The Bannockburn Story you Don't Hear About… The Truth about Henry de Bohun?

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

More about Robert the Bruce and Bannockburn Buy tickets for live shows at www.brucefummey.co.uk/shows.aspx Buy me coffee at www.buymeacoffee.com/ScottishBruce

[@brucestevenson8797]

Best haggis story ever. When will the tickets for your New Zealand shows be released? Guessing they will be through a NZ ticketing agent

[@murrayscott9546]

Manl,.l just shillelaghed my pants ! Much thánks.

[@stephenlemon8270]

Excellent stories very interesting

[@harrymceachan2381]

A poem Bannockburn De Boyun Charges... "Get intae him Robbie" the Sodgers cried "He's only nearly double yer size" Rab Stepped aside His Pony nimble He always said She could turn on a thimble De Boyun came on O' What a sight Full Armour Helm Lance held tight Rob stood up tall grippin' His Axe Wi' it's lang lang shaft De Boyun rushed past stabbin' at air His Chance O' Fortune wis nae mair Rob swung His Axe an' cleft the Helm De Boyun fell doon an; enteret Hell The Sodgers cried "O Whit a Stroke" King Robert wis sad Cause His Axe wis broke So There The Bold DeBoyun lies Deid In a pool o' blood Wi' His V shaped Heid....

[@angusfaith6761]

Makes sense Bruce wouldn't take an unnecessary risk the day before battle, but regardless, he still stoved his heed in

[@tombearclaw]

Until the advent and adoption of man portable rifled guns, generals often ranged far ahead of their armies with a smaller retinue.

[@joemuir2575]

Brilliant comment, Bruce complained after it that he broke his favourite axe

[@daniellyons9042]

Either way, Robert the Bruce was victorious . Love the channel.

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

True

[@ZAKKANWAKKAR]

Bruce and de Bohun were fighting for the Croon, Bruce took his battle-axe and knocked de Bohun doon.

[@davefinster8697]

I suspect that someone looking for chivalrous conduct in medieval times would have found it mostly in books, not on battlefields.

[@magnusosmond1835]

Unless you ransoming prisoners

[@billyandrew]

You've got that right. 👍 No chivalry in destrier-charging an enemy with levelled lance that isn't fully armoured and armed themself.

[@darriendastar3941]

"And that's when haggis was invented". Sometimes, a comedy punchline is written that will reverberate through history. I think I cracked three ribs laughing. So many thanks, Bruce.

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Ah, I'm delighted

[@darriendastar3941]

@@ScotlandHistoryTours I have but one upvote to give you. (I'll make a Kofi payment next month so you know my thanks are sincere. Hope your time in the Antipodes is a rollicking success.)

[@eamonnclabby7067]

​@@ScotlandHistoryTours there is a herd of Haggis roaming free here in the wilds of the wirral...I blame reading the Beano...

[@billyandrew]

@eamonnclabby7067 Truth be told, Gnasher is a hairy haggis. Legit.

[@colincostello7334]

I’m going for the first version, not least for the showcasing of a great story being told by a great story teller! 👏👍

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

You're too kind

[@yvonne3903]

Brilliant Star Trek Scotty impersonation.

[@bodisatva75]

Another great episode, never would i take the word of an Englishman to tell me the truth, about Scottish history.

[@maximillianphoenix9374]

You very wee minded man

[@russmeans]

The truth always lies somewhere in the middle doesn't it? Time and propaganda always cloud reality. Thanks Bruce!

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Aye, right enough

[@chriscunningham7155]

Another class video Bruce. About time you were linked up with schools to get this heritage to our kids, told in your clever and engrossing manner. Keep 'em coming 10/10

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Thanks for that

[@billyandrew]

Agreed, but never going to happen, until we revoke the union and replace Holyrood with a lawful Scottish Parliament. Meantime, Wastemonster and the ruling English class will never allow Scottish people, schoolchildren included, to learn of their genuine history. It's step #101 of colonising a nation.

