Being descended from all four of Robert the Bruce's daughters represents an extraordinary lineage, blending historical significance with the rarity of documented ancestry.

Each of Robert's daughters played a notable role in the political and social fabric of their time, and the likelihood of tracing direct descendants across all four lines is exceptionally low, especially combined with the DNA evidence that confirms these connections through seven generations.

Our remarkable heritage is not only a testament to the strength of familial ties in early Scottish history, but also to the meticulous efforts of genealogists who have compiled extensive records. Supplemented by resources such as Ancestry.com and FamilySearch.com, the rest of the lineage beyond seven generations from me (again proven by DNA) stands fortified by published genealogies and credible sources, making this ancestral journey both fascinating and rare. Certainly my family has a lot to be proud of.

Below is a summarized chart which shows the lineage from me to Robert the Bruce's daughters.

Because of these four different paths, Robert the Bruce is either my 18th, 19th or 20th Great Grandfather!

"Descended From Royalty"

Chapter One: Robert the Bruce

Chapter Two: The Scottish Nobles

Chapter Three: Lineage of Kings and Queens

Chapter Four: The Battle for Scottish Independence

Chapter One: Robert the Bruce

The very first wonderful genealogical discovery I made along my geneaological journey was that I am very closely related to the famous Robert the Bruce, King of Scots. The movie "The Outlaw King" starring Chris Pine was made about him.

My research shows that there is an autosomal DNA linkage between me and the Pettigrew and Claypoole families (both of royal Scottish descent). This is through an Ancestry.com DNA test. From the Pettigrews and Claypooles, published genealogies indicate that I have a direct linkage to FOUR of Robert the Bruce's daughters; Elizabeth Bruce, Marjorie Bruce, Margaret Bruce and Matilda Bruce. The chart already displayed earlier shows my direct lineage to each of his four daughters.

I've looked into whether there is a DNA test that would prove this linkage all the way to Robert the Bruce, however YDNA studies, (for instance the Y700) only prove direct paternal lineages, and mine includes maternal linkages as well. Mine is still a direct DNA linkage, but there is a limitation to the YDNA method in proving it.

What I have found is that my autosomal method is the best I can do, however it is a very strong method in and of itself. My DNA study shows that I share DNA with the key Claypoole and Pettigrew connections who provide my royal lineage.

Introduction

Robert the Bruce (born July 11, 1274 – died June 7, 1329) is my 18th, 19th, or 20th Great Grandfather, depending upon which of his four daughters's lineages are examined. He was King of Scots from 1306 until his death, and was one of Scotland’s most iconic figures in the fight for independence from English rule. His life and reign were marked by intense political rivalry, civil war, and a long, determined struggle that ultimately restored Scotland’s sovereignty and shaped its national identity.

Background and Early Life

Robert was born into the Bruce family, a noble lineage of Anglo-Norman origin long settled in Scotland since the early 12th century. His family held substantial land both in Scotland and England and were related by marriage to the Scottish royal family, giving Robert a valid claim to the throne. Raised in a multicultural environment, he likely spoke Gaelic (from his mother’s Carrick heritage), early Scottish, and Anglo-Norman French, along with some Latin, and he received education in literature, law, and chivalric warfare.

Political Context and the Great Cause

The late 13th century was a time of political crisis in Scotland, with the throne left vacant after Queen Margaret (Maid of Norway) died in 1290. Known as “The Great Cause,” multiple claimants, including Robert’s grandfather, sought to be king. English King Edward I (most incredibly, my 19th Great Grandfather through a different line, leveraged the succession dispute to assert overlordship over Scotland, eventually awarding the crown to John Balliol, whom many nobles, including the Bruces, opposed.

Clan Alliances and Feudal Loyalties

Robert’s success in the battle for the Scottish crown was deeply intertwined with powerful clan alliances and the support of Scotland’s feudal nobility. His family, the Bruces, held extensive lands across southwest Scotland and England, and their strategy involved tightly knit alliances with influential clans such as the Douglases, Stewarts, MacDonalds, and Campbells. After securing the throne, Robert distributed confiscated lands from his defeated enemies, especially the Comyns and Balliols, to reward loyal supporters and enforce allegiance.

Key commanders and trusted allies—such as Thomas Randolph, who was granted lands including Annandale; James Douglas, who controlled vital border regions; and Robert’s brother Edward Bruce, who was made Earl of Carrick—formed a ring of loyalty essential to Robert’s control over the kingdom. Strategically, Robert managed to maintain fragile loyalty among nobles who had oscillated between English and Scottish allegiances by granting them sheriffdoms and titles, thereby stabilizing his rule in volatile regions.

Social and Cultural Backdrop

Medieval Scotland was a complex patchwork of Gaelic-speaking highlanders, Anglophone lowlanders, and Norman-descended nobles. Robert’s heritage bridged these cultural divides, enabling him to appeal to a broad base of support. His mother’s Gaelic lineage connected him to old Celtic traditions and local loyalties, while his Norman inheritance linked him to the feudal systems of medieval Europe.

