# Robert II of Scotland

> King of Scots from 1371 to his death as the first monarch of the House of Stewart

**Wikidata**: [Q312592](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q312592)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_II_of_Scotland)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/robert-ii-of-scotland

## Summary
Robert II of Scotland was a human and politician who served as the King of Scots from 1371 until his death in 1390. He is historically significant as the first monarch of the House of Stewart, establishing a royal lineage that would rule Scotland and later Great Britain.

## Biography
- **Born**: March 2, 1316
- **Nationality**: Scottish (Citizenship: Kingdom of Scotland)
- **Education**: Not specified in source material
- **Known for**: Being the first monarch of the House of Stewart and reigning as King of Scots from 1371 to 1390
- **Employer(s)**: Kingdom of Scotland (as Monarch)
- **Field(s)**: Politics, Monarchy

## Contributions
Robert II of Scotland's primary contribution was the establishment of the House of Stewart as the ruling dynasty of Scotland, commencing with his accession in 1371. As the first monarch of this house, he initiated a period of royal lineage that defined the political structure of the Kingdom of Scotland for centuries. His reign marked the transition to Stewart rule, which eventually led to the Union of the Crowns in 1603 and the formation of the Kingdom of Great Britain in 1707.

## FAQs
**Who was Robert II of Scotland?**
Robert II was the King of Scots who reigned from 1371 until his death in 1390. He is best known as the founder and first monarch of the House of Stewart.

**When did Robert II rule Scotland?**
His reign began in 1371 and concluded with his death on April 19, 1390. This period marked the beginning of the Stewart dynasty's rule over the Kingdom of Scotland.

**What is the significance of the House of Stewart?**
The House of Stewart was a British royal house of Scottish origin that began with Robert II in 1371. This dynasty played a central role in Scottish history and later united the crowns of Scotland, England, and Ireland.

**How is Robert II connected to the Kingdom of Great Britain?**
As the first Stewart monarch, Robert II started the lineage that eventually led to the Union of the Crowns in 1603 and the Acts of Union in 1707, which created the Kingdom of Great Britain.

## Why They Matter
Robert II of Scotland matters because he founded the House of Stewart, a royal house that would dominate Scottish and later British history. His accession in 1371 ended the previous royal line and established a dynasty that survived the Wars of Scottish Independence and navigated the complex political landscape leading to the union with England. Without his reign, the specific lineage of Stewart monarchs—including Mary, Queen of Scots, and James VI and I—would not have existed, fundamentally altering the trajectory of the British Isles. His rule provided the continuity necessary for the eventual formation of the Kingdom of Great Britain in 1707.

## Notable For
- **First Monarch of the House of Stewart**: He was the inaugural ruler of this royal house, which originated in Scotland.
- **Longest Reign of the Stewart Line**: His reign from 1371 to 1390 set the precedent for the dynasty's future rule.
- **Political Transition**: He oversaw the shift from the Bruce dynasty to the Stewart dynasty in the Kingdom of Scotland.
- **Historical Legacy**: His lineage is directly connected to the Union of the Crowns and the subsequent Acts of Union 1707.

## Body

### Early Life and Identity
Robert II was born on March 2, 1316. He was a human member of the genus *Homo sapiens* and a citizen of the Kingdom of Scotland. His identity is recorded in various databases with identifiers such as P213 (0000000381992795), P214 (263516322), and P227 (119436493). He is classified as a politician and a monarch. His primary occupation was serving as the King of Scots.

### Reign as King of Scots
Robert II ascended to the throne in 1371, becoming the first monarch of the House of Stewart. He ruled the Kingdom of Scotland, a historic sovereign kingdom on the British Isles, until his death. His reign lasted until April 19, 1390. During this time, the Kingdom of Scotland operated as a constitutional monarchy with Edinburgh as its capital. The currency in use was the pound Scots. His rule was a pivotal moment in Scottish history, marking the beginning of the Stewart dynasty.

### The House of Stewart
The House of Stewart, also known as the House of Stuart, is a British royal house of Scottish origin. Its inception is dated to 1371, coinciding with Robert II's accession. This royal house is distinct from other noble families such as the House of Burgh or the House of FitzJames. The Stewart dynasty would go on to produce notable figures including Mary, Queen of Scots, and eventually rule over the united kingdoms of England and Scotland.

### Death and Legacy
Robert II died on April 19, 1390. His death marked the end of his reign and the transition of power to his successors within the House of Stewart. The Kingdom of Scotland continued to exist until 1707, when it was replaced by the Kingdom of Great Britain following the Acts of Union 1707. The legacy of Robert II is intrinsically linked to the history of the Kingdom of Scotland, which included major events such as the Wars of Scottish Independence and the Jacobite rebellions.

### Historical Context and Related Entities
The Kingdom of Scotland during Robert II's time was a sovereign state with a population estimated at 1,250,000 or 1,100,000. The kingdom was bordered by the Kingdom of England to the south and the Irish Sea to the west. Its capital, Edinburgh, served as the political and economic center. The official languages included Scottish Gaelic, Scots, and English.

Robert II's reign occurred within a broader historical context involving various battles and political entities. Key related entities include:
- **Wars of Scottish Independence**: A series of conflicts that shaped the kingdom's sovereignty.
- **Battle of Bannockburn (1314)**: A major battle during the First War of Scottish Independence, occurring before Robert II's reign but foundational to the kingdom's identity.
- **Parliament of Scotland**: The historical legislature that existed until 1707.
- **Peerage of Scotland**: The group of hereditary titles conferred upon the nobility prior to 1707.
- **Royal Standard of Scotland**: The Scottish Royal Banner of Arms used during this period.