[@callumgordon1668]

I did the the wars of independence for my Sixth Year History about 40+ years ago now. I scraped a pass despite missing the whole historiography section. My brilliant history teacher was appalled, but the stuff I had done must have been good enough… I’ve read a few of the better books on Bruce too, but this is the first time I’ve heard the English chronicle’s version. What I know is that the primary/secondary sources always paint the picture from their own perspective and you need to find the truth in all of it. That’s what you’ve really said here. So here’s what I think. De Bohun was scouting as the English source said. He ran into/was ambushed by the Scots who may have known he was coming, though why Bruce would but himself in danger… A melee ensues where Bruce or one of his crew kill de Bohun in a square go. Game over. Scots portray it as a heroic 1 on 1, England as a shabby ambush. Glosses over that England was on another imperial adventure in a then sovereign country they had no business being in attempting to displace the rightful King of Scots.

[@chrissaltmarsh6777]

Stories are great. I'm English, my home is Edinburgh, so I'll go with story one. Have a good antipodean trip, Mr Fummey

[@chrisball3778]

The John Barbour version of the story seems to me to be have been interwoven with metaphor to show how Robert the Bruce came to defeat the English- a lightly-armed underdog using nimbleness, intelligence and nerves of steel to get the better of a powerful but arrogant foe. Barbour was a poet and he understood the importance of symbolism and storytelling- even if the duel didn't happen quite the way he said it did, the dramatic, perhaps embellished, version he told perfectly illustrated what The Bruce had accomplished as a leader and warrior. Experts in medieval weapons and armour have for a long time found it pretty improbable that anyone could have literally chop through an iron helmet and split someone's head in half, even a powerful warrior with a first-rate axe. Medieval armour was really good at defending from slashing and chopping blows from bladed weapons, and helmets were usually the strongest part. A skilled and experienced veteran soldier like The Bruce would probably have aimed the blow at a less well-protected part of his opponent to make sure he killed or disabled him. That adds to the likelihood that the Barbour version is at least a bit exaggerated for poetic effect.

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Don't you just love the poetry?

[@67Stu]

That was a blast. Absolutely loved it, and love hearing stories both true and folklore about King Robert.

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@billyandrew]

The spider went on to have a successful career as a motivational speaker.

[@plainsimple442]

Hi Bruce, Robert the Bruce is my ancestor, and I have the Bruce lineage back 33 generations. I love history and anthropology. I also enjoy your channel.

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Very cool

[@johnmiller260]

Hello cousin. King Robert the Bruce is my 19th great grandfather. I'm going with number one but agreeing with both in that he was the victor

[@sandyr1789]

LOVE your side on how haggis was invented - that created an explosion of laughter from me! Obviously, your final comments are the most logical and the Scots would "never" falsely embellish history in their favor the way the other side liked to do!

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

😜

[@martinodoni8943]

Is that why Scottish look-outs claimed that the English army approaching Stirling must have been 40,000-strong......?

[@billyandrew]

@martinodoni8943 I, along with others, I'm sure, would be everso appreciative, were you to provide links to support your comment. Unless, of course, it's spurious nonsense, created in a pique of rage, in the manner of a five year old having a hissy fit, because they don't like what they hear?! I'm sure that isn't the case, but it looks suspiciously so, ergo, I would be somewhat remiss not to enquire, as I'm sure you understand.

[@MoparMan1320]

Thank you for the video....masterfully told. Coming from a hearty stock of storytellers myself (deep in the Appalachian wood of North Carolina, US), I can sit for hours listening to good stories. After listening to a few of yours...I cannot for the life of me understand how anyone can call history "boring" (unless it be told by a detached school teacher). Good travels Sir 😎

[@kathleenlambert4961]

I'm a trekkie and loved the reference!

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

I did it for you Kathleen

[@kathleenlambert4961]

@@ScotlandHistoryTours 🥰

[@scottferguson48]

Hi Bruce another great video. I wish you well on your travels. And we will see you when you get back to your much loved Scotland. ..... Elgin

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

I hope so

[@vallovesnature8449]

I’m liking the first story. Any story about Robert the Bruce is most interesting to me. My ancestor was his amor bearer, secretary, & friend which eventually years later led to Drum Castle. Thanks for sharing this with us Bruce!! Stay awesome!!❤️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@dazzibhoy]

love your vids, thehistory is amazing

[@pattonmoore]

One of my very favorite stories, Bruce! Thanks again for a great telling! *And as a fellow historian, I'm sure there's probably a bit of truth to both versions and the actual truth somewhere in between, as both versions have some sense of the realities of warfare and politics of the time.

