Welcome back to This Day in Scottish History. I’m your host, Colin MacDonald. Today, we delve into the dramatic and turbulent life of Edward Bruce, younger brother of Robert the Bruce, whose death on October 14, 1318, in Ireland, marked the end of a bold, but ill-fated, campaign to extend Scottish power and influence.

Edward Bruce, the Earl of Carrick, was a fierce warrior and loyal supporter of his brother's fight for the Scottish crown. He was born around 1280, one of the five sons of Robert de Brus and Marjorie, Countess of Carrick. His early life is shrouded in some mystery, but it’s believed that he might have spent part of his youth in Ireland, fostered by the O’Neills of Ulster, which may have helped foster his ambitions there later in life.

Edward's most famous moments in Scottish history, however, are closely tied to the Wars of Scottish Independence. After Robert the Bruce's defeat at the hands of the English at Methven in 1306, Edward was one of the few Bruce brothers to survive the dark days when Robert was a fugitive. Edward fought valiantly alongside his brother, enduring the harsh guerilla war that culminated in victory at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314. In that critical battle, Edward commanded one of the schiltrons — a circular formation of spearmen — that successfully fended off the English knights.

But Edward Bruce wasn’t content to stand in his older brother’s shadow. He sought to carve out his own path, and Ireland became his ambition. In 1315, Edward launched an invasion of Ireland with the aim of creating a united front between Scotland and Ireland against their common enemy, England. Edward and Robert had grand visions of a Celtic alliance, hoping to unite the Gaels of Ireland and Scotland under one banner.

On May 26, 1315, Edward landed with a large force in Ulster. He was met by Domhnall mac Briain Ó Néill and a number of other Irish chieftains who swore allegiance to him. By 1316, Edward was crowned as High King of Ireland. However, the title was largely symbolic, as much of Ireland remained divided among powerful Anglo-Irish lords and Gaelic dynasties who refused to acknowledge his rule.

The Bruce campaign in Ireland was brutal. Edward's forces marched through the country, capturing towns and ravaging lands, but his ambitions quickly began to falter. Despite initial successes, including victories over Anglo-Irish forces, Edward struggled to gain widespread support from the Irish kings, many of whom saw him as a foreign invader. Worse still, Ireland was struck by famine in 1317, which severely hampered his campaign. Supplies dwindled, morale dropped, and Edward’s army was weakened by hunger and disease.

By 1318, the tide had turned decisively against Edward Bruce. The Anglo-Irish, led by Sir John de Bermingham, marshaled their forces and moved to confront Edward at the Battle of Faughart in County Louth. On October 14, 1318, Edward Bruce met his end. The Scots-Irish army was decisively defeated, and Edward was killed in the heat of battle. His body was dismembered, and his head sent to King Edward II of England as a grim trophy.

Edward Bruce’s death marked the end of the Scottish invasion of Ireland. His campaign, once filled with promise and ambition, became a tale of destruction, famine, and disillusionment. His death also ended any hopes of a lasting Scottish presence in Ireland, and he is often remembered as a figure who brought more suffering to the island than liberation.

In the grand scheme of history, Edward Bruce’s story serves as a reminder of the volatile and brutal nature of medieval warfare and the limits of ambition. His campaign in Ireland, though bold, failed to unite the Gaelic world against the English. Instead, it left a trail of devastation in its wake.

Thank you for joining me today on This Day in Scottish History. We hope you’ve enjoyed learning about Edward Bruce and his ill-fated attempt to rule Ireland. Tune in tomorrow for another fascinating look at Scotland’s past. I’m Colin MacDonald, Haste Ye Back!

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bagtown.substack.com