Clan Bruce
Norman blood, Scottish crown — the line that won Bannockburn.
Motto
Fuimus
— We have been
What does the Bruce name mean?
From Brix in Normandy (de Brus). Brought to Britain by a Norman knight who came over with William the Conqueror in 1066.
The history of Clan Bruce
The Bruces descend from a Norman knight who arrived in England with William the Conqueror in 1066. The name itself comes from a parcel of land in Normandy, now called Brix. The family held important lordships in northern England, and a branch settled in Annandale in the 12th century.
Their most famous son, Robert the Bruce (1274–1329), was crowned King of Scotland in 1306. Defeated at Methven that same year, he took refuge on Rathlin and from 1307 waged a relentless campaign against English forces. In 1314 he won a decisive victory over Edward II at Bannockburn.
Bruce consolidated his realm and the long war with England closed with the Treaty of Northampton in 1328. He died at Cardross the following year — leaving behind perhaps the most consequential reign in Scottish history.
Notable bearers of the Bruce name
- Robert the Bruce, King of Scots