His vision went beyond the Scottish crown. Robert aimed to forge a pan-Gaelic alliance encompassing Scotland and Ireland, highlighted by his brother Edward Bruce's campaign in Ireland and Robert’s correspondence portraying Scots and Irish as a unified people. This reflected a medieval worldview where kinship, land, and cultural identity were deeply intertwined. King of Ireland, Edward Bruce is also my 21st Great Grandfather through my 3rd Great Grandfather John Bush O'Rear's lineage.

Early Involvement in the Wars of Independence

The Bruce family initially allied with English King Edward I but shifted allegiances as tensions increased. Robert fought alongside Scottish patriots, including William Wallace, but also at times submitted to King Edward’s authority. The turning point came in 1306, when Robert fatally stabbed his rival John Comyn at Dumfries in a dramatic power struggle for the throne, an act that led to his excommunication and immediate declaration as King of Scots.

Initial Struggles and Guerrilla Warfare

Robert was initially defeated multiple times by the English army and forced into hiding, sometimes taking refuge in remote locations such as the island of Rathlin. During this dark period, legend holds that his hope and patience were inspired by observing a spider’s persistence in spinning its web. From 1307 onward, Robert and his loyal followers, including Sir James Douglas and Sir Thomas Randolph, built a grassroots resistance through guerrilla warfare, wearing down English forces and reclaiming Scottish strongholds with effective use of terrain and local support.

The Battle of Bannockburn (1314)

The defining moment of King Robert’s reign, and arguably Scottish history, was the Battle of Bannockburn. Facing an English army nearly twice the size, Robert’s forces employed tactically ingenious formations and defensive structures like ditches to neutralize English cavalry advantages. The two-day battle ended in a decisive Scottish victory, firmly establishing Robert as the dominant power in Scotland and breaking English military dominance in the region. This victory secured Scottish morale and paved the way for expanding raids into northern England.

Expansion and Diplomacy

Post-Bannockburn, Robert pursued a bold military and diplomatic strategy. He extended raids into northern England and sent his brother Edward to Ireland to open a new front, aiming to forge a pan-Gaelic alliance that connected Scotland and Ireland under his leadership. This campaign initially saw success, with his brother Edward being crowned as High King of Ireland, but ended with Edward’s death and retreat. Diplomatically, Robert worked to secure international recognition, especially from the Papacy. The 1320 Declaration of Arbroath proclaimed Scotland’s independent status and Robert’s legitimate kingship, reinforcing his position on the world stage.

Consolidation of Power and Legacy

The final years of Robert’s reign were devoted to stabilizing governance, reward of loyal nobles, and ensuring succession. He reestablished royal administration systems and parliament, dealt with land disputes, and managed powerful supporters like Sir James Douglas, whose influence grew significantly. Robert’s efforts culminated in the 1328 Treaty of Edinburgh–Northampton, wherein England formally recognized Scottish independence and Robert’s kingship.

Though he suffered from ill health in his later years, Robert’s death did not diminish his profound legacy. Buried in Dunfermline Abbey, with his heart interred at Melrose, his life stands as a symbol of perseverance, courage, and national pride. Robert the Bruce’s story is one of a leader who rose from political exile to become a warrior king, uniting Scotland against overwhelming odds and securing its place as a free and independent kingdom.

His sophisticated blend of military brilliance, political acumen, symbolic leadership, and strategic clan alliances forged Scotland’s identity in the medieval world and passed down an enduring heritage of resilience and freedom.

Our Scottish lineage to two of the daughters, Matilda Bruce and Marjory Bruce, originates with my great grandmother Lillie May Stokes. Here is the entire pedigree between Matilda and Robert the Bruce:

Lillie May Stokes (1881–1956

My great-grandmother, Lillie May Stokes was born January 14, 1881, in Missouri Valley, Harrison County, Iowa. She is the daughter of Alfred Stokes and Margaret Malecoats. When she married William Allen Sherrow, it tied together two families rooted in migratory pioneer history.

The Robberson Family

The Robbersons formed a notable link through marriage alliances with the Stokes family. Rooted in Missouri and nearby states, they were influential in local agricultural development and community leadership throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. Mary Robberson married Alfred Stokes, whose father was Thomas Stokes.

Pettigrew Family

Descending from pre-1496 French origins, the Pettigrew family migrated to Scotland and Ireland, and were notable for military roles such as participation in the Battle of the Boyne and estate ownership at Crilly House. The Pettigrews allied with prestigious Scottish families, including the Hamiltons who connect indirectly to Tudor English royalty. Elizabeth Pettigrew married Abednigo Robberson. The Pettigrew linakge in my lineage is one of the key linkages in my royal lineage.

