King Robert the Bruce of Scotland

The 16th Century view of Robert the Bruce

Bruce is remembered for finishing the 30 year War of Independence, by finally driving the English out of Scotland. In 1314, a huge English army lead by Edward II, the son of Longshanks and husband of Princess Isabella in Braveheart, headed for Stirling. Edward was no better a general than he was a king. Weak would be the kindest description. Bruce had learned much of Wallace's military skills, had a month to prepare his army, and therefore, at Bannockburn, the English army was routed. Scotland was free at last.