10 Important Points about… 1.
The Rise and Triumph of Robert Bruce
How fully…the reasons for the ultimate success of Bruce in maintaining Scotland’s independence? 1. Bruce rewarded his followers by granting them the lands of the disinherited
(parliament at Cambuskenneth) to ensure their loyalty 2. Robert negotiated an uneasy truce in 1323 with England. This truce was to last 3
years and crucially Robert’s status as King was still not recognised and neither was the independence of Scotland 3. Robert negotiated a mutual defence treaty with France in 1326 as part of his policy
to ensure a stable inheritance for his son 4. Battle of Bannockburn was a major victory for Robert and the start of his fearful
reputation as a great warlord 5. Bannockburn had more of an effect on domestic politics in Scotland than any real
long term military benefits. The success at Bannockburn enabled Bruce to hold a parliament where he passed legislation forbidding nobles to hold land in Scotland and England 6. Between 1316 and 1323 Bruce led a series of campaigns on northern England.
England was unable to defend their land and Robert was essentially lord of northern England. Nobles had started to pay Bruce to stop attacking and destroying their lands. 7. The Declaration of Arbroath 1320 was a response to a papal decree against Robert
(murder of Comyn). Only a change in Pope and a new round of negotiations in 1323 led to a softening of attitudes from Rome. 8. Robert’s campaign in 1328 following the deposition of Edward II by Isabella and
Mortimer was a final decisive move by Robert to secure Scottish independence 9. Robert announced that he intended to annex Northumbria eventually forcing
Isabella and Mortimer to sign the Treaty of Edinburgh in 1328. They were facing a rebellion in England.
10 Important Points about‌ 10. Robert re-opened his Irish campaign with a new army invading Ulster. At the same
time James Douglas was raiding northern England, skilfully running rings around Mortimer and Edward III