| Even though as many as fourteen claimants put forward their claims to the title, the real contest was between John Balliol and Robert de Brus. |
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| The epic poetic history of The Brus and Wallace helped outline a narrative of united struggle against the English enemy. |
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| Edward was one of five sons of Robert de Brus, jure uxoris Earl of Carrick and Marjorie, Countess of Carrick. |
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| De Brus spent Christmas at de Verdon's manor of Loughsewdy, consuming its supplies entirely and before leaving, razing it to the ground. |
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| Then in the late summer of 1318, Sir John de Bermingham with his army began a march against Edward de Brus. |
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| Edward de Brus created havoc in the colonised parts of Ireland, and might be said to have nearly brought the settlement to its knees. |
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| In July, two separate armies opposing de Brus met and assembled at Sliabh Breagh, the high ground south of Ardee. |
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| At the same time, Edward de Brus was reinforced by Moray who had returned from Scotland with around five hundred fresh troops and supplies. |
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| The Battle of Kells was fought on the 6 or 7 November, with Mortimer being decisively defeated by de Brus. |
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| The three younger de Brus brothers Niall, Thomas, and Alexander were all captured and executed by the English during this period, but Edward survived. |
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| A probable marriage with Lady Isabella de Strathbogie, daughter of John, Earl Atholl produced a son, Alexander de Brus, who would later inherit his father's earldom. |
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| In addition to this, de Brus sent separate messages both to King Felim and a rival dynast, Cathal Ua Conchobair, promising to support them if they withdrew. |
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