Christina Bruce facts for kids

Christian Bruce (around 1278 – 1356 or 1357) was a very important Scottish noblewoman. She was the daughter of Marjorie, Countess of Carrick, and Robert de Brus, 6th Lord of Annandale. This made her the sister of Robert the Bruce, who became the famous King of Scots. It's thought that Christian and her brothers and sisters were born at Turnberry Castle in Carrick.

Christian Bruce's Early Life and Capture

After her brother Robert the Bruce's army lost a battle in June 1306, he had to hide in the mountains. To keep his family safe, he sent his wife, Elizabeth, his daughter Marjorie, and his sisters Christian and Mary Bruce to Kildrummy Castle in the north. His brother, Nigel, was with them to protect them.

However, Kildrummy Castle was attacked. The women had to escape. Sadly, the castle was later taken, and Nigel Bruce was captured and executed.

Christian and the other women, helped by John of Strathbogie, 9th Earl of Atholl, tried to reach a safe church called St. Duthac at Tain. But they were caught by an enemy of Robert the Bruce, Earl William of Ross. He handed them over to King Edward I of England's soldiers. John of Strathbogie was also executed for helping them.

King Edward I treated the women very harshly. Christian was sent to a special kind of prison called solitary confinement at a nunnery in England. Her sister Mary and another supporter, Isabella MacDuff, were held in cages. Robert the Bruce's wife, Elizabeth, was moved to different prisons, and his young daughter Marjorie, who was only 10, was also imprisoned.

Christian was held prisoner in England for eight long years. She finally returned to Scotland in October 1314. This happened as part of a prisoner exchange after the Battle of Bannockburn, where the Scots won a big victory and captured an important English noble, Humphrey de Bohun, 4th Earl of Hereford.

Christian's Role in Warfare

Christian Bruce was not just a noblewoman; she also played a brave part in Scottish history. In 1335, during another war for Scottish independence, Christian was in charge of defending Kildrummy Castle. She successfully held the castle against enemy forces who supported the Balliol family. These enemies were led by David of Strathbogie. Christian's defense of the castle was very important before her husband, Sir Andrew Murray, defeated David of Strathbogie at the Battle of Culblean.

Christian Bruce's Marriages

Christian was married twice. Her first marriage was to Sir Christopher Seton in 1301. Sadly, this marriage ended in 1306 when Sir Christopher was executed by the English.

In July 1326, Christian married for the second time to Sir Andrew Murray at Cambuskenneth Abbey. Sir Andrew was the son of another famous Scottish hero, also named Andrew Moray, who had fought alongside William Wallace at the Battle of Stirling Bridge. Sir Andrew Murray passed away in 1338. He had two sons, Sir John Murray and Sir Thomas Murray. Some historians believe that Christian might have been their stepmother, given her age at the time.

Sometimes, people mistakenly say that Christian also married Gartnait, Earl of Mar. However, there is no evidence to support this. She was never called "Countess of Mar," and there's no proof of any family connection to Gartnait's son. Also, a marriage to Gartnait would have conflicted with her known marriage to Sir Christopher Seton, which lasted from 1301 to 1306, well after Gartnait's death in 1305.

Sources

• French, Morvern, 'Christina Bruce and Her Defence of Kildrummy Castle', Royal Studies Journal (RSJ), 7:1 (2020), pp. 22-38
• Penman, Michael Robert the Bruce: King of the Scots
• Traquair, Peter Freedom's Sword