Robert the Bruce Children: What Most People Get Wrong

When you think of Robert the Bruce, you probably picture a gritty warrior-king hacking his way through English battalions or staring down a spider in a cave. It’s all very cinematic. But the reality of his domestic life was just as messy and high-stakes as any battle at Bannockburn. Honestly, the story of Robert the Bruce children isn’t just a footnote in a history book. It’s a survival drama.

He wasn't just a king; he was a father trying to secure a dynasty while the most powerful men in England were actively trying to kidnap his family. And they succeeded.

His kids didn't grow up in luxury. They grew up as hostages, exiles, and pawns in a continental game of chess. If you want to understand why the Scottish crown ended up where it did, you have to look at the sons and daughters who lived in the shadow of the Great Liberator.

The Daughter Who Changed Everything: Marjorie Bruce

Marjorie was the only child from Robert’s first marriage to Isabella of Mar. Isabella died young—probably during or right after Marjorie’s birth in 1296. Life for Marjorie was brutal from the jump.

When she was only about ten years old, her father’s rebellion hit a massive wall. She was captured by the English and handed over to Edward I, the "Hammer of the Scots." This wasn't some polite house arrest. While her aunts were famously hung in cages for public viewing, Marjorie was sent to a convent. She spent years as a prisoner before being traded back after the Scots crushed it at Bannockburn.

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Kinda tragic, right? But here’s the kicker. Marjorie married Walter Stewart, the High Steward of Scotland. She died in 1316 after a riding accident while she was heavily pregnant. Legend says they performed an emergency caesarean on the spot to save her baby. That baby became Robert II, the first of the Stewart kings.

Basically, without Marjorie, there is no House of Stewart. No Mary Queen of Scots. No King James. Everything changed because of her.

The Heir and the Spare: David II and the Others

After Marjorie, things got even more complicated. Robert married Elizabeth de Burgh in 1302. They had several children, but for a long time, it looked like there wouldn't be a male heir to the throne.

1. David II: Born in 1324. He was the long-awaited son. He became king at only five years old. Imagine being a kindergartner and having to lead a nation that everyone is trying to invade.
2. John: David’s twin brother. Most people forget he existed because he died as an infant.
3. Matilda (Maud): She married Thomas Isaac and lived a relatively quiet life by royal standards.
4. Margaret: She married William, Earl of Sutherland.

David II is the one people focus on. He spent a huge chunk of his life in France for safety and then eleven years as a prisoner in England. He wasn't exactly the warrior his father was. Some historians are pretty harsh on him, calling him a "failure" compared to Robert. But honestly, following Robert the Bruce is like being the lead singer who has to follow Freddie Mercury. You're never going to win that comparison.

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The "Secret" Side of the Family

Let’s talk about the illegitimate kids. Back then, it was pretty common for kings to have children outside of marriage, and Robert was no exception. He had several, and he actually took care of them. He didn't just shove them into the shadows.

Sir Robert Bruce (yes, he named him after himself) was one of his illegitimate sons. He was a knight who fought for his father and was eventually granted the lordship of Liddesdale. He died fighting at the Battle of Dupplin Moor in 1332.

Then there was Niall of Carrick. He received an annuity from the royal coffers. There were also others mentioned in charters—Walter, Margaret, and Elizabeth. These kids were part of the court. They were the "fixers" and the loyal supporters who filled out the Bruce power structure.

Why the Bruce Line "Vanished" (But Not Really)

One of the weirdest misconceptions is that the Bruce line died out. It didn't. Not even close.

While the royal name switched to Stewart because Marjorie was a woman and her husband’s name took precedence, the Bruce blood stayed on the throne for centuries. Also, the Bruces of Clackmannan are often cited as the closest male-line relatives to the King. Today, the Earl of Elgin is the chief of the Name and Arms of Bruce.

If you have Scottish roots, there’s a statistically decent chance you’re a descendant. Some genealogists estimate that millions of people alive today are related to Robert the Bruce children in some way.

Actionable Insights for History Buffs

If you’re trying to trace this lineage or just want to see where these people lived and died, here is what you should do next:

• Visit Dunfermline Abbey: This is where Robert and Elizabeth are buried. It’s the closest you’ll get to the heart of the dynasty.
• Check the Exchequer Rolls: If you’re a real nerd for primary sources, these records show the payments Robert made to his children, including the illegitimate ones. It proves how much he supported them.
• Look into the Bruce DNA Project: Organizations like the University of Strathclyde have done massive work on the Bruce genetic markers (look for marker FTB15831). You can actually test to see if you share the king's Y-DNA.
• Study the Stewart Foundation: Don’t stop at 1329. Follow Marjorie’s line to see how the Bruces actually "conquered" England via the Union of the Crowns in 1603.

The story of the Bruce family is a reminder that history isn't just about big speeches and broadswords. It’s about parents trying to make sure their kids survive a world that was constantly trying to kill them.