[@nickthenoodle9206]

Always interesting, always entertaining, always informative.

[@melissavancleave8686]

I so enjoy your videos. I wish complete success with your comedy tour. Hope you someday make it to the states.

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Maybe one day!

[@bstrac]

Brilliantly telt. Honestly I am fine with either version as the outcome is what really matters. Hope you are planning a Canadian tour sometime after the Aussies and Kiwis. Saor Alba Gu Brath.

[@DH.2016]

The second story has some merit in that it gives me the impression that Bruce may have considered De Bohun's party as a scouting party and therefore needed to be eliminated before "it saw too much" of the Scottish preparations. However, the first story is the most impressive given that the Scots were so very much outnumbered and therefore, when this story (whether true or not) spread throughout the Scots army, it must have been so inspirational in contributing to their victory on the second day. It also makes for a better story for Hollywood! 😂

[@Beery1962]

100%! Exactly my take-away from the incident.

[@maconescotland8996]

Bohun, nephew of the High Constable of England was likely trying to impress senior management, his uncle the Earl of Hereford and Essex was Edward II's brother in law as well as one of the very top brass on the English side - it turned out to be a bad career move for the young knight. Hereford and Essex was amongst many nobles captured after the battle and ransomed as part of an exchange deal and financial arrangement.

[@irenepaulton3392]

I'm more inclined towards the first version but with a fair few pinches of salt. It wasn't uncommon for leaders with good leadership skills to be out ahead of their troops or be doing the rounds of the encampment, encouraging their troops prior to a battle or on the march. And by all accounts, from plenty of other primary sources, de Bohun was known to be inclined towards rash behaviour, so yes, it was perfectly possible that he took his fateful decision and rode out to tackle the Bruce.

[@missfoxglove8989]

The second story is more likely. He's chivalrous to his Foe, but a back stabbing traitor and a murderer to his allies. He murdered my ancestor in a church when he was confronted for a leaked coup to steal the Scottish throne and he murdered my family progenitor as well as massacring half of my ancestors who tried to rally against him after the murder. They were both supposed to be protectors of the Scottish throne.

[@SteinerHaus]

I like the pink house coat idea, but baulkd at the origin of haggis. Mebbe Zombie Picts? Regardless, guid tale Sennachie.

[@derektaylor8830]

@@missfoxglove8989 history doesn’t remember the losers. I wouldn’t take it so personally. Bruce did the business when it was needed, that why he is remembered as the greatest ever Scotsman. Shame for those that got in his way, but hey, it’s a hard life being a medieval mafioso.

[@larrymorgan63]

Some of the most famous military leaders in history took risks and led from the front, when occasion demanded it. Alexander the Great, Julius Caeser, Napoleon and even Nelson.

[@johnhiggins4470]

@@missfoxglove8989Time to get over it don’t you think? 😊🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@davidowen7311]

Thank you from a history & genealogy buff, in the USA), who has greatly enjoyed your work, Mr. Fummey! It may be that I'm descended both from Malcolm Canmore and Edward II; definitely from Duncan I and also Henry & Eleanor. This is fascinating, as I both admire Robert the Bruce and am (possibly), a descendant of the Behun family. Please keep telling the stories of all the sorts of people who made Scotland what it is, and what it can be!

[@alanadellar7010]

I can't believe I only just found this page, I would have loved to see your live show in Melbourne! I was only a few weeks late.

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Next time

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

I'm coming back to Melbourne with a new show Scotland Made the World on 7th and 8th Feb 2025. Tickets at www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1320172

[@mollyfritz-beckers6821]

History is written by the victorious or so I've heard. But I think 9:15 you have shown so well is told from the unique perspective of the historian's interpretation of facts. Repeated until it becomes truth. We can't help being human, ego defenses et al. As you prove so well in each wonderful video. Thank you.

[@richardclegg7846]

Another spectacular production. Vivid

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Much appreciated!

[@johnedmond9469]

Wonderfully delivered.

[@whoarewe7515]

Always makes us smile. Thanks.

