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For other persons named William Wallace, see William Wallace (disambiguation). William Wallace may refer to Europeans William Wallace (c 1270–1305 Scottish patriot William Wallace (footballer (born
Sir William Wallace

Born c. 1272/76
Elderslie, Scotland
Died August 23, 1305
Smithfield, London, England
Occupation Landowner, later a fighter/commander in the Scottish Wars of Independence
Children Unknown
Parents Sir Malcolm Wallace, Margaret Wallace

Sir William Wallace (c. Elderslie ( Ach-na-Feàrna in Scottish Gaelic) (Alder Lea is a village in Renfrewshire, Scotland. Scotland ( Gaelic: Alba) is a Country in northwest Europethat occupies the northern third of the island of Great Britain. Events 79 - Mount Vesuvius begins stirring on the feast day of Vulcan the Roman god of fire Smithfield (also known as West Smithfield) is an area in the north-west part of the City of London, mostly known for its centuries-old meat market and its bloody history England is a Country which is part of the United Kingdom. Its inhabitants account for more than 83% of the total UK population whilst its mainland Landholder or landowner is a holder of the Estate in land with considerable rights of ownership or simply put an owner of land The Wars of Scottish Independence were a series of military campaigns fought between the Kingdom of Scotland and the Kingdom of England in the late 13th 1272-76 – 23 August 1305) was a Scottish knight, landowner, and patriot who is renowned for leading a resistance during the Wars of Scottish Independence. Events 79 - Mount Vesuvius begins stirring on the feast day of Vulcan the Roman god of fire Scotland ( Gaelic: Alba) is a Country in northwest Europethat occupies the northern third of the island of Great Britain. Knight is the English term for a social position originating in the Middle Ages. Landholder or landowner is a holder of the Estate in land with considerable rights of ownership or simply put an owner of land The Wars of Scottish Independence were a series of military campaigns fought between the Kingdom of Scotland and the Kingdom of England in the late 13th

Along with Andrew Moray, he defeated an English army at Stirling, and became Guardian of Scotland, serving until his defeat at the Battle of Falkirk. Andrew Moray ( La: Andreas de Moravia) (died c September 1297 also known as Andrew de Moray, Andrew of Moray, or Andrew Murray England is a Country which is part of the United Kingdom. Its inhabitants account for more than 83% of the total UK population whilst its mainland Stirling ( Gaelic: Sruighlea, Scots: Stirlin) is a city and former ancient Burgh in Scotland, and is at The Guardians of Scotland were the De facto Heads of state of Scotland during the First Interregnum of 1286 – 1292 The Battle of Falkirk, ( Blàr na h-Eaglaise Brice in Gaelic which took place on 22 July 1298 was a major engagement in the First War of Scottish Independence. After several years in hiding, Wallace was eventually found in Scotland and handed over to Edward I of England, who had him executed for treason. Edward I (17 June 1239 – 7 July 1307 popularly known as Longshanks, was a King of England who achieved historical fame by conquering large parts of Wales and almost

Wallace was the inspiration for the poem, The Acts and Deeds of Sir William Wallace, Knight of Elderslie, by the 15th-century minstrel, Blind Harry and the 1995 film Braveheart. minstrel was a medieval European Bard who performed songs whose lyrics told stories about distant places or about real or imaginary historical events Blind Harry (c 1440 &ndash 1492 also known as Harry (also spelt Hary) or Henry the Minstrel, is renowned as the earliest surviving lengthy source for Braveheart is a 1995 historical action-drama movie produced and directed by Mel Gibson, who also starred in the title role

Contents

Background

Wallace's birth date and birthplace are disputed. While some suggest Wallace was born around 1272, the 16th-century work, History of William Wallace and Scottish Affairs, claims 1276 as his year of birth. The consensus is that he was born in that decade but precisely when is something which may never be known. Traditionally his birthplace is claimed to be Elderslie, near Johnstone in Renfrewshire. Elderslie ( Ach-na-Feàrna in Scottish Gaelic) (Alder Lea is a village in Renfrewshire, Scotland. Johnstone ( Baile Eòin in Scottish Gaelic) is a town in Renfrewshire and located in the west- central lowlands of Scotland, three miles Renfrewshire ( Siorrachd Rinn Friù in Scottish Gaelic) is one of 32 Council areas of Scotland. However recently it has been claimed that he came from the village of Ellerslie in Ayrshire. Ayrshire (Siorrachd Inbhir Àir ʃir̴əxg̊ iɲiɾʲˈaːɾʲ is a Registration county, and former administrative county in south-west Scotland,

