Robert the Bruce

The 19th Century view of King Robert Bruce as shown in stained glass at the Wallace Monument near Stirling, Scotland. Bruce was crowned in 1306, the year after Wallace's execution. He spent many years in the forests of Scotland organising Wallace-style raids on the English occupiers. His chance came in 1314 when he learned of Edward II's plan to send a large army to quell the unruly Scots. Contrary to what is shown in Braveheart Bruce and his army went to Bannockburn fully prepared to do battle. The English generals did not expect Bruce to parlay, but they did expect to win the day because the English army was about 3 times the size of the Scottish force. The story of this momentous battle is extremely stirring. Every Scot knows 1314 as one of the greatest years in history.