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

😁

[@dabsafe]

So I’m up at 4am in S.Ontario so I can make boxing training at 6:30 and I find a KZbin alert to another brilliant video from Bruce. Had me dying with laughter. Now I have to get that out of my head somehow before sparring. Cheers Bruce; another blinder. When are you touring Canada? 😎🇨🇦🎸

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Live shows in Canada in 2024. Shows in Halifax, Annapolis, New Glasgow, Moncton, Montreal, Perth , Ottawa, Toronto, Fergus, Seaforth, Calgary, Vancouver and Victoria. Most of the details are here. www.brucefummey.co.uk/shows.aspx

[@ChristophersMum]

So...he did all that in his housecoat and slippers ...just to give the right start for hostilities (which he won) the next day...which is why we can sit and enjoy our Bruce give a blow by blow versions of the tale...thanks Bruce hope you enjoy the coffees

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Big thanks

[@ChristophersMum]

@@ScotlandHistoryTours It's my plesure

[@sidbream9585]

Awesome video. I read this account long ago, and it always just makes a lot of sense. There are a myriad of things Bruce may have been doing out and about on the easiest mount he could find.

[@barbaralavoie1045]

Bruce, I always enjoy your historical facts and “stories”. ☺️

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Glad you like them!

[@vickiepower6201]

Just love the way you tell a story 🙂

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Thanks Vickie

[@tiffanyannhowe1712]

Thanks for the new video! 😊

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

You're welcome

[@DarkAutumnScribe]

I've told this story myself, but I'm going to add in the haggis part now... it make logical sense!!!

[@robertlanglands9161]

But how does it square with the wild haggis being chased round the mountains by the haggis hunting dogs that Bruce previously revealed?

[@billyandrew]

@robertlanglands9161 Socialised haggis are entirely different from their feral cousins, obviously.

[@Renegade_Melungeon]

Regardless of the version, Bruce still looks amazing.

[@desbelfastireland9982]

THANK YOU

[@Noneofurbeeswax]

Come do a show in Texas!

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

I'm measuring up a bullet proof vest as we speak😜

[@pinoyibon3908]

Going to be offshore in Darwin from February to April. Pity you weren't up North. My relatives in Christchurch, New Zealand might go if I tell them. Hope to catch you or your shows in Scotland sometime. Keep making the videos......my favourite Scottish history tutor 👍

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Please tell them. We're going to Darwin for a bit of snorkelling

[@pinoyibon3908]

@ScotlandHistoryTours Ha ha. Pipelay for me. Leave the diving for ROV. Last time I went snorkeling was in Boracay, Philippines 🇵🇭 with my wife. A far cry from my hometown of Fraserburgh.

[@Thewolverine0865]

Either way, I don't see underhandedness on the part of Sir Bruce. In both accounts, Sir Henry initiated the attack bc he thought the Scotts were in a position of disadvantage. He miscalculated and lost.

[@garymcmanus9946]

I've sent dates to my pals down under. I'd love to be there and come and see yas. Keep up the great work.

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Yaaay

[@KellyAnn1997]

Interesting. I read a book by a Mr. McNair Scott and I swear he told it like the first version except it was the morning of the battle. I’ll have to fish that book out again.

[@billyandrew]

And did you....fish the book out, I mean?

[@KellyAnn1997]

@@billyandrew I couldn’t find it! I might have to see if I can find an online version now.

[@jasonbhollismusic7021]

Both versions of the story are plausible and the truth is probably a third. Funnily enough, as an Englishman (actually 25% Scots) the only version I've previously heard is the first one, the Scots version although in that version (of the version) it took place as the opening action of the battle rather than the night before. Another excellent video Bruce!

[@djj9988]

Being English myself,I'm very fascinated by Bruce's character.I heard he did dine some of the English barons taken prisoner after the battle.:)

[@billyandrew]

It was customary, as they'd be hostages for reward in cash or favour, so makes sense to treat them well.

[@Original50]

Nice one Brucie! 😏

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Thanks! 😃

[@boabybawsac8876]

I always look forward to seeing new content Bruce. Keep it up! 👍

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Thanks man

[@ericmcwilliams7629]

"Arise Sir Bruce Fumey " 😄...that's no gonnae happen noo ! 🤣🤣🤣

[@robertdaley1194]

Love your Baja top Bruce ,I have a one ❤.

[@robertacomstock3655]

Live long & prosper, friend!