In support of the Elderslie origins, some proposed that William's traditional father - known as Malcolm Wallace until recently when David Wallace's seal was found - David Wallace of Low Fell, a knight and vassal to James the Steward, actually came from Riccarton, Ayrshire, near Loudoun. David Wallace or Dave Wallace can refer to Dave Wallace (baseball (born 1947 coach and player David Wallace (actor (born 1957 Low Fell is former village which is now a suburb of Gateshead, England. Knight is the English term for a social position originating in the Middle Ages. A vassal (also called feodary or fedary) in the terminology that both preceded and accompanied the feudalism of Medieval Europe, James 5th High Steward of Scotland ( 1243 - 16 July 1309) was a Scottish noble, Guardian of Scotland during the First For the county in Virginia US see Loudoun County Virginia. Loudoun ( Lughdan in Scottish Gaelic) is an area of

Memorial outside Barts Hospital, London
Memorial outside Barts Hospital, London

To the contrary, the Elderslie origins are defended with the arguments that Ellerslie is a former mining village, known only from the 19th century, whereas Elderslie is known from earlier. St Bartholomew's Hospital, also known as Barts, is a hospital in Smithfield in the City of London, England. London ( ˈlʌndən is the capital and largest urban area in the United Kingdom. Wallace's first action was at Lanark, which is about 30 miles (50 km) east of Elderslie and Ellerslie. Afterwards he moved into Ayrshire to join some Scottish nobles who were fighting the English at Irvine. Irvine ( Gaelic: Irbhinn) is a coastal New town in North Ayrshire, Scotland.

Tradition often describes Wallace as "a common person". In fact Wallace's family were minor nobles (parish gentry) descending from Richard Wallace the Welshman (the name Wallace may mean "Welsh", or possibly 'foreigner'[1]) a landowner under an early member of the House of Stuart, which later listed him in 1296 as "crown tenant of Ayrshire" and concludes "'Sir' William Wallace was a younger son of Alan Wallace, a crown tenant in Ayrshire". The House of Stuart or Stewart was a Royal house of the Kingdom of Scotland, later also of the Kingdom of England and the Kingdom of Ayrshire (Siorrachd Inbhir Àir ʃir̴əxg̊ iɲiɾʲˈaːɾʲ is a Registration county, and former administrative county in south-west Scotland, Wallace was allegedly educated in Latin by two uncles who had become priests. Latin ( lingua Latīna, laˈtiːna is an Italic language, historically spoken in Latium and Ancient Rome. Blind Harry does not mention Wallace's departure from Scotland or that Wallace had combat experience prior to 1297. Blind Harry (c 1440 &ndash 1492 also known as Harry (also spelt Hary) or Henry the Minstrel, is renowned as the earliest surviving lengthy source for The 'war' in which, Harry says, Wallace senior was killed, did not actually take place. England and Scotland were at peace for three generations before Edward I's invasion of 1296. Edward I (17 June 1239 – 7 July 1307 popularly known as Longshanks, was a King of England who achieved historical fame by conquering large parts of Wales and almost

At the time of Wallace's birth, King Alexander III had reigned for over 20 years. Alexander III ( Medieval Gaelic: Alaxandair mac Alaxandair; Modern Gaelic Alasdair mac Alasdair) (4 September 1241 – 19 March 1286 King of Scots His rule had seen a period of peace and economic stability, and he had successfully fended off continuing English claims to sovereignty. Sovereignty is the exclusive Right to control a Government, a country, a people or oneself In 1286 Alexander died after falling from his horse. None of his children survived him. The Scottish lords declared Alexander's four-year-old granddaughter, Margaret (called "the Maid of Norway"), Queen. Margaret ( Gaelic: Mairead or Maighread) (early 1283&ndashSeptember/October 1290 usually known as the Maid of Norway (Jomfruen av Norge literally Due to her young age, the Scottish lords set up an interim government to administer Scotland until Margaret came of age. King Edward I of England (popularly known as "Longshanks," among other names) took advantage of the instability by arranging the Treaty of Birgham with the lords, betrothing Margaret to his son, Edward, on the understanding that Scotland would preserve its status as a separate kingdom. Edward I (17 June 1239 – 7 July 1307 popularly known as Longshanks, was a King of England who achieved historical fame by conquering large parts of Wales and almost The Treaty of Birgham comprised two treaties intended to secure the independence of Scotland after Alexander III died without issue in 1286. For the play see Edward II (play. For the film see Edward II (film. A monarchy is a Form of government in which supreme power is actually or nominally lodged in an individual who is the Head of state, often for life or Margaret, however, fell ill and died at only seven years of age (1290) on her way from her native Norway to Scotland. Norway ( Norwegian: Norge ( Bokmål) or Noreg ( Nynorsk) officially the Kingdom of Norway, is a Constitutional A number of claimants to the Scottish throne came forward almost immediately.

