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'''Robert I, King of Scots''', or '''Robert the Bruce''' (July 11, 1274 - June 7, 1329) was King of Scotland from 1306 to 1329.  He is one of Scotland's best-known monarchs, having led the Scots in battling for independence from [[England]].

'''Robert I, King of Scots''', or '''Robert the Bruce''' (July 11, 1274 - June 7, 1329) was King of Scotland from 1306 to 1329.  He is one of Scotland's best-known monarchs, having led the Scots in battling for independence from [[England]].

In 1296, Robert and his father, Robert de Brus, gave an oath of loyalty to [[Edward I]] of England.  However, the younger Robert joined in the Scots rebellion against Edward in 1297.  Robert and his allies were forced to sign a treaty in July 1297, by which they were pardoned in exchange for pledging allegiance to Edward.  The rebellion continued, and Bruce defected again to the Scottish side in September. It is often mistakenly believed that Bruce betrayed Wallace by fighting for the English at the Battle of Falkirk. There is absolutely no evidence to support this, a belief which owes its current popularity largely to the historically inaccurate film Braveheart. Bruce was appointed as joint Guardian of Scotland along with John Comyn, but personal animosity prevented this partnership from being successful, and Robert resigned as Guardian in 1300.

In 1296, Robert and his father, Robert de Brus, gave an oath of loyalty to [[Edward I]] of England.  However, the younger Robert joined in the Scots rebellion against Edward in 1297.  Robert and his allies were forced to sign a treaty in July 1297, by which they were pardoned in exchange for pledging allegiance to Edward.  The rebellion continued, and Bruce defected again to the Scottish side in September. It is often mistakenly believed that Bruce betrayed Wallace by fighting for the English at the Battle of Falkirk. There is absolutely no evidence to support this, a belief which owes its current popularity largely to the historically inaccurate film [[Braveheart]]. Bruce was appointed as joint Guardian of Scotland along with John Comyn, but personal animosity prevented this partnership from being successful, and Robert resigned as Guardian in 1300.

Edward launched campaigns against the Scots in 1302, when Robert and many other nobles submitted to him, and again in 1303.  It seemed that Edward had been successful in pacifying Scotland, but Robert and others continued to plot against him.  While he believed he had a legitimate claim to the Scottish throne, Robert's actions in alternately supporting and fighting Edward caused mistrust among his peers.  His ambition to the crown was particularly challenged by John Comyn, who had consistently opposed the English.  Bruce invited Comyn to a meeting in February 1306 which ended in Comyn's death at the hands of Bruce and his supporters.  Robert was quickly excommunicated, as were those who supported him and ultimately all of Scotland.  At this, Robert asserted his claim to the monarchy, and was crowned Robert I on March 25, 1306.

Edward launched campaigns against the Scots in 1302, when Robert and many other nobles submitted to him, and again in 1303.  It seemed that Edward had been successful in pacifying Scotland, but Robert and others continued to plot against him.  While he believed he had a legitimate claim to the Scottish throne, Robert's actions in alternately supporting and fighting Edward caused mistrust among his peers.  His ambition to the crown was particularly challenged by John Comyn, who had consistently opposed the English.  Bruce invited Comyn to a meeting in February 1306 which ended in Comyn's death at the hands of Bruce and his supporters.  Robert was quickly excommunicated, as were those who supported him and ultimately all of Scotland.  At this, Robert asserted his claim to the monarchy, and was crowned Robert I on March 25, 1306.