Other notable figures and families associated with the era include the Clan Erskine, Clan Maxwell, and noble titles such as the Duke of Albany, Earl of Argyll, and Earl of Dumbarton. The kingdom also saw the rise of the Whigs and Tories as political factions, though these were more prominent in later centuries.

### Geographic and Cultural Landscape
The Kingdom of Scotland featured a diverse landscape with mountains, forests, and coastal areas. The coastline was extensive, contributing to the kingdom's maritime presence. Culturally, the kingdom was influenced by Gaelic culture and later the Scottish Enlightenment. Major cities included Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Perth. The kingdom also contained historic sites such as Melrose Abbey, Rothesay Castle, and Dundonald Castle.

### Administrative and Legal Framework
The legal and administrative structure of the kingdom included the Parliament of Scotland, where commissioners represented burghs and shires. The Peerage of Scotland managed hereditary titles. The kingdom's currency, the pound Scots, was a unit of value distinct from the English pound. The Treaty of Union in 1707 would eventually dissolve the separate parliament and create the Kingdom of Great Britain.

### Military and Defense
The military of the Kingdom of Scotland played a crucial role in defending its sovereignty. Major conflicts included the Wars of Scottish Independence, the Jacobite rebellions, and battles such as the Battle of Harlaw (1411), Battle of Killiecrankie (1689), and Battle of Culloden (1746). Although Robert II reigned before some of these specific battles, his establishment of the Stewart dynasty set the stage for the military history that followed. The kingdom maintained a network of fortifications and had a significant naval presence.

### Religious and Social Institutions
Religious institutions played a significant role in the kingdom, with entities such as the Archdiocese of St Andrews (1472-1571) and the Diocese of the Isles. The Massacre of Glencoe (1692) and the Marian civil war (post-1568) were significant social and religious events. The kingdom also had a complex social hierarchy with the aristocracy at the top and the working class at the bottom.

### Economic Activities
The economy of the Kingdom of Scotland was based on agriculture, manufacturing, and trade. It was a major exporter of wool, grain, and timber. The financial sector in Edinburgh was a major center for banking and insurance. The kingdom's economic growth contributed to its status as a significant entity in European history.

### Cultural and Intellectual Contributions
The kingdom was a pioneer in the Industrial Revolution and made significant contributions to the American Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. The Scottish Enlightenment and the Romantic movement were major cultural influences. Notable literary and artistic figures associated with the broader history of Scotland include William Wallace, Robert the Bruce, and Mary, Queen of Scots, though these figures predate or postdate Robert II's specific reign.

### Related Battles and Events
Several battles are linked to the history of the Kingdom of Scotland during the era of the Stewart dynasty:
- **Battle of Duns (1372)**: Occurred during Robert II's reign.
- **Battle of Sauchieburn (1488)**: A battle in the later Stewart period.
- **Battle of Langside (1568)**: The opening battle of the Marian civil war.
- **Battle of Pinkie (1547)**: An Anglo-Scottish battle.
- **Battle of Ancrum Moor (1545)**: Part of the War of the Rough Wooing.
- **Battle of Inverkeithing**: A battle during the Third English Civil War.
- **Battle of Bothwell Bridge (1679)**: A conflict in the later period.

### Geographic Locations
Key locations in the Kingdom of Scotland included:
- **Edinburgh**: The capital city.
- **Glasgow**: A major city.
- **Aberdeen**: A significant urban center.
- **Perth**: A city in Perth and Kinross.
- **Kirkcaldy**: A town in Fife.
- **Scone**: A town in Perth and Kinross, historically significant for coronations.
- **Forteviot**: A village in Perth and Kinross.
- **Largs**: A coastal town in North Ayrshire.
- **Ross and Cromarty**: An area in the Highlands.
- **Badenoch**: A traditional district in the Highlands.
- **Atholl**: A historical division in the Highlands.
- **Iona**: An island off the west coast.
- **Dundonald**: Location of Dundonald Castle.
- **Douglas Castle**: Located in South Lanarkshire.
- **Rothesay Castle**: Located in Argyll and Bute.
- **Melrose Abbey**: A partly ruined monastery.
- **Gleneagles Hotel**: A hotel near Auchterarder.

### Political and Noble Families
The kingdom was home to various noble families and titles:
- **Clan Erskine**: A noble family.
- **Clan Maxwell**: A noble family.
- **House of Burgh**: An ancient noble family.
- **House of FitzJames**: An English noble family.
- **Duke of Albany**: A British aristocratic title.
- **Earl of Dumbarton**: A British earldom.
- **Earl of Argyll**: A Scottish noble title.
- **Lord Reay**: A title in the Peerage of Scotland.

### Conclusion
Robert II of Scotland remains a pivotal figure in Scottish history as the founder of the House of Stewart. His reign from 1371 to 1390 laid the groundwork for the future political and cultural development of Scotland and its eventual union with England. The Kingdom of Scotland, under his dynasty, played a significant role in shaping the modern world through its contributions to the Industrial Revolution, the American Revolution, and the Napoleonic Wars. The legacy of Robert II is preserved in the historical records, battles, and institutions that defined the Kingdom of Scotland until its dissolution in 1707.

## References

1. The Peerage
2. Genealogics
3. BnF authorities
4. Virtual International Authority File
5. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
6. CERL Thesaurus