With Scotland threatening to descend into a dynastic war, the "leading men" of the realm invited Edward's arbitration — as a powerful neighbour and significant jurist he could hardly be ignored. Before the process could begin, he insisted, despite his word to the contrary, that all of the contenders recognize him as Lord Paramount of Scotland. After some initial resistance, all, including John Balliol and Robert Bruce, the chief contenders, accepted this precondition. Robert Bruce 5th Lord of Annandale (Robert de Brus (c1215 &ndash 31 March 1295) 5th Lord of Annandale, was a feudal lord Justice and Constable Finally, in early November 1292, at a great feudal court held in the castle at Berwick-upon-Tweed, judgement was given in favour of John Balliol having the strongest claim in law. Berwick-upon-Tweed ( ˈbɛrɪk- ( Scots: Berwick or historically South Berwick) situated in the county of Northumberland, is the northernmost Formal announcement of the judgement was given by Edward on November 17. Events 284 - Diocletian is proclaimed emperor by his soldiers

Although the outcome of the Great Cause had been both fair and legal, Edward proceeded to use the political concessions he had gained to undermine the independence of Scotland and to make King John's position difficult. With the death of Alexander III of Scotland in 1286 without a male heir the throne of Scotland had become the possession of the three-year old Margaret Maid Balliol broke his promise and renounced his homage in March 1296 and by the end of the month Edward stormed Berwick-upon-Tweed, sacking the then-Scottish border town. For medieval usage see Homage (medieval and Commendation ceremony, or Homage (disambiguation Homage (from the French Berwick-upon-Tweed ( ˈbɛrɪk- ( Scots: Berwick or historically South Berwick) situated in the county of Northumberland, is the northernmost He slaughtered almost all of his opponents who resided there, even if they fled to their homes. In April, the Scots were defeated at the Battle of Dunbar (1296) in Lothian and by July Edward had forced Balliol to abdicate at Stracathro near Montrose. The Battle of Dunbar (also known as the Battle of Spottsmuir) was the first major battle in the First War of Scottish Independence. Stracatho ( Gaelic: Srath Catharach) is a small place in Angus, Scotland, to the northeast of Brechin on the A90. Edward then instructed his officers to receive formal homage from some 1800 Scottish nobles (many of the rest being prisoners of war at that time), having previously removed the Stone of Destiny, the Scottish coronation stone, from Scone Palace, and taken it to London. The Stone of Scone (ˈskuːn also commonly known as the Stone of Destiny or the Coronation Stone is an oblong block of red Sandstone, about by by in Scone Palace (pronounced skoon) is a Category A listed historic house at Scone, Perthshire, Scotland.

Military career

Wallace's exploits begin

Blind Harry invented a tale that Wallace's father was killed along with his brother John in a skirmish at Loudoun Hill in 1291 by the notorious Lambies, who came from the Clan Lamont. Blind Harry (c 1440 &ndash 1492 also known as Harry (also spelt Hary) or Henry the Minstrel, is renowned as the earliest surviving lengthy source for Loudoun Hill, also commonly Loudounhill is a Volcanic plug in East Ayrshire, Scotland. Clan Lamont is a Highland Scottish clan. Clan Lamont claim descent from Lauman who lived in Cowal in 1238

