Robert II of Scotland (d. 1390)

The Dawn of the Stewart Dynasty: Robert II's Early Life and Tumultuous Path to the Throne

Born on March 2, 1316, Robert II was destined for a life intertwined with the very fabric of Scottish history, though his path to the crown was anything but straightforward. He was the son of Walter Stewart, the 6th High Steward of Scotland, and Marjorie Bruce, who was herself the only daughter of the legendary King Robert I – better known to history as Robert the Bruce. This pivotal lineage made Robert II a crucial link, not just to the esteemed Bruce dynasty, but as the inaugural monarch of the powerful House of Stewart, which would go on to rule Scotland for centuries and eventually claim the thrones of England and Ireland.

The early 14th century in Scotland was a period of intense political maneuvering and dynastic uncertainty. Robert's mother, Marjorie Bruce, tragically died around 1317 in a riding accident. At that point, the heir presumptive to Robert the Bruce's throne was his younger brother, Edward Bruce, but his childless death on December 3, 1318, suddenly cast a new light on young Robert Stewart's future. Parliament, recognizing the pressing need for a clear succession, decreed that the infant Robert Stewart would become the new heir presumptive. However, the birth of a son, David, to King Robert I and his second wife, Elizabeth de Burgh, on March 5, 1324, temporarily altered the line of succession, making David the direct heir and thus rendering Robert Stewart's claim dormant for a time.

Upon his father's death on April 9, 1327, Robert Stewart inherited the significant hereditary title of High Steward of Scotland, a role of considerable power and influence. In the very same year, Parliament again foresightfully confirmed the young Steward as the rightful heir should King David II die without issue. When King Robert I passed away in 1329, the five-year-old David II ascended to the throne, initially under the crucial guardianship of Thomas Randolph, Earl of Moray. This early period of Robert II's life was thus marked by a constant dance between being a potential successor and a powerful noble, all against a volatile backdrop of ongoing conflict and the struggle for national identity.

Years of Conflict: Guardianship and the Scottish Wars of Independence

The political landscape of Medieval Scotland was further complicated by the Scottish Wars of Independence. The realm was plunged back into turmoil with the invasion of Edward Balliol, the son of the deposed King John Balliol. Backed by English forces and those Scottish nobles who had been disinherited by Robert the Bruce during his reign, Balliol inflicted devastating defeats on the Bruce loyalists. Key among these were the calamitous losses at Dupplin Moor on August 11, 1332, and the equally crushing defeat at Halidon Hill on July 19, 1333. Robert Stewart himself fought at Halidon Hill, a testament to his direct military involvement from a relatively young age. Following this defeat, he sought refuge with his uncle, King David II, in the strategic stronghold of Dumbarton Castle.

As the conflict raged, King David II was compelled to seek sanctuary in France in 1334. In his absence, a still-functioning Scottish Parliament appointed Robert Stewart and John Randolph, 3rd Earl of Moray, as joint Guardians of the kingdom. These Guardians were tasked with steering Scotland through its turbulent period without a monarch physically present. However, the challenges continued: Randolph was captured by the English in July 1335, and later that same year, Robert himself submitted to Balliol, leading to the temporary removal of his guardianship. This submission, though perhaps a pragmatic decision in a desperate situation, highlights the immense pressure and shifting loyalties of the era. The office was eventually reinstated in 1338, and Robert held it until David II's return from France in June 1341, underscoring his recurring and vital role as a key leader during times of royal absence or minority.

Hostilities with England persisted even after David's return. Robert was again with King David II at the ill-fated Battle of Neville's Cross on October 17, 1346. This battle proved disastrous for Scotland; while Robert either managed to escape or fled the field, King David II was captured by the English. David remained a prisoner for a significant period, only being ransomed and returned to Scotland in October 1357. Robert's actions at Neville's Cross have been a point of historical debate, but his survival ensured his continued presence and influence within the Scottish political scene, positioning him for future leadership.

King at Last: Robert II's Reign and Legacy

The personal life of Robert II saw its own complexities and pragmatism regarding succession. Around 1348, he married Elizabeth Mure, a union that retrospectively legitimized their four sons and five daughters, a crucial step for establishing the clear line of succession for the burgeoning Stewart Dynasty. He later married Euphemia de Ross in 1355, a marriage that produced two more sons and two surviving daughters, further solidifying the family line. Despite his close relationship and years of service to King David II, Robert did engage in a rebellion against the King in 1363. However, he quickly submitted when faced with a direct threat to his carefully secured right of succession, demonstrating a shrewd and pragmatic understanding of the political stakes involved.

Finally, upon David II's death in 1371, Robert succeeded to the throne at the relatively advanced age of fifty-five. His reign marked the beginning of the House of Stewart's direct rule over Scotland. Though an older monarch, he immediately faced the ongoing challenge of English incursions and border disputes. Scottish border magnates, often acting with a degree of independence but serving the national interest, continued to harass English-held zones in southern Scotland. Through persistent efforts, by 1384, the Scots had successfully re-taken most of the occupied territories, demonstrating a renewed sense of national purpose and territorial integrity.

A significant diplomatic achievement of Robert's reign was his successful negotiation to ensure Scotland's inclusion in the Anglo-French truce of 1384. This crucial peace effort, however, inadvertently contributed to a notable internal power shift. In November of that year, Robert experienced a coup where he lost direct control of the country, initially to his eldest son, John, Earl of Carrick (who would later become Robert III). From 1388, effective power further devolved to John's younger brother, Robert, Earl of Fife and Menteith, reflecting the challenges of managing powerful and ambitious heirs, even within one's own family. King Robert II passed away in 1390 at Dundonald Castle, his life spanning a period of immense change and conflict for Scotland. He was laid to rest at Scone Abbey, the traditional crowning and burial place of Scottish monarchs, marking the end of an era and the firm establishment of the Stewart line on the Scottish throne.

Frequently Asked Questions about Robert II of Scotland

Who was Robert II?

Robert II was the first monarch of the House of Stewart, King of Scotland from 1371 until his death in 1390. He was the grandson of the legendary Robert the Bruce.

When did Robert II reign?

He reigned as King of Scotland from 1371 to 1390, ascending to the throne after the death of his uncle, David II.

What was his connection to Robert the Bruce?

Robert II was the grandson of Robert the Bruce through his mother, Marjorie Bruce. This crucial lineage solidified his claim to the throne and established the Stewart dynasty.

What was the significance of the House of Stewart?

The House of Stewart, founded by Robert II, became one of the most enduring and important royal dynasties in European history, ruling Scotland for over three centuries and eventually also the Kingdoms of England and Ireland.

What major challenges did Robert II face during his life?

Robert II's early life and reign were marked by the ongoing Scottish Wars of Independence, including key battles like Dupplin Moor and Halidon Hill. He served multiple times as a Guardian of Scotland and had to navigate complex succession politics and a powerful English enemy.

Where was Robert II buried?

King Robert II was buried at Scone Abbey, the historic site where Scottish monarchs were traditionally crowned and laid to rest.