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
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....
"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 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.)
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.
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
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.
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!
@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.
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.
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.
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 😎
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.
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!
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.
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.
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! 😂
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.
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.
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.
@@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.
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.
So I’m up at 4am in S.Ontario so I can make boxing training at 6:30 and I find a TH-cam 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? 😎🇨🇦🎸
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
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
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!!❤️🏴
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 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.
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.
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.
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!"_ 🤪😂😂😂
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 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.
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
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.
I watched another TH-cam 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.
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.
As an American of French descent, I'm going to go with the "rash young knight" version. As has been said many times: There's training . . . and then there's experience. Also known as "raw recruit versus grizzled veteran."
I don't know what Sir Henry's previous experience of fighting was, if any, but he was not a rash youth; he was a rash adult of 37, only 3 years younger than the Bruce.
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.🙂
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.
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 ❤
As an American doing family history... *yes Scottish ancestry, too,* I have found that history is only as truthful as those telling, or chronicling, the stories, and the purpose behind the propaganda is as important as the so called truth... this particular story is basically the same facts except the propaganda it was used for afterwards. I did not know there were different versions and am happy you made a vid about it. As I said, I am American with Scots( and English) roots, so I will gladly accept both stories and keep the known facts as the 'truth'.
Bohun was killed by the Bruce, the only pertinent fact I see in the story. Anything else is just the competing *Smoke and Mirrors Show* generated by either side.
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.
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.
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 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. 😂😂😂👏👏👏👍
There's a great story from the US Navy F-14 community, that puts a more likely optic on this encounter. One of the leading Tomcat pilots had a very high win/loss record in simulated aerial combat, he was the Top Cat. A new pilot keen to try himself against the best goes into the pre-flight brief and Top Cat tells him the fight will be guns only. Ok old school and a more worthy kill for the best of the best etc.... Twenty seconds into the aerial fight and Top Cat is claiming a Fox2 kill (IR Missile) from three miles away. "What the hell, you said guns only!" "Sorry my bad, guns only!" They break off into the second planned fight and ten seconds later Top Cat claims a Fox 3 (radar guided missile) kill from nine miles away, and turns for home. In the debrief this god of the air is challenged over his integrity. He replies "Integrity down - kill ratio up" Once you've decided to settle your differences by sticking bits of metal into each other, you've bet the house on a vicious hand and stuck with a fight to the death - kill ratio is everything. Integrity can be debated later by those away from the cockpit.
Love your stuff….well researched……you got me convinced anyways……my surname is…was…Tough….last in the direct bloodline to Kildrummy castle….any light that can be shed would be welcome….ps…growing up in Castlemilk in the 60s wi a name like tough wasn’t easy
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
What did you do to get sentenced to transportation Bruce? LoL! Seriously, have a wonderful trip down under. I think both stores are partly true and partly embellished I Don't think Robert the Bruce would have been caught off guard on the eve of battle. Safe journeys Bruce.
Now that's a fine way o' making the noble haggis a wee bit more appetizing! Whichever version of this most famous story ye care to credit, it's just uncanny how relevant the spirit of it remains in Scots/English relations. Listening to those wonderful, fiery orators from the SNP blasting the Sassenach at Westminster, you'd think that Bannockburn was yesterday: "Now ’s the day, and now’s the hour; See the front o’ battle lour; See approach proud Edward’s power, Chains and Slaverie.- Wha will be a traitor-knave? Wha can fill a cowards’ grave? Wha sae base as be a Slave? -Let him turn and flie.-"
As someone who is the 17th great-grandson of Robert the Bruce, I always will pick the better, more heroic, and probable tale of The Bruce's courage and valor in this fight over Henry De Buhon. I just tend to prefer my Scottish ancestors over my English ones.
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
Best haggis story ever.
When will the tickets for your New Zealand shows be released? Guessing they will be through a NZ ticketing agent
Manl,.l just shillelaghed my pants ! Much thánks.
Excellent stories very interesting
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....
Makes sense Bruce wouldn't take an unnecessary risk the day before battle, but regardless, he still stoved his heed in
Until the advent and adoption of man portable rifled guns, generals often ranged far ahead of their armies with a smaller retinue.
Brilliant comment, Bruce complained after it that he broke his favourite axe
Either way, Robert the Bruce was victorious .
Love the channel.
True
I suspect that someone looking for chivalrous conduct in medieval times would have found it mostly in books, not on battlefields.
Unless you ransoming prisoners
You've got that right. 👍
No chivalry in destrier-charging an enemy with levelled lance that isn't fully armoured and armed themself.
Bruce and de Bohun were fighting for the Croon,
Bruce took his battle-axe and knocked de Bohun doon.
I’m going for the first version, not least for the showcasing of a great story being told by a great story teller! 👏👍
You're too kind
"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.
