Birth of King Robert II of Scotland – the first monarch of the House of Stewart
Robert Stewart, born on 2nd March 1316, was the only child of Walter Stewart, High Steward of Scotland, and Robert the Bruce’s daughter Marjorie Bruce.
Marjorie Bruce had been riding in Gallowhill Paisley, Renfrewshire, when her horse was suddenly startled and threw her to the ground.
Marjorie was seriously injured, her fall caused a dislocation of her neck bone.
She went into premature labour, but sadly failed to survive the ordeal of a cesarean section.
In 1318 the Scottish Parliament nominated Robert Stewart as his grandfather’s heir.
However, on 5th March 1324 Robert the Bruce had his heir, when his son David was born.
He went on to become David II at the age of 4.
King David spent long periods out of the country.
Because of the repeated invasions of Edward Balliol, David was sent to France, for safety.
He was then a prisoner in England, following his capture at the Battle of Neville’s Cross on 17th October 1346.
During parts of the King’s long absences from Scotland, Robert Stewart acted as Regent.
The event was the cause of friction between Robert and his uncle the King, who angrily responded by accusing him of desertion at Neville’s Cross.
The King alleged that Robert had deserted him when he was captured at Haildon Hill.
When King David died childless in February 1371, the throne passed to Robert Stewart.
Robert was crowned King Robert II at Scone in March 1371.
Robert was the first king of the House of Stewart, which was to rule Scotland for the following 230 years, before the crowns of England and Scotland were unified.
Robert succeeded to the throne at the age of 54, and was viewed by many in his kingdom as past his best.
Described as tall and handsome, in character he was the very antithesis of the famous grandfather whose name he bore.
Robert was timid, indecisive and weak-willed.
Robert was not Scotland’s most effective King, but he was extremely good at one thing quite important to the founder of a new dynasty….. he had at least 21 children!!
He married his first wife Elizabeth Mure in 1336, and had four sons and a number of daughters.
When the validity of this marriage was challenged, he re-married Elizabeth in 1349.
By his second wife Euphemia de Ross, he had two sons and several daughters.
He also had at least eight illegitimate children.
Robert ruled over a country that continued to have English enclaves within its borders, and Scots who gave their allegiance to the king of England.
The unruly Scottish barons held little respect for their King.
Robert was considered an old and weak man and failed to exercise strong control over them.
In June 1371, Robert agreed to a defensive treaty with the French.
Robert ensured that Scotland was included in the Anglo-French truce of 1384.
As Robert grew increasingly infirm, his second surviving son Robert, Earl of Fife, was appointed guardian of the kingdom.
After an ineffectual reign of nineteen years, Robert died at Dundonald Castle on 19th April 1390.
He was seventy-four at his death, a remarkable age for the time.
He was succeeded by his son Robert III.
Robert II was buried at Scone on 25th April 1390.
Modern historians show a kingdom that had become wealthier and more stable, particularly during the first decade of Robert’s rule.
Some regard his reign as deficient, and that his lack of the skills of governance led to internal strife.
He was seen as a king lacking drive, determination and accomplishments, weighed down by his age and unfit to govern.
??????? Dundonald Castle, South Ayrshire, Scotland – where Robert II died in 1390.
Picture credit – Otter
