Hi Alison, I was given to believe that I was also related to the great man, by info passed down by elderly relatives. However after some carefull research, it does appear, as claimed by my great grandfather, that they were cousins.
Samuel (Bruces' father) and James (my Gt. Gt. grandfather)
were brothers, their father was Charles Woodcock born at Thorpe on the Hill, Lincs. to a Sarah and Samuel Woodcock, I have not had time to do any further research but I hope this helps you.
Regards ... Dennis