Robert II 1316-90
King of Scotland and founder of the Stewart dynasty

The son of Walter Stewart and Marjory, only daughter of Robert Bruce, he twice acted as regent (1338-41, 1346-57) during the exile and captivity of David II. On David's death (1371) he became king by right of his descent from his maternal grandfather, Robert Bruce, and founded the royal Stewart dynasty. During his reign the kingdom was largely administered by his sons, but divisions were avoided, both over the succession and in relation to England, despite two English invasions (1384-85). Stewart lands were extended, enabling grants to be made to his legitimate sons and the establishment of a nobility. His complicated matrimonial history, however, was to bring problems for later Stewart kings. The legitimacy of his first marriage to Elizabeth, daughter of Sir Adam Mure of Rowallan, was doubted on the grounds of their consanguinity. His second marriage (1355) was to Euphemia, Countess of Moray, and daughter of Hugh, Earl of Ross. A papal dispensation for the children of the first marriage was granted in 1347, and they were further recognized by an Act of Succession (1373). Robert also had at least eight illegitimate sons.

Bibliography: Stephen I Boardman, The Early Stuart Kings: Robert II and Robert III, 1371-1406 (1996)