[MacPatrick]

A few weeks ago we were discussing the children of Robert the Bruce. King Robert was married twice, he had one child by his first wife Isabella de Mar. The daughter was Marjory who married Walter Stewart, The 6th Great Steward of Scotland. From this marriage Marjory gave birth to one son. He became King Robert Stewart II.

Bruce's second wife was Elizabeth de Burgh, three children were born of this marriage, Matilda, Margaret and David, who became King David II, he assumed the throne at age 5.

Bruce was known to have several illegitimate children.

[Liz]

Here are some of his illegitimate children, by unknown mothers.

His sons were Sir Robert (died 12 Aug. 1332 at the battle of Dupplin Moor); Walter of Odistoun on the Clyde, who predeceased his father; and Niall of Carrick, (died 17 Oct. 1346 at the Battle of Neville's Cross), His daughters were Elizabeth (married Walter Oliphant of Gask); Margaret (married Robert Glen), mentioned still alive as of 29 Feb. 1364; and Christian of Carrick, who died after 1329, when she is mentioned in receipt of a pension.

[Ealasaid]

Has there never been an attempt to find the illegitimate children of The Brus?

[mairead]

No I don't think there has, but it would certainly be interesting to find all the descendents of Bruce. I expect there are thousands by now. Could be an interesting project though.

[Ealasaid]

Thanks Mairead for your information regarding The Bruce children. I have done some bit of reading about Robert and while all seem to mention he had illegitimate children none mention their names even though they say he acknowledged them. Of course their mothers receive no mention, idir, idir.

[Liz]

Some of them have been mentioned. For instance Christian of Carrick, who bore him two children. Both sons, if memory doesn't fail me.