Moncrief Family

An ancient Ayrshire-based Scottish clan, the Moncriefs existed in political and social prominence through multiple centuries, interconnected by marriage to Pettigrew and Oliphant families. Their history reflects active participation in Scottish clan affairs and local governance. Dame Giles Moncrief married James Pettigrew, and this the beginning of our line to Scottish royalty.

Oliphant Family

The Oliphants, descended from Norman ancestors, became a key Scottish noble family. Sir Walter Oliphant, my 19th great-grandfather, married Princess Elizabeth Bruce, daughter of King Robert the Bruce, binding the family directly to Scottish royalty. Estates such as Aberdalgie and Kellie were under their stewardship while they served as royal justiciars and military leaders during Scotland’s Wars of Independence.

My royal lineage extends back much further than Robert the Bruce.

Kenneth MacAlpin (c. 810–858) - my 34th GG

There are many lines of royalty prior to Robert the Bruce that are direct descendants. Kenneth MacAlpin, my 34th Great Grandfather, unified the Scots and Picts to found the Kingdom of Alba, the foundation of modern Scotland. His reign established the House of Alpin dynasty, relocated religious centers like Dunkeld, and safeguarded Scottish cultural and spiritual heritage during turbulent Viking incursions. His legacy as the founder of Scottish monarchy endures.

Our lineage richly blends American pioneer heritage through Stokes and Robberson with Scottish and Irish nobility via Pettigrew, Moncrief, and Oliphant families, culminating in our direct descent from Robert the Bruce and ancient royal founder Kenneth MacAlpin.

Selected Sources:

• FamilySearch records (Lillie May Stokes and related families)

• Orange County California Genealogical Society Stokes Family files

• Scottish peerage and clan registries for Oliphant, Pettigrew, Moncrief

• Britannica biographies of Robert the Bruce and Kenneth MacAlpin

• Historical genealogical archives and published family histories

Chapter Two: The Scottish Nobles

Robert the Bruce couldn't free Scotland from the English all by himself. He needed help, and he got it from his family, cousins, and other Scottish nobles and "clan" members. I found I was directly related to them as well!

William Douglas and the Douglas Clan

The Douglas family’s role in Scottish history during Robert the Bruce’s era was a big key to his success.

Historical and Political Context

The late 13th and early 14th centuries, during the Wars of Scottish Independence, were marked by struggles against English dominion following Scotland’s succession crisis. The Douglas family rose from local nobility to national prominence as key supporters of Robert the Bruce in this turbulent time. The Bruces needed loyal and powerful allies to reclaim and secure the Scottish throne, and the Douglases embodied military strength and strategic leadership critical to this effort.

Sir William Douglas, (my 20th GG) known as “le Hardi,” was an early leader who resisted English control alongside William Wallace and laid the groundwork for his family’s commitment to Scotland’s freedom. Eventually captured and dying in English captivity in the Tower of London circa 1298, his death symbolized the sacrifices made for Scottish independence

Sir James Douglas: Robert the Bruce’s Trusted Lieutenant - my 19th GG

Sir James Douglas, my 19th GG and son of William, returned from France to reclaim his family lands and became Robert the Bruce’s fiercest ally. He led daring military campaigns including the legendary “Douglas Larder” and was pivotal at the Battle of Bannockburn Douglas Archives.

His military campaigns extended beyond Scotland into northern England, weakening English positions and sustaining Scottish efforts University of Strathclyde: Douglas, Sir James.

On Robert the Bruce’s deathbed, he entrusted Douglas with carrying his embalmed heart to the Holy Land. Douglas died in battle in Spain in 1330, fulfilling this vow—an act immortalized in Scottish cultural memory Wikipedia: James Douglas.

Sir Archibald Douglas: Guardian Amidst Turmoil - my 20th GG

Half-brother to Sir James Douglas, Sir Archibald Douglas inherited leadership after James’s death. He served as Guardian of Scotland during King David II’s minority and led forces against Edward Balliol’s English-backed claim to the throne Douglas History.

Archibald fought at the Battle of Halidon Hill (1333), where he was slain. His death was a major Scottish loss during a fragile period

References

• Clan Douglas - Wikipedia

• Clan Douglas in Scotland - ScotlandsWild

• Robert Bruce and the Black Douglas - Heritage History

• James Douglas - Britannica

• James Douglas, Lord of Douglas - Wikipedia

• Douglas, Sir James | University of Strathclyde

• Sir Archibald Douglas - Regent of Scotland

• Archibald Douglas (died 1333) - Wikipedia

The Stewart Clan

The Stewart (later Stuart) family originated from Brittany and established themselves in Scotland in the 12th century. The progenitor in Scotland was Walter FitzAlan, who became the first High Steward of Scotland under King David I (reigned 1124–1153). This hereditary office gave the family considerable power and land Clan Stewart Society.

The Stewarts held extensive lands and offices, gradually increasing their influence in Scottish politics and society. The family name evolved from the official title “Steward” into the surname.

