Following historical and antiquarian interests, Bruce took a prominent part in the foundation of the Camden Society, held office in it as treasurer and director, and contributed to its publications.
In 1861 he was appointed by the Society of Antiquaries of London a trustee of Sir John Soane's Museum.
Bruce wrote occasionally in the Edinburgh Review and other periodicals, and was for some years editor of the Gentleman's Magazine.
For the Berkshire Ashmolean Society he edited a volume of Original Letters relating to Archbishop Laud's Benefactions, 1811, and for the Parker Society the Works of R. Hutchinson, 1842, and with Thomas Thomason Perowne the Correspondence of Archbishop Parker, 1853.
published under the direction of the Master of the Rolls, 1858-1871, the last volume being completed by W. D. Hamilton, and in 1867 printed privately papers relating to William Ruthven, 1st Earl of Gowrie.