Robert II of Scotland (b. 1316)

Robert II, born on March 2, 1316, and passing away on April 19, 1390, ascended to the Scottish throne in 1371, reigning as King of Scots until his death. His accession marked a pivotal moment in Scottish history, as he was the very first monarch of the House of Stewart, a dynasty that would shape the nation for centuries. Robert's lineage was distinguished; he was the son of Walter Stewart, the 6th High Steward of Scotland, and Marjorie Bruce, who was herself the daughter of the legendary King Robert I (Robert the Bruce). Upon the death of his uncle, King David II, who was Robert the Bruce's only surviving son, the High Steward succeeded to the crown, fulfilling a destiny long anticipated yet fraught with peril.

Early Life and the Shifting Sands of Succession

Robert's path to the throne was anything but straightforward, marked by early tragedy and political maneuvering. The initial heir presumptive to Robert I had been his younger brother, Edward Bruce, a formidable warrior who died childless on December 3, 1318. This event dramatically altered the line of succession. Robert's mother, Marjorie Bruce, had herself died tragically, likely in a riding accident around 1317, leaving her infant son, Robert Stewart, as the most direct heir through the female line. Consequently, the Scottish Parliament, in its wisdom and foresight, decreed the young Robert Stewart as the new heir presumptive. However, this designation was temporary. On March 5, 1324, the birth of a son, David, to King Robert I and his second wife, Elizabeth de Burgh, superseded the infant Stewart's claim, as male heirs typically took precedence. Despite this, Robert Stewart's position remained significant. Following his father's death on April 9, 1327, Robert inherited the prestigious title of High Steward of Scotland, a hereditary office that carried immense power and influence. In the very same year, Parliament, ever conscious of the need for a stable succession, reaffirmed the young Steward as heir should King David II die without issue. This contingency proved crucial when King Robert I passed away in 1329, leaving the five-year-old David to inherit the throne under the guardianship of the experienced and respected Thomas Randolph, Earl of Moray.

Turbulent Times: Guardianship and the Wars of Independence

The early years of King David II's reign, and consequently Robert Stewart's formative years, were dominated by the renewed Wars of Scottish Independence, often referred to as the Second War of Independence. This period saw the return of Edward Balliol, son of the deposed King John Balliol, who, with significant English backing and the support of Scottish nobles disinherited by Robert I, mounted a formidable challenge. These "Disinherited" sought to reclaim their lost lands and influence, leading to devastating conflicts. Balliol's forces inflicted heavy defeats on the Bruce loyalists, most notably at Dupplin Moor on August 11, 1332, and Halidon Hill on July 19, 1333. Robert Stewart, who bravely fought at Halidon Hill, subsequently joined his young uncle, King David II, in seeking refuge within the formidable walls of Dumbarton Castle, a strategic stronghold. In 1334, facing overwhelming pressure, King David II was sent to France for his safety, entrusted to the care of his ally, King Philip VI. With the monarch in exile, the resilient Scottish Parliament, which continued to function even amidst the chaos, appointed Robert Stewart and John Randolph, 3rd Earl of Moray, as joint Guardians of the kingdom, tasked with defending Scotland's independence. Their joint guardianship was short-lived; Randolph was captured by the English in July 1335. Later that year, under immense political and military pressure, Robert himself submitted to Edward Balliol, a pragmatic move that temporarily led to the removal of his guardianship. However, Robert's leadership was indispensable, and the office of Guardian was reinstated in 1338. He diligently held this crucial responsibility until King David II's much-anticipated return from France in June 1341. Hostilities, however, continued to plague the nation. Robert was again by David's side at the Battle of Neville's Cross on October 17, 1346. In the brutal aftermath, while David was captured by the English and endured a long period of imprisonment, Robert either escaped or fled the field, a decision that has been debated by historians but allowed him to remain a key figure in Scottish politics. David II would remain a prisoner in England for eleven long years, eventually being ransomed in October 1357.

