Robert Bruce, Lord of Liddesdale facts for kids

Sir Robert Bruce, Lord of Liddesdale (born around 1293 – died August 11, 1332) was the son of King Robert the Bruce. His mother is not known. He became a knight and received royal honors at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314. People usually had to be at least 21 years old to become a knight. This means Robert Bruce was likely born around 1293 or earlier.

Robert Bruce's Life and Role

Robert Bruce became the Lord of Liddesdale because his father, King Robert the Bruce, gave him the title. The previous Lord, William II de Soules, lost his title for being disloyal in 1320.

Facing an Invasion

In 1332, Edward Balliol invaded Scotland. Robert Bruce's half-brother, David II, was the king at the time. Robert Bruce and Duncan IV, Earl of Fife, tried to stop Balliol's army from landing at Kinghorn in Fife on August 6, 1332. This attempt led to the Battle of Wester Kinghorn. Many Scottish soldiers and several important nobles, like Sir Alexander Seton, were lost. After this, Balliol's forces marched to Dunfermline and took weapons from a Scottish armory.

The Battle of Dupplin Moor

Just five days later, the Scottish army, now much stronger, met Balliol's English forces again. This was at the Battle of Dupplin Moor. The day before the battle, Donald II, Earl of Mar, who was the new leader of Scotland's army, sent a message to Balliol. He wanted Balliol's men to give up so they could be sent back to England for money. Mar was so sure of winning that he did not set up proper guards. Because of this, the English army secretly crossed the River Earn during the night.

The Scottish Charge

Lord Robert Bruce was in charge of the front group of the Scottish army. On the morning of August 11, 1332, he saw the English army moving forward without anyone stopping them. He also knew about Mar's message to Balliol. Bruce then openly accused Mar of not being good at his job and of being disloyal. Mar said he would prove his loyalty by being the first to attack the English. But Bruce said he would take that honor himself. He immediately led his group of soldiers forward to attack the English. Mar's group followed closely behind them.

A Fierce Fight

Bruce's charge was so powerful that it pushed the English soldiers back almost 10 yards (about 9 meters). However, Bruce's men, who were now only about 800 strong, became squeezed from behind by Mar's charging forces. The Scottish soldiers were surrounded and had little space to move. Even though they fought bravely, the English archers, using longbows, picked them off. The battle continued until sunset. In the end, both Bruce and Mar died on the battlefield, along with many other soldiers. Some reports say between 2,000 and 15,000 Scottish soldiers died. Accounts from that time describe huge piles of dead Scottish soldiers, some taller than a spear.

Robert Bruce's Burial

Robert Bruce's body was found and buried at Holmcultram Abbey. His grandfather, Robert de Brus, 6th Lord of Annandale, was also buried there.