One of three brothers—Robert, William and Peter I—parents unknown.
The manuscript history of the founders of Gysburne/Gisborough Priory records that “Robertus de Bruse…miles de Normannia” became “domini Castri de Skelton, Merkes, Uplythum, S. Westyby et Brudone, dominus de Danby, Levyngton et Parum, dominus de Kendall, et dominus Vallis Anandiæ”. The manuscript history of the Bruce family of Carleton records that “primus Brus de Carleton…Robertus de Brus” came to England with William “the Conqueror”, although this is not possible chronologically assuming that the text refers to Robert who died in 1141. A charter of King Henry II records donations to York St Mary, including the donation of land “in Apilton…et Hornby…Midelton” by “Robertus de Brus”.
Lord of Skelton. "…Roberto de Brus…" witnessed the charter dated to [1120] under which "David comes filius Malcolmi Regis Scottorum" founded the abbey of Selkirk, listed first witness after the members of the royal family. “Robertus de Brus” confirmed donations to the canons of Bridlington by charter dated to [1120/35], witnessed by “…Ernaldus de Perceio…Petrus de Brus…”. "Militum meorum Roberti de Brus…" witnessed the charter dated to [1123] under which "David comes" made grants to the church of Glasgow with the consent of "Matildis uxoris mea". "David…Rex Scottorum" granted Annandale to "Roberto de Brus" by charter dated to [1124]. “Robertus de Brus” donated property to St Mary’s, York by charter dated to [1125/35], witnessed by “Ada filio meo, Petro de Brus…”. The 1130 Pipe Roll records "Rob de Bruis" in Yorkshire, Northumberland (three times). “Robertus de Brus…Agnes uxor mea, filiusque noster Adam de Brus” donated property to Middlesburgh priory by undated charter.
“Robertus de Brus…et Agnes uxor mea et Adam filius noster” founded Gysburne/Gisborough Priory, Yorkshire by undated charter.
The manuscript history of the founders of Gysburne/Gisborough Priory records that “Robertus de Brus pater” died “1141 V Id Mai” and was buried “apud Gysburghe in Cleveland”. The obituary of Gysburne/Gisborough priory records the death “V Id Mai” of "Roberti de Brus fundator hujus domus". 1
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