waged through a guerrilla war campaign, changed the course of the Wars of Independence.

Bruce’s Revival (1307-1314)

Bruce returned to Scotland in 1307 and began recapturing his lost territories by defeating his Scottish enemies and supporters of Edward I.
His revival got a much-needed boost when Edward I died in 1307 and was succeeded by his less formidable son, Edward II.
Bruce won a crucial victory in the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314, consolidating his grip on the Scottish throne.

Declaring Scotland’s Independence (1314-1328)

Post-Bannockburn, Bruce began a diplomatic drive for recognition of Scotland’s independence from England.
A major milestone came with the Declaration of Arbroath, issued in 1320, which underscored the ideals of Scottish independence to Pope John XXII.
In 1324, the papacy finally recognised Bruce as king, and in 1328, the Treaty of Edinburgh-Northampton affirmed the independence of Scotland.

Significance of Robert Bruce’s Reign (1306-1328)

Bruce’s reign transformed Scotland’s position, from being under English domination to attaining independence.
His victories and diplomacy galvanised a shared sense of Scottish identity and patriotism.
The legacy of Bruce’s time imprinted on Scotland’s historical landscape, setting a precedent of resistance and nationalism.