Ah, I'm delighted
@@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.)
@@ScotlandHistoryTours there is a herd of Haggis roaming free here in the wilds of the wirral...I blame reading the Beano...
@eamonnclabby7067
Truth be told, Gnasher is a hairy haggis.
Legit.
Brilliant Star Trek Scotty impersonation.
Another great episode, never would i take the word of an Englishman to tell me the truth, about Scottish history.
You very wee minded man
The truth always lies somewhere in the middle doesn't it? Time and propaganda always cloud reality. Thanks Bruce!
Aye, right enough
Stories are great. I'm English, my home is Edinburgh, so I'll go with story one.
Have a good antipodean trip, Mr Fummey
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.
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
Thanks for that
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.
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!
😜
Is that why Scottish look-outs claimed that the English army approaching Stirling must have been 40,000-strong......?
@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.
That was a blast. Absolutely loved it, and love hearing stories both true and folklore about King Robert.
Glad you enjoyed it
The spider went on to have a successful career as a motivational speaker.
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.
Don't you just love the poetry?
I'm a trekkie and loved the reference!
I did it for you Kathleen
@@ScotlandHistoryTours 🥰
love your vids, thehistory is amazing
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.
Very cool
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
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 😎
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
I hope so
Always interesting, always entertaining, always informative.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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! 😂
100%! Exactly my take-away from the incident.
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.
I so enjoy your videos. I wish complete success with your comedy tour. Hope you someday make it to the states.
Maybe one day!
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.
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.
I like the pink house coat idea, but baulkd at the origin of haggis. Mebbe Zombie Picts? Regardless, guid tale Sennachie.
@@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.
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.
@@missfoxglove8989Time to get over it don’t you think? 😊🏴
Wonderfully delivered.
Another spectacular production. Vivid
Much appreciated!
So I’m up at 4am in S.Ontario so I can make boxing training at 6:30 and I find a TH-cam 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? 😎🇨🇦🎸
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
I've told this story myself, but I'm going to add in the haggis part now... it make logical sense!!!
But how does it square with the wild haggis being chased round the mountains by the haggis hunting dogs that Bruce previously revealed?
@robertlanglands9161
Socialised haggis are entirely different from their feral cousins, obviously.
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
Big thanks
@@ScotlandHistoryTours It's my plesure
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.
Next time
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.
Regardless of the version, Bruce still looks amazing.
THANK YOU
"Arise Sir Bruce Fumey " 😄...that's no gonnae happen noo ! 🤣🤣🤣
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!
Just love the way you tell a story 🙂
Thanks Vickie
Always makes us smile. Thanks.
😁
I want that hoodie 🏴 happy healthy peace ✌️
Thanks for the new video! 😊
You're welcome
Brilliantly done pal, At 40 The Bruce would have been at his most physically powerful. As a bricklayers labourer I certainly was.
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.
Bruce, I always enjoy your historical facts and “stories”. ☺️
Glad you like them!
Love your Baja top Bruce ,I have a one ❤.
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.:)
It was customary, as they'd be hostages for reward in cash or favour, so makes sense to treat them well.
Live long & prosper, friend!
😜
"Sittin on a little pony, dressed in a pink house coat and slippers" 😂😂😂😂
That got me on my knees heaving🤣
😜
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.
Yeah defo one for the living room.....🤭👍atvb dave....
I think I'm going with the first story. Because, as we all know, history is written by the winner. 😉
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!!❤️🏴
Good morning from America Bruce my friend! Another grand tale on this grand winter's day. Well told!
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 👍
Please tell them. We're going to Darwin for a bit of snorkelling
@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.
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.
And did you....fish the book out, I mean?
@@billyandrew I couldn’t find it! I might have to see if I can find an online version now.
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.
Nice one Brucie! 😏
Thanks! 😃
Love your content
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.
Yaaay
I thank you for what you
do
I always look forward to seeing new content Bruce. Keep it up! 👍
Thanks man
I nearly spit out a mouthful of coffee when you said that's how haggis was invented! 🤣
😜
I love it. ☮️🌹🦋❤️
Ah thanks
well done on your Downing St reply BTW👍
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.
The kid was a contender, but paid the price of his inexperience.
Jousting tournaments and battlefields are two different animals.
Well I like both stories and your jersey. And until now I liked haggis!
brilliant
Come do a show in Texas!
I'm measuring up a bullet proof vest as we speak😜
De Bohun looked at Bruce's pint. Such a sleight cannot go unpunished.
very good
Never heard the second version before...but it does sound more plausible 😉😊
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!"_
🤪😂😂😂
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.
He was born in Ayreshire.
The proper name was *De* Bruce, obviously of French origin.
@@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.
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
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.
I watched another TH-cam 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.
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.
Centuries later, Michael Collins employed the same asymmetrical warfare tactics against the same enemy with much the same result.
