The Poem

The Bruce (Brus) written by the poet John Barbour around 1375 was a hugely influential Scottish poem of the middle ages. In it Barbour detailed Robert Bruce’s ultimately successful struggle to win the Scottish throne and to re-establish Scottish independence. Beginning from his earlier defeat in 1306 through his fight back and early victories from 1307 onwards. Then progressing to his triumph at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314.

                                             At Court

On King Robert II’s accession in 1371 John Barbour served at the king’s court during which time he wrote his great work. The poet is recorded in court records as receiving ten pounds in payment from the king for his work on the poem. Barbour’s poem is regarded by historians as being essentially factually accurate.   Though there are also known to be errors in it though none of a significant kind.

                                         The Structure of the Poem

Robert Bruce dominates the poem while others have major roles at various points . Particularly  his great friend and ally James Douglas whose role in the war is given a prominent description. The poem presents a heroic image of the king particularly at the Battle of Bannockburn . The battle is described in the poem in great detail and is now regarded as a masterpiece of literature. The Brus (Bruce) established John Barbour as the ‘father of Scottish Poetry’, A position he still holds today. The poem went on to have a significant influence on Scottish literature in the subsequent centuries.