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

😜

[@ceiteachmacstiofan1374]

Love your content

[@JamesDickson-vs5of]

I want that hoodie 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 happy healthy peace ✌️

[@Scottmclaren620]

Great as always hopefully you can do individual clan videos love to hear you take on them

[@therabbithole-sn5yb]

Great name, my great great grandfather was a McLaren. I've been doing my genealogy & my great grandmother was a MacKenzie, which is where I get my middle name from.

[@Scottmclaren620]

@@therabbithole-sn5yb been doing mine to harder then I thought lol got as far back as 1800s

[@billyandrew]

@therabbithole-sn5yb By the looks of it, your middle name is, er, _rabbit?_ 🤔😉😂

[@drandrewclarke]

well done on your Downing St reply BTW👍

[@fearthekilt]

Good morning from America Bruce my friend! Another grand tale on this grand winter's day. Well told!

[@scottsmithii5195]

I thank you for what you

[@scottsmithii5195]

do

[@paulspaintshed3511]

What a fantastic channel. Educational, entertaining and funny. Although I'm English I have Scottish ancestry through my Nans branch of the family (MacFarlane) and the work you do helps connect me to that side of my ancestry. Extremely interested in the battle of Harlaw but struggle to find books on it. Currently reading Bludie Harlaw, Realities, Myths, Ballads. Do you know of any others? Any road keep up the good work.🙂

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Not off the top of my head kzbin.info/www/bejne/hn2Zno1_fLatla8

[@nledaig]

Brilliantly done pal, At 40 The Bruce would have been at his most physically powerful. As a bricklayers labourer I certainly was.

[@BenSHammonds]

very good

[@iananderson6286]

I prefer the origin story of haggis. Sincerely Your American Cousin. Ian Anderson. ( Scots on both sides Anderson and Thornton, both in and around the Paisley area.) I am a Long time watcher of your channel, thank you sir for what you do and the way you do it.

[@mrblue1970]

Great video, funny and informative as always

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Glad you think so!

[@alistairrichard-howes9903]

Kia ora from Aotearoa. When you tour this year, are you able to visit Palmerston North? It would be great to see you live!

[@henrysevern]

The second version I only heard on your video, I learnt as a child from the Ladybird book Robert the Bruce that the knight challenged the Scottish King along with the story about the spiders web. By the way I heard that Robert the Bruce was born in the village of Writtle, Essex, in England not in Scotland. I hope you get a good reception when you visit Perth, the most important one, the city in Western Australia, because I went to school there.

[@billyandrew]

He was born in Ayreshire. The proper name was *De* Bruce, obviously of French origin.

[@henrysevern]

@@billyandrew I thought no one knows for sure where Robert the Bruce was born. It is also claimed that while the family was travelling through, Robert the Bruce was actually born in the village of Writtle in Essex, England now a large village to the north east of Chelmsford. I have cycled and driven through this village many times.

[@eddhardy1054]

Never heard the second version before...but it does sound more plausible 😉😊

[@billyandrew]

Yeah, Bumhum mistakenly thinking he'd shish kebab Robert, who wasn't armoured or armed appropriately. I'd have loved to have been in his head, when realisation hit him. As the gifs, using Morgan Freeman's voice-over always say: _"It was at that moment he knew he'd fcukd up!"_ 🤪😂😂😂

[@andrewcunningham6413]

brilliant

[@Swindondruid2]

Thanks for doing the merch in larger sizes for FBs like me. I just bought one :) The merch site doesn't work on Firefox (just so you know). It does seem to work on other browsers.

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Yaaay and oooh. There's a swing and a roundabout to look at

[@billyandrew]

😂😂😂

[@caroldave4037]

Yeah defo one for the living room.....🤭👍atvb dave....

[@philmills2970]

I'm going with the first version m8, also I think its a great pity there are no shows pland for the north island of old nz, maybe next time take care m8

[@grantmclachlan1]

I watched another KZbin video a while back that did an experiment using a replica medieval helmet and axe, in which they tried to split the helmet with a single axe blow as per the Bruce legend. They found it impossible to split the helmet with a single blow. Not impossible to kill who was inside the helmet just impossible to split the helmet with a single blow. I believe the second story is more likely as by this stage in the wars of independence, experience would have taught the Scots army and leadership that they would have to be uncompromisingly calculated, cunning and feral to achieve victory over almost always superior odds.