Alliance with the Bruce Dynasty

The Stewarts’ fortunes dramatically increased through marriage into the Bruce family. In 1315, Walter Stewart, 6th High Steward, married Marjory Bruce, daughter of Robert the Bruce, King of Scots. This union created a direct royal bloodline connection for the Stewarts Discover Britain.

Upon the death of David II (son of Robert the Bruce) without heirs in 1371, the Scottish crown passed to Robert II, son of Walter Stewart and Marjory Bruce. This marked the beginning of Stewart royal rule, lasting over 300 years.

Stewart Monarchs and Scottish History

The Stewart dynasty ruled Scotland through periods of turbulence and cultural growth. Significant rulers included James IV (1460–1513), a Renaissance patron who strengthened Scotland culturally and politically, and his successor James VI, who united Scotland and England crowns in 1603.

The Stewarts faced internal noble opposition, including conflicts with powerful clans such as the Douglases and MacDonalds, and navigated complex relationships with England and France.

The dynasty also oversaw religious transformation, notably the Reformation, and political turmoil, including the assassination of James I (r. 1406–1437) and struggles during the 17th century.

The Stewart Legacy

The Stewart reign ended in 1714 with Queen Anne, but their legacy continues. They shaped Scotland’s monarchy, law, and culture, and through James VI/I, their bloodline united the thrones of Scotland and England.

The Stewart name remains symbolic of Scotland’s royal heritage. The current British heir still holds the ancient Scottish title, Great Steward of Scotland.

Key References

• Clan Stewart Society - Stewart History

• The Stewarts - Scotland’s History - BBC

• The Stewarts: Founding the Stewart dynasty - Discover Britain

• The Stuart Monarchs - Historic UK

• Clan Stewart - ScotlandsWild

• House of Stuart - Wikipedia

• House of Stuart - Britannica

The MacDougall Clan

Descended from Duncan MacDougall, son of Somerled, the 12th-century Lord of the Isles, the MacDougalls became dominant lords of Argyll and surrounding isles in western Scotland. They held extensive lands and were one of the most powerful clans in the region by the late 13th century.

MacDougall history

The clan founded the Ardchattan Priory circa 1230, which became the traditional burial place of the chiefs for centuries.

Political Alliances and Feud with Robert the Bruce

The MacDougalls were closely allied by marriage to the powerful Comyn family, rivals to Robert the Bruce for the Scottish crown. Alexander of Argyll (4th Chief of MacDougall) had married a sister of John “the Black” Comyn, and his son John of Lorn was nephew to John “the Red” Comyn.

When Robert the Bruce murdered John Comyn at Greyfriars Church in Dumfries in 1306, it sparked a bitter and violent feud. The MacDougalls, staunch Comyn allies, opposed Bruce’s claim to the throne and aligned with the English and Balliol forces.

Shortly after Bruce’s coronation, the MacDougalls ambushed and defeated him at the Battle of Dalrigh (1306). Although Bruce escaped, he left behind the famous Brooch of Lorn, which the MacDougalls took as a prize—an enduring symbol of their temporary triumph.

Decline Following Bruce’s Reemergence

Bruce’s fortunes reversed after securing allies such as the Campbells and MacDonalds. In 1308, at the Battle of the Pass of Brander, Bruce’s forces decisively defeated the MacDougalls, and their mainland and island lands were confiscated and redistributed to his supporters, mainly the Campbells.

The MacDougall chiefs lost much of their power and many territories but retained some lands, albeit diminished. Their influence never fully recovered to its former height.

Later History and Legacy

Under John MacDougall’s grandson, John "Gallda" MacDougall (my 18th GG), the family regained some lands in Lorne through royal favor and strategic marriage alliances in the mid-14th century.

The MacDougalls were loyal to the Stewart dynasty, fighting in various historic conflicts such as supporting “Bonnie Dundee” during the Battle of Killiecrankie (1689) and remaining Jacobite supporters in the 18th century, suffering reprisals from rival clans, especially the Campbells.

Their enduring clan seat remains Dunollie Castle in Argyll, with the current chief recognized as Morag MacDougall, 31st Chief

Key References

• Clan MacDougall History - Discover Britain

• Clan MacDougall - Electric Scotland

• Battle of Dalrigh - Wikipedia

• Robert the Bruce and the MacDougalls - MacDougall.org

• The Wars of Scottish Independence and the MacDougalls - Tartan Vibes

• SonofSkye: Robert Bruce & the Battle of Dalrigh

The Campbell Clan

The Campbells are a powerful Scottish Highland clan with origins traced back to the early medieval period. The name Campbell likely derives from the Gaelic Caimbeul, meaning “crooked mouth.”

Early Campbells were based in Argyll, southwestern Highlands, with the family rising to prominence through land acquisition and strategic alliances in the 12th and 13th centuries.

