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The ‘Real’ Robert the Bruce

If you have ever watched the 1995 epic drama Braveheart, you may have found yourself wondering about the character Robert the Bruce, the young Scottish nobleman who is inspired by William Wallace’s (played by Mel Gibson) bravery and commitment. Was his character real, and if so, what role did he actually play in Scotland’s bid for independence?

Robert the Bruce was indeed a real historical character, and though the movie did take some dramatic liberties, most of the basic facts were true. For example, King Edward I of England did take the Scottish throne in 1296 after Scotland rebelled against his harsh demands. A national resistance was headed by William Wallace, a young Scottish knight. Wallace was captured and on August 23, 1305 was executed. Afterwards, Robert the Bruce, grandson of the Fifth Lord of Annandale, became the new leader of the resistance against King Edward. He was crowned King of the Scots in March of 1306.

Edward I died in 1307 and the son that succeeded him also failed to defeat Robert the Bruce. Bruce was finally able to expel the English from Scotland in 1314. A peace treaty was signed by England in May of 1328 saying that England recognized Scotland as an independent kingdom. Scotland remained independent for almost three hundred years after that. Robert the Bruce died a little more than one year after independence at the age of 54. He had been married twice and had five children from his marriages. His son David became the new king.

In this mini unit you can: learn more about the life of Robert the Bruce than the movie portrayed as well as background on the Wars of Independence, learn about life in medieval Scotland, read a story and a poem about how Robert the Bruce was inspired by a spider in a cave, watch videos about key events in Scotland’s quest for independence and help plan one of Robert of Bruce's battles against the English.

Reading

Wars of Independence (Scotland)

Robert the Bruce

History of the Monarchy: The Bruces

Life in Medieval Scotland (younger readers)

Robert the Bruce spider story

Robert the Bruce spider poem

Multimedia and Timeline

Wars of Independence Gallery (audio and video)

Robert the Bruce Timeline

Activity

Take part in the planning of the Battle of Bannockburn in 1312

Recommended Resource

Laminated Medieval Europe Timeline

The medieval timeline covers northern, eastern, and western Europe as well as the Mediterranean from 450 through 1500AD. This timeline is laminated, measures 44x9 inches and includes double sided mounting tape.

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Our Price: $12.95