[@billyandrew]

I'm of the opinion the blow was intend to stun and unhorse Bohun. Hard to get up, leaving him totally vulnerable, already comatose or dead. Bruce would have known this, no stranger to some the drawbacks of armour, helmets in particular, himself. The rest was likely embellishment, propaganda. Either way, Bohun didn't survive the encounter, costing England dearly, psychologically, as well as depleting them of valued manpower, all for the sake of personal glory. Someone states, in comments, his family had fallen out of favour with the king, which would go some way to explaining why he'd break ranks, as a scout or as a means of regaining his family honour, but it proved fatal, instead. His family were not what you could ever describe as lucky.

[@sallymorris5633]

Centuries later, Michael Collins employed the same asymmetrical warfare tactics against the same enemy with much the same result.

[@par576]

Well I like both stories and your jersey. And until now I liked haggis!

[@stuartridley2222]

I would agree with the poem of Barbour on the account of De Bohuns death. I read a book which mentioned De Brus being a greta champion in Melee tournaments on the continent which earned him fame and fortune and showed he was a very proficient and competent combatant. The fact that De Bohun saw the King he must have let his ego get the best of him by charging the King as to De Bohun not just killing the King of Scots he would seal his reputation in chivalric terms but defeating a famous knight who won numerous Tournaments/Melee’s.

[@billyandrew]

The kid was a contender, but paid the price of his inexperience. Jousting tournaments and battlefields are two different animals.

[@johnmcafee6140]

I think I'm going with the first story. Because, as we all know, history is written by the winner. 😉

[@pollyduron674]

I have to agree with several people in that it would make more sense that the first version occurred. I don't believe that he would take soldiers and ambush a small scouting group at the risk of leaving his post. Why run down a few scouts? He would have let them come to him and there were also recorded accounts, apposed to heresay from the English. Loved your video as always ❤

[@annasaylor3566]

I love it. ☮️🌹🦋❤️

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Ah thanks

[@SandyRobertson-m7b]

Bruce and De Bruin fought for the Crown. Bruce took up his battle axe and knocked the bugger down. An old scot tale/poem poem.

[@merlapittman5034]

I nearly spit out a mouthful of coffee when you said that's how haggis was invented! 🤣

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

😜

[@fodicky4]

"Sittin on a little pony, dressed in a pink house coat and slippers" 😂😂😂😂 That got me on my knees heaving🤣

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

😜

[@evanhughes7609]

You're not doing any Sydney shows! 😫

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Hey I'm coming to Sydney with a new show Scotland Made the World on 22nd Feb 2025. Tickets at www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1318113

[@BeerMatt96]

I was hoping for a discussion about the various talking spider stories! 🤣

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

If you watch again and again eventually there will be one

[@BeerMatt96]

@@ScotlandHistoryTours 🤣

[@iMertin90]

Grew up in torwood

[@freddymoberg250]

I go for the first version.

[@willywhonka]

De Bohun looked at Bruce's pint. Such a sleight cannot go unpunished.

[@wallyjansen898]

I think that the first version is nearest the truth, Robert the Bruce was a doughty fighter with the axe and he often used highland ponies because the were better suited to the terrain.

[@timmccaffery4826]

I vote for the first version!

[@roygeorge5364]

@Scotland History Tours. Instead of a coffee, can I buy you a Pint when you come to Perth?

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Me, a teetotal?

[@FishTheJim]

You are such a great storyteller. Now my first question is: Talking Spider? When I was a kid my Dad told me a story about Robert the Bruce and a spider but in that story the spider never talked, it was just trying to build a web by well doing what a spider does and swinging on a web. As far as which story I believe? Well how haggis was first made, naturally? :)

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

The spider still runs a motivational speaking business in Glasgow

[@DH.2016]

@@ScotlandHistoryTours Eye, that'll be right (x 8). 😄

[@billyandrew]

@ScotlandHistoryTours Damn my brain, I made almost a verbatim mirror comment, elsewhere on this post, only to now stumble upon your own. I'm scunnered and beaten in one fell swoop. 😂😂😂👏👏👏👍

[@ianturner3017]

Love your presentation style Bruce I always watch your videos. One subject I don't find covered in your archive is the debacle in the 1690's called the Darien Expedition, what happened and how come the Scots had to turn to the English for a bale out? What is the back ground to this important part of Scottish history? Surely the Scottish and English were already bound togetherv because of the union of the crowns when James the VI of Scotland became James I of England?

