House of Bruce
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The House of Bruce was a Scottish Royal House in the 14th century. Two members of the house were kings of Scotland:
History
The House of Bruce originated in Normandy in the 11th century, where the family took its name from Bruis (present-day Brix). It was here that the earliest known member of the family, Adam de Brus, built a castle. His descendant, Robert de Brus, was a Norman knight who came to England with William the Conqueror and was granted lands in Yorkshire. His son, the second Robert de Brus, Lord of Annandale. Robert de Brus (c.1078-1141), received from David I of Scotland the lordship of Annandale, in Scotland. He renounced his lordship of Annandale after supporting the English in the Battle of the Standard 1138, but it was later restored to his younger son, the 2nd Lord of Annandale.
His grandson, Robert, 4th Lord of Annandale, married in 1219 Isabella, the second daughter of David of Huntingdon and the great-grandaughter of David the 1st. This marriage provided the Bruces with an important link to the Scottish Royal House, and a future claim to the throne. The 5th Lord of Annandale, Robert the Bruce's grandfather, was named as heir-presumptive to the childless Alexander III, but never gained the throne as Alexander later fathered three children. Bruce's grandfather was also a competitor for the throne in 1292, but his claim was ignored in favour of that of John Balliol
Scottish Monarchs
- Robert I of Scotland (Robert the Bruce) who ruled from 1306 to 1329, and claimed the throne as great-great-great-great-grandson of David I of Scotland of the House of Dunkeld, and came to the throne during the Wars of Scottish Independence.
- David II of Scotland, son of Robert, who ruled from 1329 to 1371 at times in contest with Edward Balliol. He died without issue and the throne passed to his nephew Robert II of Scotland of the House of Stuart.