English Bob

 

In March 1302 Robert de Bruce was at Linlithgow, in the company of Sir Robert Clifford and Sir John de St John. These were two of Edward I's knights: Clifford had been in possession of Caerlaverock castle since 1300, while St John was the English seneschal of Galloway. 

As described previously, Bruce had recently abandoned the Balliol Scots and joined Edward. St John had taken Bruce's surrender in the king's name, but the three men soon went their separate ways. Shortly afterwards Bruce was at Maybole grange, where he acknowledged that he would no longer ask the tenants of Roxburgh abbey to serve with him in a Scottish army going 'abroad'. This could mean south of the border or overseas. Instead they would only be asked to serve in the defence of the realm. 

In context, that meant Edward's realm of Scotland. Bruce was now a part of the English establishment, drawing upon English money and supplies to maintain himself. While Edward may not have trusted Bruce entirely, this was no great surprise. Bruce was no more or less trustworthy than any other nobleman, in either kingdom. After almost fifty years in politics, it is doubtful that Edward trusted anyone besides the men he raised to power. These were the likes of Robert Burnell and Walter Langton, of relatively low birth, who owed everything to royal favour. 

Even so, Bruce had to be kept sweet. He was granted a very useful marriage to Elizabeth de Burgh, daughter of Edward's chief ally in Ireland, the earl of Ulster. Liz was played by Florence Pugh (pictured) in Outlaw King.