biography
| sex:
| male
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| lived:
| (1274–1329)
|
| biography:
| King of Scots (1306–29) as Robert I, and hero of the Scottish War of Independence. As Earl of Carrick, in 1296 he swore fealty to Edward I of England, but soon joined the Scottish revolt under Wallace. In 1306 he quarrelled with John Comyn, his political rival, stabbing him to death; then assembled his vassals and was crowned king at Scone. He was forced to flee to Ireland, but returned in 1307 and defeated the English at Loudoun Hill. After Edward's death (1307), the English were forced from the country, and all the great castles were recovered except Berwick and Stirling. In 1312 the Hebrides were ceded to him by the king of Norway. Raids on the N of England led to the Battle of Bannockburn (1314), when the English were routed. Sporadic war with England continued until the Treaty of Northampton (1328), which recognized the independence of Scotland, and Bruce's right to the throne. He was recognized by the pope as king of Scotland (1323), and died of leprosy six years later. He was succeeded by David II, the son of his second wife. |
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