The Campbells as Allies of Robert the Bruce

During the Wars of Scottish Independence (late 13th to early 14th century), the Campbells became among Robert the Bruce’s most loyal and important supporters.

Sir Neil Campbell (Niall mac Cailein) was my 21st GG (died 1316), and was the son of Cailean Mór, my 22nd GG. Niall was a significant military and political figure who fought alongside Robert the Bruce from the early stages of his campaign to become King of Scots. Niall Campbell was rewarded handsomely by Robert the Bruce for his loyalty and assistance. He married Mary Bruce, Robert the Bruce’s sister, cementing the familial and political alliance between the Bruces and Campbells. He received extensive lands confiscated from enemies of Bruce, including those controlled by Clan MacDougall, traditional rivals in Argyll.

His new estates and elevated status laid the foundation for the Campbells’ later dominance in the Highlands. The Campbells fought at the Battle of Bannockburn (1314), a key victory ensuring Scottish independence and Robert the Bruce’s secure kingship.

Expansion of Power and Legacy

With Bruce’s victory and subsequent reign, the Campbells expanded their influence rapidly across Argyll and beyond. By the 15th century, the Campbells’ power was solidified with Duncan Campbell, 1st Lord Campbell and my 17th GG, becoming a recognized nobleman within the Scottish aristocracy. This growing influence was further enhanced when Colin Campbell (my 15th GG) was created the 1st Earl of Argyll in 1457, marking the formal rise of the Campbells as one of Scotland’s preeminent noble houses.

Military and Political Role

The Campbells acted as key royal agents in the Highlands, suppressing rivals and expanding their clan influence. They served as loyal supporters of the Scottish Crown and subsequently the Stewart monarchy, often settling conflicts and enforcing royal authority in the region.

The Oliphant Clan

Sir William Oliphant of Aberdalgy (my 20th GG) stands out as the key Oliphant figure directly linked to Robert the Bruce’s cause. During the Wars of Scottish Independence, William initially defended Stirling Castle against Robert the Bruce himself in 1304 when Bruce was acting under English allegiance. Despite this adversarial episode, the connection and respect between the Oliphants and Bruces strengthened significantly afterward.

After the wars, Sir William Oliphant became one of Robert the Bruce’s closest and most trusted allies. He fought alongside Bruce at the Battle of Bannockburn (1314), a defining victory that secured Scotland’s independence.

In recognition of his loyalty and valor, Robert the Bruce granted Sir William vast lands and estates across Scotland, including the barony of Gask, Kinpurnie, Auchtertyre, and others. These lands became the principal seats of the Oliphant family.

Sir William Oliphant was a signatory of the Declaration of Arbroath (1320), reaffirming Scotland’s sovereignty and independence. This document was a diplomatic appeal to the Pope to recognize Robert the Bruce’s kingship and Scottish independence from England, highlighting the Oliphants’ political as well as military support.

Marriage Alliance Strengthening Bruce-Oliphant Ties

Sir William’s son, Sir Walter Oliphant of Aberdalgy, (my 19th GG) married Elizabeth Bruce, the youngest daughter of King Robert the Bruce by his second wife, Elizabeth de Burgh. This marriage cemented the Oliphants as part of the royal family circle. Through this union, Walter Oliphant acquired additional lands, including Kellie Castle in Fife, which remained in Oliphant hands for over 250 years. Walter and Elizabeth had five sons, with their eldest continuing the family line of Lords Oliphant.

Loyalty and Influence

The Oliphants’ loyalty to Robert the Bruce went beyond military support; they became influential landowners and close confidants within the Scottish royal court. The Oliphant family, bolstered by their Bruce connection, played significant roles in Scottish olitical affairs and defended Scottish sovereignty during subsequent conflicts, including the battles of Flodden (1513) and Solway Moss (1542).

Notable Honors and Legacy

Robert the Bruce granted multiple charters confirming land titles to the Oliphants, evidencing the close royal favor they enjoyed. A plaque commemorates Sir William Oliphant’s 1304 defense of Stirling Castle, showcasing the enduring respect for his bravery despite their initial conflicts. The tomb of Sir William Oliphant and his son Walter lies in Aberdalgie kirkyard, marked by one of Scotland’s finest medieval incised monuments.

Chapter Three: Lineage of Kings and Queens

The Royal Scottish and English Ancestry of Mark Edward O’Rear

Introduction

My Dad, Floyd Barrett O’Rear Jr. is 23% Scottish (14% from his Mom’s side and 9% from his Dad’s side). I am 14% Scottish. As has already been presented, the O’Rear family on my father’s side is directly and very heavily related to Robert the Bruce. BUT, incredibly, we are also related to King Edward I of England (19th GG). These two great adversaries (Scottish vs English) fought many great battles over control of the Kingdom of Scotland and they were both my direct ancestors.