Probably version two is the most realistic portrayal of events, however version one is my favourite. Not sure about the pink pajamas though! 😂
Great video, funny and informative as always
Glad you think so!
As an American of French descent, I'm going to go with the "rash young knight" version. As has been said many times: There's training . . . and then there's experience. Also known as "raw recruit versus grizzled veteran."
Aye
the correct pronunciation of that phrase is "old age and treachery beats youth and enthusiasm."
I don't know what Sir Henry's previous experience of fighting was, if any, but he was not a rash youth; he was a rash adult of 37, only 3 years younger than the Bruce.
@kenbrown2808
_Phrasing,_ as opposed to _pronunciation._
You're welcome. 👍
I vote for the first version!
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.🙂
Not off the top of my head th-cam.com/video/PL6mZIGQz_M/w-d-xo.html
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.
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 ❤
I go for the first version.
As an American doing family history... *yes Scottish ancestry, too,* I have found that history is only as truthful as those telling, or chronicling, the stories, and the purpose behind the propaganda is as important as the so called truth... this particular story is basically the same facts except the propaganda it was used for afterwards. I did not know there were different versions and am happy you made a vid about it. As I said, I am American with Scots( and English) roots, so I will gladly accept both stories and keep the known facts as the 'truth'.
Bohun was killed by the Bruce, the only pertinent fact I see in the story.
Anything else is just the competing *Smoke and Mirrors Show* generated by either side.
Great as always hopefully you can do individual clan videos love to hear you take on them
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.
@@therabbithole-sn5yb been doing mine to harder then I thought lol got as far back as 1800s
@therabbithole-sn5yb
By the looks of it, your middle name is, er, _rabbit?_ 🤔😉😂
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.
I was hoping for a discussion about the various talking spider stories! 🤣
If you watch again and again eventually there will be one
@@ScotlandHistoryTours 🤣
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? :)
The spider still runs a motivational speaking business in Glasgow
@@ScotlandHistoryTours Eye, that'll be right (x 8). 😄
@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.
😂😂😂👏👏👏👍
Star Trek references will never be too far!
There's a great story from the US Navy F-14 community, that puts a more likely optic on this encounter. One of the leading Tomcat pilots had a very high win/loss record in simulated aerial combat, he was the Top Cat. A new pilot keen to try himself against the best goes into the pre-flight brief and Top Cat tells him the fight will be guns only. Ok old school and a more worthy kill for the best of the best etc....
Twenty seconds into the aerial fight and Top Cat is claiming a Fox2 kill (IR Missile) from three miles away. "What the hell, you said guns only!" "Sorry my bad, guns only!" They break off into the second planned fight and ten seconds later Top Cat claims a Fox 3 (radar guided missile) kill from nine miles away, and turns for home.
In the debrief this god of the air is challenged over his integrity. He replies "Integrity down - kill ratio up"
Once you've decided to settle your differences by sticking bits of metal into each other, you've bet the house on a vicious hand and stuck with a fight to the death - kill ratio is everything. Integrity can be debated later by those away from the cockpit.
A true testament to the stupidity of humankind.
Stuff the bloody Marquis of Fantailler.
Love your stuff….well researched……you got me convinced anyways……my surname is…was…Tough….last in the direct bloodline to Kildrummy castle….any light that can be shed would be welcome….ps…growing up in Castlemilk in the 60s wi a name like tough wasn’t easy
Probably still isn't. 😂
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
I've never heard the English version before now. History has generally remembered the Scottish version.
Took Scotland's opponents some time to concoct a damage limitation and propaganda story, I'm guessing.
What did you do to get sentenced to transportation Bruce? LoL! Seriously, have a wonderful trip down under.
I think both stores are partly true and partly embellished I Don't think Robert the Bruce would have been caught off guard on the eve of battle.
Safe journeys Bruce.
Grew up in torwood
Now that's a fine way o' making the noble haggis a wee bit more appetizing! Whichever version of this most famous story ye care to credit, it's just uncanny how relevant the spirit of it remains in Scots/English relations. Listening to those wonderful, fiery orators from the SNP blasting the Sassenach at Westminster, you'd think that Bannockburn was yesterday:
"Now ’s the day, and now’s the hour;
See the front o’ battle lour;
See approach proud Edward’s power,
Chains and Slaverie.-
Wha will be a traitor-knave?
Wha can fill a cowards’ grave?
Wha sae base as be a Slave?
-Let him turn and flie.-"
🤔👏👏👏👍
As someone who is the 17th great-grandson of Robert the Bruce, I always will pick the better, more heroic, and probable tale of The Bruce's courage and valor in this fight over Henry De Buhon. I just tend to prefer my Scottish ancestors over my English ones.
Kia ora from Aotearoa.
When you tour this year, are you able to visit Palmerston North? It would be great to see you live!