Robert Bruce, King of Scotland: Domestic and Foreign Policy, Biography

National Scottish hero Robert Bruce really deserves an honorary title. His real pride was a difficult victory in the fierce battle of Bannockburn. It was only thanks to this event that Scotland gained its long-awaited independence, although it was difficult to overcome this path.

Robert raised the very Banner of National Liberation and gave his people the will and freedom. The history of Scotland is closely related to the famous ruler, whose life to this day does not disclose all the real facts.

His merits can not be described in a few words, but one thing is certain: the people of Scotland really respect their king and give him a lot of gratitude for all his labors. In addition to freedom and independence from England, Bruce gave Scotland many improvements for life. Despite the fact that during the whole reign he tried to protect his own lands from enemy Englishmen, Robert also managed to accomplish other things that help the Scots fight.

The founder of the dynasty and the famous surname

Robert 1 was born in 1274, July 11, at the castle of Ternsberry. He became the founder of the dynasty and rightly took the crown of the ruler. Bruce spent his youthful years at the court of Edward 1 - the King of England.

The origin of the name is due to the fact that the genus Bryusov originated from the Normans, who took possession of the lands of Normandy.

The great dynasty of Bryusov can really be proud of such a ruler and military leader who did everything solely for the sake of the people, and not for his own profit.

Baron Robert de Bruce took part, or more precisely, was the leader of the uprising in the fight against England. For this, he was solemnly rewarded with considerable lands in Yorkshire. Thanks to all his merits the Bryusov family became closely associated with the Scottish history.

All the older sons in the family had a single name - Robert. Of course, all this was in honor of the founder of the dynasty. The first wife was Isabella (middle daughter of David of Huntingdon). It was due to the marriage with her that Robert was given the right to claim the Scottish throne by law, and then to present valid claims to the throne. But soon their marriage was terminated for unknown reasons. There are several sources that tell a variety of reasons, but modern people do not really know the truth.

The life of the King is really full of interesting facts, events and small stories. Modern youth can safely take an example from such a ruler. His character deserves respect in the first place, and then all the skills and abilities.

On the way to the crown

After the death of the ruler of Scotland, there were many contenders for the crown, but Robert Bruce's father refused to resolve this dispute, therefore he entrusted him to his own son.

1292 for Robert became significant, because he was given the title of Count Carrick. Then, after his father's death, Robert Bruce became the seventh lord of Annandale. The clan advanced a confrontation with John Balliol, who subsequently concluded an alliance with France.

During all this confusion and the loss of a large number of lands, the clan simply had to rejoin the rebels, as did many lords of Scotland.

Return of Edward 1 from the trek

At this point in time, the history of Scotland loses some facts, but still there is only one official version.

Edward 1 invades Scotland, and battles begin. In these battles English archers and cavalry smash the enemy's units, many rulers are overthrown from the throne. Heavy battles have to be carried over to the Bruce clan, and in the end they have been in conflict with the Clan of the Cominas for a long time.

Robert Bruce severely killed John Comin, and only then the dispute between the clans was resolved. By this murder, Bruce successfully cleared his way to the crown. Then the meeting of the Lords of Scotland proclaimed him the new king, and the coronation took place in Skåne on March 10, 1306. In that place was stored the "Stone of Destiny", which was the sacred coronation stone of the Scots.

Coronation

On the memorable day of the coronation, many local residents were genuinely happy. The signing of the coronation document meant only one thing: Scotland does not want to see Edward 1 as its own ruler. Therefore, on the same day, the War of Independence began.

Robert suffered a couple of defeats, and then his family was captured by the British. Bruce himself sought refuge in many places. The Pope personally excommunicated him from the church, but even this fact did not stop the Scots, and their uprising only increased the scale. Robert Bruce returned to his homeland in February and headed there all the forces of the rebels.

The way to the north

In connection with the increase in the number of rebels, Eduard 1 had to take more stringent measures, and he decided to lead the army north, and already there to implement his own plans.

Unfortunately, all his dreams were destroyed, because he suddenly died. It happened already near the border with Scotland, and all decided to continue his son.

Edward died suddenly 1, so his son had to take drastic measures and somehow take the situation into his own hands, until his troops were not severely defeated.

At the same time, the Scots had more strength and power, so the troops of England were gradually squeezed out of Scotland.

Recognition as king

The King of Scotland convened the first parliament in 1309. And after that, despite the fact that he was excommunicated, he was duly recognized by the Scottish clergy as king.

The detachments of Robert Bruce took control of most of the land, and the British had few territories.

The town of Bannockburn itself was defeated in large scale, since it was there that the Scots defeated the army of England, the number of soldiers in which was much larger than that of Bruce's troops.

In addition to Scotland, the Irish also fought against the British, as Scotland and Ireland had an alliance. According to this document, Ireland had no right to leave the allies to tear the enemy, so additional forces were useful to the Scots.

In 1315, Robert's younger brother was recognized as an Irish king. The Union of Ireland and Scotland brought a lot of success, but the English were not so simple. Their counteroffensive served as a failure for the allied countries. A huge defeat was inflicted on the troops of Scotland and Ireland, and the ruler of the Irish was killed.

Fighting the English

Even in spite of all these failures and the loss of the king's brother, the War of Independence continued. Robert and his army were not going to give up. A part of the lands passed to the control of the Scots. The British tried to launch a second large-scale counteroffensive, hoping for the same success, but their plans were again destroyed. Scottish troops invaded before the opponents, so they managed to block them all the moves and defeat them.

Robert Bruce with little difficulty concluded a military agreement with France. A year later, his first son was born, to whom, respectively, subsequently the crown passed.

The most final attempt of the British was made in 1327, but, fortunately, their campaign ended in failure. The troops of Scotland completely devastated Northumberland and again landed on the lands of Ireland.

A year later, England was simply forced to sign a treaty that referred to the independence of Scotland. Now Scotland has rightfully become a sovereign state, and Robert Bruce is recognized as its king.

All the peace conditions are ultimately secured by the single marriage of David Bruce (four-year-old son of Robert Bruce) and Joan Plantagenet (seven-year-old sister of Edward III).

After death

The famous King of Scotland has achieved many foreign policy as well as military successes. But, despite all his services and victories, he still could not fulfill his cherished goal. Robert wanted to create a strong foundation for the Scottish authorities, which he could not build.

In recent years, he fell ill with a terrible disease - leprosy (leprosy). Unfortunately, at that time there was no available equipment for isolating and treating a person, so he had to carry all this on himself alive and endure to the last. He lived at this time in Cardrosse, on the shore, and died there.

The body, at the request of the Scots, was buried in Dunfermline, and the heart was moved to Melrose. Some time later, after a terrible event, many legends scattered throughout Scotland, people composed and wrote poems, poems, tales, etc. In all these manuscripts, the king was attributed the powers of a magician or some extraterrestrial ruler who gave his people freedom by sacrificing Own forces.

After the death of his son, the dynasty's line was cut short. The crown passed to the grandson by the female line - Robert Stewart.

Second wife

Elizabeth de Burg is best known as the second wife of the King of Scotland. About her there were many legends among the locals and the Scottish troops, where she became famous.

She was born in Dunfermline, where, as you know, Robert spent his last years of life. She was the daughter of the omnipotent Richard de Bourg, so the noble family added enough to her status.

With Robert Bruce, Elizabeth de Burg met in the English court, and in 1302 they married.