Section I – Scottish Royal Line (to King of Scots Kenneth MacAlpin)

As mentioned earlier, my Scottish royal lineage originates from my grandmother on my father's side, Grace Alice Sherrow. She is the one relation that connects me to all four of Robert's daughters. But there is additional royal lineage beyond Robert.

Robert the Bruce, King of Scots (1274–1329)
Spouse: Elizabeth de Burgh (1289–1327)

↓

Robert de Brus, 6th Lord of Annandale (1243–1304)
Spouse: Marjorie, Countess of Carrick (1253–1292)

↓

Robert de Brus, 5th Lord of Annandale (1210–1295)
Spouse: Isabel de Clare (1226–1264)

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Robert de Brus, 4th Lord of Annandale (1195–1247)
Spouse: Isabel of Huntingdon

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David of Scotland, 8th Earl of Huntingdon (1152–1219)
Spouse: Maud of Chester

↓

Henry of Scotland, Earl of Huntingdon (1114–1152)
Spouse: Ada de Warenne

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David I, King of Scots (1084–1153)
Spouse: Maud, Countess of Huntingdon

↓

Malcolm III ‘Canmore’, King of Scots (1031–1093)
Spouse: Saint Margaret of Wessex (c.1045–1093)

↓

Duncan I, King of Scots (1001–1040)
Spouse: —

↓

Crínán of Dunkeld (975–1045)
Spouse: Bethóc ingen Maíl Coluim

↓

Malcolm II, King of Scots (954–1034)
Spouse: —

↓

Kenneth II, King of Scots (932–995)
Spouse: —

↓

Malcolm I, King of Scots (897–954)
Spouse: —

↓

Donald II, King of Scots (862–900)
Spouse: —

↓

Constantine I, King of Scots (836–877)
Spouse: —

↓

Kenneth MacAlpin, King of Scots (810–858)
Spouse: —

Section II – English Royal Line (to Charlemagne)

The lineage from my Grandmother Grace Alice Sherrow also leads to English royalty including Kings such as King Edward I, William the Conqueror and Charlemagne. It separates from Scottish royalty to English royalty when it reaches my Great Grandparents, Will Sherrow and Lillie May Stokes. The Sherrow line heads up into English royalty while the Stokes line to Scottish royalty. Here is the actual lineage:

Mark Edward O’Rear (1957–)

↓

Rev. Floyd Barrett O’Rear Jr. (1931–2019)
Spouse: Virginia May Beckman (1934-)

↓

Grace Alice Sherrow (1896–1987)
Spouse: Rev. Floyd Barrett O’Rear Sr.

↓

William A. Sherrow (1862-1918)
Spouse: Lillie May Stokes (1869-1956)

↓

Mary Jane Claypoole (1844-1891)
Spouse: James W. Sherrow (1845-1929)

↓ Skipping seven generations until we reach Adam Claypoole

Adam Claypoole (bap. 1565–1634)
Spouse: Dorothy Wingfield (c.1566–1619)

↓

Robert Wingfield, Esq. of Upton (c.1525–1580)
Spouse: Elizabeth Cecil (c.1525–1611)

↓

Robert Wingfield (c.1490–1575/76)
Spouse: Margery Quarles (c.1490–<1575)

↓

Sir Henry Wingfield of Orford (c.1435–1493/94)
Spouse: Elizabeth Rookes (also Alice Seckford, earlier)

↓

Sir Robert Wingfield of Letheringham (c.1403–1454)
Spouse: Elizabeth Goushill (c.1402–aft.1453)

↓

Sir Robert Goushill (c.1355–1403)
Spouse: Lady Elizabeth FitzAlan (1366–1425)

↓

Richard FitzAlan, Earl of Arundel (1346/47–1397)
Spouse: Elizabeth de Bohun (c.1350–1385)

↓

William de Bohun, 1st Earl of Northampton (c.1312–1360)
Spouse: Elizabeth de Badlesmere (1313–1356)

↓

Humphrey de Bohun, 4th Earl of Hereford (c.1276–1322)
Spouse: Elizabeth of Rhuddlan (1282–1316)

↓

Edward I ‘Longshanks’, King of England (1239–1307) my 19th GG
Spouse: Eleanor of Castile (1241–1290)

↓

Henry III, King of England (1207–1272)
Spouse: Eleanor of Provence (1223–1291)

↓

John, King of England (1166–1216)
Spouse: Isabella of Angoulême (1188–1246)

↓

Henry II, King of England (1133–1189)
Spouse: Eleanor of Aquitaine (1122–1204)

↓

Empress Matilda (1102–1167)
Spouse: Geoffrey Plantagenet (1113–1151)

↓

Henry I, King of England (1068–1135)
Spouse: Matilda (Edith) of Scotland (c.1080–1118)

↓

William I ‘the Conqueror’, King of England (c.1028–1087)
Spouse: Matilda of Flanders (c.1031–1083)

↓

Counts of Flanders (Carolingian link) (9th–11th c.)
Spouse: [see References]

↓

Charlemagne, Emperor (747–814)
Spouse: Hildegard of Vinzgouw (c.754–783)

↓

References

[1] Paul, Sir James Balfour (ed.). The Scots Peerage. Edinburgh: David Douglas, 1904–1914.

