BattlefieldsBruce Winters in Rathlin Island 1306-1307
Medieval

Bruce Winters in Rathlin Island 1306-1307

1306–1307
Antrim, Ireland
Also known as: Bruce in Rathlin 1306 · Bruces island exile 1306-1307
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Antrim, Ireland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Forces
Not recorded in historical accounts
Forces
English patrols seeking him
VS
Victor
Scotland (eventual — strategic survival)
Forces
Bruce with small retinue
Outcome
After Dalrigh, Bruce escaped via the western isles and overwintered on Rathlin Island off the Irish coast; small skirmishing to maintain his position; returned to Scotland in February 1307
The Battle

History & Significance

Bruces exile on Rathlin Island in the winter of 1306-1307 was the nadir of his fortunes. His family was captured, his brothers were killed, and his army was destroyed. The spider legend — watching a spider repeatedly try to spin its web — is traditionally placed here. Whether or not the spider story is true, Bruces determination during this period was remarkable. He returned to Scotland in February 1307 with only a few hundred men and within seven years had won Bannockburn.

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