IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF ROBERT BRUCE

On June 7, 1329 Robert Bruce died. For over 600 years, Robert Bruce has had his own place in Scottish history, his position almost that of a patron saint and that the story of his life as hero king has held the minds of the champions of Scottish nationalism for generations. Yet behind this legendary figure is a complex, and in many ways, more fascinating picture, a man who not only led his nation to a famous victory over the English at Bannockburn, and who is commemorated in his followers' national anthem Flower of Scotland, but who overcame great odds to win power for himself and his family's long-held ambition for political power. This book takes the reader on Bruce's journey, from his birth in southwest Scotland to a family with strong connections in Annandale, Cumberland and north Yorkshire, to his kingship and triumph at Bannockburn. Here are the sites and settings associated with Robert Bruce in the years following the death of King Alexander III of Scotland in 1329.