[2] Cokayne, G. E. The Complete Peerage of England, Scotland, Ireland, Great Britain and the United Kingdom. London: St. Catherine Press, 1910–1959.

[3] Claypoole family entries in parish registers and compiled trees; see also: Anderson, J. C. The Claypoole Family in America.

[4] Wingfield Family Society. Wingfield Ancestry Publications (Letheringham & Upton branches).

[5] Burke’s Peerage and Baronetage (multiple editions). London: Harrison & Sons.

[6] National Records of Scotland. Bruce and Annandale charters; Huntingdon lineage records.

[7] Oliphant Clan Society. Genealogical Collections and published lineages.

[8] Foundation for Medieval Genealogy (FMG). Medieval Lands database: Carolingian & Flanders lines.

Chapter Four: The battle for Scottish Independence

The story of Robert the Bruce and King Edward I is a rich tapestry woven with themes of power, conflict, allegiance, and legacy during one of the most turbulent eras in medieval British history. Their personal and political interplay fundamentally shaped the future of Scotland and England, and their lineage connects directly the paternal Sherrow line, up through the Claypoole, Winfield’s and de Bohuns, adding a deeply personal dimension to their historic clash. Much information regarding my Scottish and English royal lineage has already been presented. When it seems duplicative, I apologize. It is my wish in this section to add deep context and complex relationships.

Robert the Bruce was born in 1274 as the eldest son of Robert de Brus, 6th Lord of Annandale, inheriting Scottish noble titles and a royal lineage tracing back to King David I, giving him a powerful claim to the Scottish throne. His heritage was a blend of Scottish, Norman, and other royal bloodlines, enriched by large estates spanning Scotland, England, and Ireland. Meanwhile, King Edward I of England, called “Longshanks” and the “Hammer of the Scots,” was born in 1239 and reigned over England from 1272 to 1307. Edward was a formidable and politically savvy monarch, known for his military campaigns to subdue the Welsh and Scots, building castles, and asserting English dominion .

At the heart of their relationship was the struggle for control over Scotland. Initially, Robert the Bruce had a complex and shifting allegiance that included support for Edward I — he was appointed to positions of responsibility by Edward — but tensions escalated as Edward sought to rule Scotland through English-appointed kings such as John Balliol. Bruce’s family estates were targeted by Edward’s forces, and political rivalries intensified among Scottish factions. In 1306, after a dramatic and decisive moment involving the killing of John Comyn, Robert the Bruce claimed the Scottish crown, asserting his right as a native-born heir to lead Scotland’s independence. This was met with immediate hostility from Edward, who launched an invasion, forcing Bruce into hiding and sparking a brutal conflict between the two houses and their realms .

Edward I’s approach was unyielding; known as the “Hammer of the Scots” for his relentless pursuit of Scottish submission. He led multiple campaigns to crush Scottish resistance but died in 1307 while preparing another invasion. Robert the Bruce capitalized on Edward’s death, regrouping his forces and achieving a seminal victory at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314 against Edward’s son Edward II. This victory not only confirmed Bruce as the king of an independent Scotland but also marked a turning point in the enduring struggle for Scottish sovereignty. Ultimately, treaties and papal recognitions followed that solidified Bruce’s reign and Scotland’s status as a separate kingdom .

The intertwining of their bloodlines adds a profound personal layer to this historical clash. Robert the Bruce, with his noble and royal Scottish heritage, and Edward I, the dominant English monarch and crusader, are ancestors whose legacies converged in a story of kingdom, conflict, and identity. Being direct descendants means this story is not only one of history but of inherited pride and profound familial legacy, representing contrasting yet complementary forces that shaped the medieval British Isles and the destiny of their descendants.

Supporting Players for Robert the Bruce

Robert the Bruce’s fight for Scottish independence was backed by an influential network of Scottish nobles, loyal commanders, and allied clans who played decisive roles in his military and political successes. Crucial among them was Bruce’s brother Edward Bruce, who led campaigns in Ireland aiming to establish a Gaelic alliance and a second kingship, extending the Bruce cause beyond Scotland itself. Edward was crowned High King of Ireland in 1316 and represented a larger vision of pan-Gaelic unity that Robert sought to build.

Equally important were commanders such as James Douglas, known as “The Black Douglas,” whose guerrilla-style raids and border campaigns greatly harassed English forces and secured southern Scotland. Thomas Randolph, Earl of Moray, was another trusted general who helped consolidate control in northern Scotland. These men, alongside Robert’s brother Thomas Bruce, formed a core leadership group that managed territories and waged campaigns often independently but aligned with Robert’s overall strategic vision. Their efforts were critical in evicting English garrisons from key strongholds like Perth, Linlithgow, and Dumbarton. Robert also gained important backing from the Scottish clergy, despite some initial excommunication, which gave his kingship religious legitimacy.