[@billyandrew]

The Scottish nobles financed the ill-fated Darien attempt, using about 20% of the Lowland's finances. The English and Spanish navies blockaded supplies, so the colonists starved or froze to death. Poor organisation and logistics, as well as the lack of anticipation of unfriendly action by the aforementioned nations ensured the mission was doomed to failure. England had been eager, for many years, to lock Scotland into any sort of treaty, as Scotland, at least in a commercial sense, was expanding rapidly. The Scottish nobles, up to their eyeballs in debt, following the failed colonisation, accepted English gold to unlawfully sign the _Acts of Union 1707,_ which went against the wishes of the Sovereigns, every man, woman and child, in Scotland, the ones with the authority to give the contract the green light or to veto it. English troops were garrisoned in Scotland's cities and towns for over eighteen months, afterwatds, in order to viciously quell protests and riots by the Sovereigns. Scotland didn't go cap-in-hand to England, as the propaganda machinery still claims. It was the treacherous nobles. The rest is Wastemonster's *Smoke and Mirrors Show,* churning out lies and propaganda in equal measure.

[@RomanJackson-b9k]

Dear Bruce, could you tell more about the writer that you mentioned in this video, who has the last name of Barber, my great grandfather was a Barber

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

www.google.com/search?q=barour+the+bruce&sca_esv=593620046&sxsrf=AM9HkKkG4_bt9iYRO-_rLghm7TLLvaE1cw%3A1703528655218&source=hp&ei=z8iJZa2VC7eRhbIPlu-EwA0&iflsig=AO6bgOgAAAAAZYnW3_UnZ-tTJjbbdLYJO52U4PUdErlI&ved=0ahUKEwjtuO3imquDAxW3SEEAHZY3AdgQ4dUDCAw&uact=5&oq=barour+the+bruce&gs_lp=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&sclient=gws-wiz

[@joepratte727]

i know which story i want to believe, but i'm related to both bruce and the king edwards. love your stories. did john of gaunt and kathrine swinford do anything to help scotland or england?

[@rattleshakti]

Probably version two is the most realistic portrayal of events, however version one is my favourite. Not sure about the pink pajamas though! 😂

[@scottfoster2087]

Interesting and hilarious

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Thanks

[@theeddorian]

The way encounters of the sort on horses go, there could be elements of truth to both stories. A following blow as a mounted opponent passes would strike from behind. Also, Scottish mounts might be smaller, more agile "ponies" than the larger "destriers" used by the many knights. If the Bruce were scouting the situation to see for himself, the encounter could be both chance and planned. As regards the destruction of the rest of the vanguard party, it's unlikely a "vanguard" would be composed of just one night, and, wel,l the Scotts had little use for the southerners anyway.

[@BlazingMichael]

Am I right to be thinking its you, Brucie, that I'm seein on the telly adverts?

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

I'm not aware of having done adverts. Do you mean trailer for TV programmes?

[@BlazingMichael]

@@ScotlandHistoryTours yes! Sorry that’s just a little bit of laziness coming out in how I talk. I was just thinking because I keep seeing these split seconds and just thinking; “I could’ve sworn…” Lots of rewinds and pauses have been happening. Good to see you getting your name out there, though, of course!

[@Sotiger]

Hellooo! Would you happen to have any info on the Templar involvement in Bannockburn and the formation of the Royal Order of Scotland?

[@tomtaylor6163]

I’m American of English and Scottish descent. According to my research, some of my Mom’s people were in fact de Bohun. I knew this story and when I discovered that Henry de Bohun would be a cousin to me. I think more likely it was a combination of both stories . I think Henry stumbled upon the Bruce and Bruce wacked him fair and square with an axe

[@billyandrew]

Likely, it took more than one blow, any others, once De Bohun was unhorsed. Not a pretty ending, but no less grisly than the skewering he'd planned for De Bruce. Live by the, er...lance, die by the, er...axe.