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Robert the Bruce Robert the Bruce (King Robert I) was born at Turnberry Castle, Ayshire, in 1274. He was one of Scotland's greatest heroes, second to only William Wallace. In order to understand Robert's impact on Scotland, you have to go back to 1286 when Alexander III died leaving his granddaughter Margaret heir to the throne. However after her death the throne became open to many claimants. The leading two were John Balliol and Robert's grandfather. Edward I supported Balliol believing he was the weaker of the two. In November of 1292 a group of 104 auditors superceded by Edward I declared Balliol as the rightful king. After which Edward made a list of demands that even Balliol would not stand for. He wanted feudal superiority of Scotland, judicial authority over Balliol as well as homage from him and support for the war in France. Balliol not only refused Edward's demands but made a treaty with his enemies in France just before invading England Edward then crushed Balliol at Dunbar in April of 1296 and forced him to surrender The Stone of Destiny, the coronation stone of Scottish kings. He also made Scottish landowners sign their names on a list declaring loyalty to England and recognizing Edward as their King. Those who refused were declared outlaws and had their names placed on a list known as the Ragman's Roll two names on this list were William Wallace and Robert the Bruce. Edward's oppression of Scotland had gone too far nationalist fervor rose in Scotland and under the leadership of William Wallace a rebellion began. Who defeated the English at Stirling Bridge but then was crushed at Falkirk. After Wallace's capture and execution Scotland was in need of a new leader, In stepped Robert the Bruce. At this time there were two surviving claimants for the Scottish throne Robert and John Comyn. The two met in 1306 and Bruce killed Comyn. He declared himself King of Scotland on March 27, 1306, upon hearing this Edward I sent a large army north and defeated Bruce at the Battle of Methven. Robert was forced into becoming a hunted outlaw and he began to bide his time. After a year of widespread English terror that had been unleashed on Scotland the Bruce reemerged. Along with his chief lieutenant Sir James Douglas Robert won his first victory on Palm Sunday 1307. From all over Scotland clans fed up with English occupation joined Bruce in his revolt. The aging Edward decided to return to Scotland to command an army to crush Scotland, but now sick and close to

Lacking in the resourcefulness and ruthlessness of his father as well as problems at home and the war in France Edward II had no desire to get involved with Scotland. This left Bruce free to consolidate his gains and punish his opposers. By 1309 he was recognized as the sole ruler and rightful King of Scotland. In 1311 Robert and his forces had drove out English garrisons from all Scottish strongholds except Stirling and invaded northern England. Edward II decided it was time to get involved and led a massive army north.

On Mid-Summer's Day, June 24, 1314 the greatest battle in Scottish history took place as Robert the Bruce heavily outnumbered soundly defeated the English at Bannockburn. Scotland was free from English control and it's armies were free to invade northern England Edward II was eventually forced to seek peace with Scotland he signed a treaty in 1328 recognizing Robert the Bruce as King of Scotland. Bruce died the following year, most likely of leprosy. He left a legacy of greatness and a nation that remained independent for almost 3 centuries, truly earning his nickname "Good King Robert".

The True Braveheart

In 1996 an excavation of the Chapter House floor of Melrose Abbey uncovered a lead container. This container was then investigated and opened, inside was small casket and an engraved copper plaque inscribed; "The enclosed casket was found beneath the Chapter House floor, March 1921 by his Majesty's Office of Works it contained the remnants of a heart".

Since there has never been another account of a heart being buried at Melrose Abbey, the team concluded that the legend of King Robert's heart was true.

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