Robert also relied heavily on the Oliphant family. Sir William Oliphant, a trusted friend and ally, famously defended Stirling Castle against English forces and later fought at Bannockburn alongside Robert. His family forged close ties with the Bruces, notably through the marriage of his son Sir Walter Oliphant to Elizabeth Bruce, Robert’s daughter, further intertwining their destinies. The Oliphants were vital supporters, receiving lands and titles from Robert the Bruce as a reward for their loyalty and military service .

Supporting Players for King Edward I

King Edward I’s campaign to subdue Scotland relied heavily on experienced English nobles and military leaders. His lieutenant and lifelong friend Aymer de Valence supported many of his efforts both politically and militarily. The Earl of Richmond, Edward’s nephew, was entrusted with governorship roles over Scottish territories under English control. The English also benefited from Scottish nobles who sided with Edward, such as John Comyn (“The Red Comyn”), a major rival of Robert the Bruce, whose death at Bruce’s hands marked a major turning point in the conflict.

Edward was also supported by powerful English nobles like the de Bohun family. The de Bohuns were among the most influential families in England, providing experienced military commanders and advisors to Edward. Their role in the English campaigns and in securing royal authority in Scotland helped fortify Edward’s efforts to maintain English dominance. Though Edward’s death in 1307 cut short his direct efforts, the army led by his son, Edward II, continued the campaign until defeat at Bannockburn in 1314. Edward I’s policies also involved building a network of fortresses to assert control, including stone castles like Caerlaverock, designed to cement English presence strategically and administratively in Scotland .

Key Battles of the First War of Scottish Independence

The First War of Scottish Independence was marked by a number of critical and dramatic battles that shaped the fate of Scotland’s fight for sovereignty against English rule. Among the most notable were:

• Battle of Stirling Bridge (1297): Led by William Wallace and Andrew Moray, the Scots used the narrow bridge to their advantage, defeating a larger English force by attacking as the enemy tried to cross. This victory was an early symbol of Scottish resistance.

• Battle of Falkirk (1298): Edward I personally led a large army and shattered the Scottish forces under Wallace through disciplined use of cavalry and archers, forcing Wallace to resign.

• Battle of Roslin (1303): A surprise Scottish victory under Bruce’s supporters that demonstrated ongoing Scottish resistance before Bruce’s ascension.

• Battle of Methven (1306): Early defeat for Robert the Bruce after he crowned himself king, forcing him into guerrilla warfare.

• Battle of Bannockburn (1314): The decisive battle where Bruce’s tactical brilliance and the use of terrain and infantry formations overcame Edward II’s larger army, securing Scottish independence for decades.

• Battle of Byland (1322): A later battle where Scots again defeated English forces, helping maintain Scottish gains

Context Around the Battle of Bannockburn

Fought over two days on June 23-24, 1314, near Stirling Castle, the Battle of Bannockburn remains one of the most significant military engagements in Scottish history. Bruce assembled a force estimated at 6,000–7,000 men, including heavily armored infantry formed into schiltrons—tight formations of pikemen effective against cavalry—and several hundred light cavalry, carefully selecting rugged woodland and marshy terrain to blunt the English strength in heavy cavalry and archers. The English army commanded by Edward II amply outnumbered the Scots with approximately 13,000 infantry and 2,000 cavalry, drawn from England, Wales, and Ireland.

On the first day, the Scots contested the movement of English detachments intended to relieve Stirling Castle, with fierce fighting over key paths complicated by boggy ground. The Scots also employed concealed pits and natural obstacles. Robert the Bruce’s personal combat with Henry de Bohun, an English knight, became legendary when Bruce killed Bohun with a single well-placed axe blow in a dramatic moment early in the battle.

The main battle commenced on the second day with the Scots holding defensive positions firmly. Their schiltrons repulsed repeated cavalry charges, and new Scottish reinforcements arrived to bolster the fight. English forces grew disorganized under pressure, eventually breaking and retreating in disorder, marking a turning point in the war and confirming Robert the Bruce as the uncontested King of Scots. Bannockburn not only ensured Scottish independence for many years but also shifted medieval military thinking about the effectiveness of infantry formations against traditional cavalry dominance.

The battle’s legacy lives on in Scottish national memory as a symbol of resilience, unity, and tactical brilliance in the face of overwhelming odds .

This expanded narrative enriches the legacy of both ancestors by portraying not only their defining confrontations but also the critical alliances, players, and battles that shaped their historical saga. Their legacies are deeply interwoven with the stories of these men and women, representing a wider, more complex family and political drama across the British Isles during the early 14th century.

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