Robert Bruce (1668–1720) facts for kids

Robert Bruce (Russian: Роман Вилимович Брюс, Roman Vilimovich Bruce; 1668–1720) was an important military leader in Russia. He was the very first chief commander of the city of Saint Petersburg. Robert Bruce came from a Scottish family. He was the brother of Jacob Bruce and the father of Alexander Romanovich Bruce.

Robert Bruce's Life and Military Career

Early Years and Peter the Great

In 1683, Robert Bruce joined a special army group that belonged to Peter I. This was a big step in his career. By 1695, he had become a captain in the famous Preobrazhensky Regiment.

Bruce took part in the Azov campaigns in 1695 and 1696. These were important military actions led by Peter I. It is also thought that he traveled abroad with Peter I between 1697 and 1698.

Rising Through the Ranks

In 1700, Bruce was made a colonel. He led one of the infantry regiments that helped in the siege of Narva. This was a major battle during the Great Northern War.

Two years later, in 1702, he was part of the group that besieged and captured a fortress called Nöteborg. In 1703, he helped capture Nyenskans.

Commander of Saint Petersburg

On May 17, 1704, Robert Bruce was given a very important job: he was made the chief commander of Saint Petersburg. This meant he was in charge of the city's defenses and safety. He did a great job in this role. The city's governor, Alexander Danilovich Menshikov, was often away. Bruce used these times to make the city's defenses even stronger.

In 1706, Bruce tried to capture the city of Vyborg, but this attempt was not successful.

Protecting Russian Gains

By 1708, Bruce was sent to help protect St. Petersburg again. He also assisted Admiral Fedor Matveevich Apraksin. That autumn, he helped Apraksin's group defeat Swedish forces. These Swedish forces, led by General Lyubeker, were trying to take back land Russia had gained in a region called Ingria.

Final Military Achievements

From March to June 1710, Bruce was involved in the siege and capture of Vyborg. This time, the mission was a success! For his efforts, he was given land and estates.

Soon after, from July to early September, he helped besiege and conquer Kexholm. This city was taken on September 8. After these victories, Bruce was promoted to Lieutenant General. This marked the end of his active military career.

Life After the Military

For the rest of his life, until his death in 1720, Robert Bruce focused on his role as chief commandant of St. Petersburg. He was buried within the Peter and Paul Fortress, a very important place in the city he helped protect.