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Last broadcast on Tue, 22 Sep 2009, 20:00 on BBC Four (see all broadcasts).
Synopsis
Robert Bruce's 22-year struggle to secure Scottish independence is one of the most important chapters in the country's history. Neil Oliver explores the crucial role the Scottish church played in promoting the cause of Robert Bruce, how they launched repeated propaganda campaigns, both at home and abroad, and how the famous 1320 Declaration of Arbroath ultimately persuaded the Pope to finally recognise Scotland as an independent nation.
The death of Wallace
With Wallace dead and the Scottish king John Balliol broken and irrelevant in a foreign land, chess enthusiast Edward Longshanks believed this was "endgame" and Scotland was dead. After his cruelty in war, he played it softly, taking oaths of loyalty from the country's leading nobles. And then it was the turn of the bishops, but that was his first mistake. Unlike England's bishopry, these men had no subservience to a king but instead a direct line to the Pope.
Robert the Bruce - King of Scots
While they literally paid lip service and kissed the English king's ring, these men were to be the driving force in the re-birth of Scotland's crown and independence. But first they needed a new Scottish king; someone worthy of the title, but not so worthy he could not contemplate something which looked dangerously like usurpation of the throne.
They chose Robert the Bruce.
Open University Postcards
The Open University has a booklet of postcards about Scotland's history.
Open University Audio Walks
BBC Radio Scotland and The Open University take you on an audio walk through Stirling. Join Neil Oliver as he learns of William Wallace’s triumph over the English, and the ascent of Robert the Bruce.
Scotland's History website
Visit the Scotland's History site to find out more about Scotland's turbulent past.
Watch video clips about Scottish history and take part in our online debates.
Credits
- Presenter
- Neil Oliver
- Producer
- Tim Niel
Broadcasts
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Mon 24 Nov 200821:00
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Sun 30 Nov 200818:00
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Sat 17 Jan 200920:00
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Mon 19 Jan 200920:00
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Tue 22 Sep 200920:00
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