King Robert III Crowned at the Augustinian Abbey of Scone.

King Robert III of Scotland was crowned at the Augustinian Abbey of Scone on August 15, 1390. Scone Abbey, located near Perth, was the traditional site where Scottish kings were crowned, and it held great significance as the ceremonial center of the Scottish monarchy.

Background

• Robert III: Born in 1337 as John Stewart, Robert III was the eldest son of Robert II of Scotland, the first monarch of the House of Stewart (or Stuart). Originally known as John Stewart, Earl of Carrick, he took the regnal name Robert III to avoid association with the unpopular John Balliol and the turbulent reigns associated with that name.

• Ascension to the Throne: Robert III became king upon the death of his father, Robert II, in April 1390. However, his coronation did not take place until August of that year.

Coronation at Scone Abbey

• Scone Abbey: The Augustinian Abbey of Scone was the traditional site of the coronation of Scottish kings, dating back centuries. The abbey was home to the Stone of Scone (or Stone of Destiny), upon which the monarchs of Scotland were traditionally crowned.

• Crowning Ceremony: The coronation of Robert III at Scone Abbey was a significant event, symbolizing his acceptance as the legitimate ruler of Scotland. The ceremony would have involved the placing of the crown on his head while seated on the Stone of Scone, along with other rites and oaths that affirmed his sovereignty.

Reign of Robert III

• Challenges as King: Robert III’s reign was marked by significant difficulties, both personal and political. He was described as physically frail and was overshadowed by more dominant figures in his family, particularly his brother, Robert Stewart, Duke of Albany. His reign was also troubled by internal strife, including conflicts between rival noble families and the ongoing challenges of maintaining control over a turbulent and divided kingdom.

• Death and Legacy: Robert III’s reign ended with his death in 1406. He was succeeded by his son, James I of Scotland, who was imprisoned in England at the time of his father’s death. Robert III’s legacy is often viewed as one of a weak and ineffectual monarch, though his reign is also seen as part of the complex and often difficult history of the Stewart dynasty.

The coronation of Robert III at the Augustinian Abbey of Scone in 1390 was a key moment in the history of Scotland, marking the continuation of the Stewart dynasty and the traditional practices associated with Scottish kingship.