The story of Robert the Bruce’s wife, Elizabeth de Burgh, is often steeped in legend and historical ambiguity. However, the commonly held belief that she died in a cage is not entirely accurate.
During the tumultuous times of the Scottish Wars of Independence, Elizabeth was captured by the English in 1306, shortly after her husband became king. While it is true that she was imprisoned, there is no substantial evidence to suggest that she lived or died in a cage specifically. Most historical accounts indicate that she was held in relative confinement due to the political circumstances surrounding her husband’s rebellion against English rule.
Elizabeth’s life after her capture remains a topic of debate among historians. She was eventually released and returned to Scotland, where she lived for many more years after Robert’s death in 1329. She died in 1355, not in captivity, but as the Queen of Scotland.
In conclusion, while the image of a noble wife dying in a cage paints a dramatic picture, historical records do not substantiate this specific detail about Elizabeth de Burgh. Instead, they tell a story of resilience and survival during a dark period in Scottish history.