Consolidation of Power and Royal Succession

Throughout these tumultuous decades, Robert Stewart also focused on securing his own family's future and legitimate claim to the throne. He married Elizabeth Mure around 1348, an event that, crucially, legitimized their four sons and five daughters. This act was vital for ensuring the clear line of succession for his many children, who would later form various branches of the Stewart dynasty. Following Elizabeth's death, Robert entered into a second marriage with Euphemia de Ross in 1355, a union that produced two additional sons and two surviving daughters, further expanding his family and solidifying royal alliances. Despite his prominent position, Robert's relationship with his uncle, King David II, was not always smooth. In 1363, Robert even led a rebellion against the King, likely fueled by disagreements over policy or power. However, he ultimately submitted to David, particularly after the King threatened to disinherit him, thus jeopardizing his carefully secured right of succession. This uneasy truce held until David II's death in 1371, at which point Robert, at the advanced age of fifty-five, finally succeeded to the throne, fulfilling the parliamentary decrees made decades earlier.

The Reign of Robert II: A Steward King

Upon his ascension, Robert II inherited a kingdom still recovering from decades of war and political instability. His reign, though often characterized by a degree of royal detachment, saw significant efforts to consolidate Scottish territory and assert independence from England. The border magnates, often acting independently but with implicit royal approval, continued to harass English-held zones in southern Scotland. By 1384, these persistent skirmishes and campaigns had proven highly effective, leading to the re-taking of most of the occupied lands, a testament to the resilience of Scottish resistance. Robert, keen to secure a period of peace for his realm, ensured that Scotland was included in the Anglo-French truce of 1384. However, this very act became a factor in a significant political shift later that year. In November 1384, facing an aging king perceived as less capable of direct governance, a "coup" effectively took place. Robert II lost practical control of the country, first to his eldest son, John, Earl of Carrick (who would later become King Robert III), and then, from 1388, to John's younger brother, Robert, Earl of Fife (who became Regent). This period of delegated authority reflected the realities of an aging monarch and the strong personalities of his sons. King Robert II peacefully passed away at Dundonald Castle on April 19, 1390, having laid the foundation for the Stewart dynasty. He was laid to rest at Scone Abbey, the traditional coronation and burial site of Scottish kings, ending a long and often turbulent life that saw him transition from High Steward to the first King of the Stewarts.

Frequently Asked Questions About Robert II

Who was Robert II of Scotland?

Robert II was the King of Scots from 1371 until his death in 1390. He was the grandson of Robert the Bruce and the first monarch of the House of Stewart, a new royal dynasty that would rule Scotland for over 300 years.

How was Robert II related to Robert the Bruce?

Robert II was the grandson of Robert I (Robert the Bruce). His mother, Marjorie Bruce, was the only daughter of Robert the Bruce from his first marriage. This made Robert II the legitimate heir once his uncle, King David II (Robert I's son), died without issue.

What was the significance of the "House of Stewart"?

The House of Stewart (later Stuart in England) was the royal dynasty founded by Robert II. It marked a new era after the Bruce line, bringing a long period of rule and establishing a powerful lineage that would eventually unite the crowns of Scotland and England.

What challenges did Robert II face before becoming king?

Before his ascension, Robert II faced numerous challenges, including the ongoing Wars of Scottish Independence, where he fought in battles like Halidon Hill. He served as a joint Guardian of Scotland during King David II's exile and later during his long imprisonment by the English, navigating complex political landscapes and facing direct military threats.

Why was Robert II called "The Steward"?

Robert II held the hereditary title of High Steward of Scotland. This was a powerful and ancient office responsible for managing the royal household and royal lands. His family name, Stewart, derives directly from this important position, and he was known as "The Steward" long before he became king.

What were the key events of Robert II's reign?

Key events during Robert II's reign include the successful recovery of many English-occupied territories in southern Scotland, his efforts to include Scotland in the Anglo-French truces, and a period in his later years where practical governance was effectively delegated to his sons due to his age, marking an early form of regency.

Did Robert II lose control of his kingdom during his reign?

Yes, in a sense. In his later years, specifically from 1384, King Robert II, increasingly elderly, delegated significant authority to his sons. This effectively meant he lost direct, day-to-day control over the governance of the kingdom, with his eldest son, John, and later his younger son, Robert, acting as de facto rulers or "Guardians of the Kingdom."