According to local Ayrshire legend, two English soldiers challenged Wallace in the Lanark marketplace regarding his catching of fish. Lanark is a small town in the Central belt of Scotland. Its population of 8253 makes it the 100th largest settlement in Scotland According to various historians, including John Strawhorn, author of The History of Irvine, the legend has Wallace fishing on the River Irvine. For the Scottish town of the same name see Irvine North Ayrshire. He had been staying with his uncle in Riccarton. A group of English soldiers approached, whereupon the leader of the band came forward and demanded the entire catch. Even after Wallace offered half of his fish, the English refused such diplomacy and threatened him with death if he refused. Wallace allegedly floored the approaching soldier with his fishing rod and took up the assailant's sword. He set upon the entire team of English soldiers with stereotypical success. The argument had escalated into a brawl and two English soldiers were killed. Blind Harry places this incident along the River Irvine[2] with five soldiers being killed. For the Scottish town of the same name see Irvine North Ayrshire. The authorities issued a warrant for his arrest shortly thereafter. According to a plaque outside St. Paul's Cathedral in the City of Dundee, however, William Wallace began his war for independence by killing the son of the English governor of Dundee after he had made a habit of bullying Wallace and his family. Dundee (Dùn Dèagh is the fourth-largest city in Scotland and fully named as Dundee City, one of Scotland's 32 local government council This story perhaps has more weight because it is speculated that Wallace may have attended what is now the High School of Dundee, and spent some of his time growing up in the nearby village of Kilspindie. The High School of Dundee, informally Dundee High School, is one of Scotland 's leading private or Independent schools, and the only such school in

Wallace's activities before 1297 are completely undocumented, but Harry states that Wallace was under the protection of his uncle Ronald Crawford, Sheriff of Ayrshire. Sir Ronald (Reginald or Ranald Crawford (c 1240 &ndash 1297 was the 4th Sheriff of Ayrshire, Chief of Clan Crawford, and Lord of Loudon Castle. In England, a reeve was an official elected annually by the Serfs to supervise lands for a Lord. He used this relationship to his advantage and there are unconfirmed reports of his early career as a petty criminal. In the period from 1296-1297 Wallace was involved in several actions where the English invariably lost.

Wallace allegedly slew and dismembered William Heselrig, the English Sheriff of Lanark, in May 1297, purportedly to avenge the death of Marion Braidfute of Lamington — the young maiden Wallace courted and married in Blind Harry's tale. SHERIFF is a telecom fraud detection and management system originally developed by BT and MCI. Marion Braidfute of Lamington was according to Blind Harry, a maiden whom William Wallace courted and married Lamingtons is a Sponge cake (or more traditionally Butter cake) in the shape of a cube coated in a layer of traditionally Chocolate icing Soon, he achieved victory in skirmishes at Loudoun Hill (near Darvel, Ayrshire) and Ayr; he also fought alongside Sir William Douglas the Hardy at Scone, routing the English justiciar, William Ormesby. Loudoun Hill, also commonly Loudounhill is a Volcanic plug in East Ayrshire, Scotland. Darvel ( Dervel locally is a small town in East Ayrshire, Scotland, located at the eastern end of the Irvine Valley and is sometimes referred Ayr (Inbhir Àir Mouth of the River Ayr) is a town and port situated on the Firth of Clyde, in south-west Scotland. Sir William Douglas "le Hardi" (the bold Lord of Douglas (born after 1243 &ndash c In Medieval England and Scotland, the Chief Justiciar (later known simply as the Justiciar) was roughly equivalent to a modern Prime Minister Towns such as Aberdeen, Perth, Glasgow, Scone, Dundee, and all lands north of the Firth of Forth were freed by Moray, not Wallace. Aberdeen ( pronounced; Aiberdeen Obar Dheathain is Scotland 's third most populous city and one of Scotland's 32 local government council Perth (Peairt is a town and former Royal burgh in central Scotland. Glasgow (ˈglæzgoʊ is the largest city in Scotland and third most populous in the United Kingdom Dundee (Dùn Dèagh is the fourth-largest city in Scotland and fully named as Dundee City, one of Scotland's 32 local government council The Firth of Forth ( Scottish Gaelic: Linne Foirthe) is the Estuary or Firth of Scotland's River Forth, where it flows

In 1296/97, he was allegedly involved in an event which would later come to be known as Wallace's Larder. Ardrossan Castle is situated on the west coast of Ayrshire, Scotland in the town of Ardrossan. He is said to have lured the English occupiers of Ardrossan Castle out of their holding and into the town whereupon he set upon them one at a time. Ardrossan Castle is situated on the west coast of Ayrshire, Scotland in the town of Ardrossan. After successfully retaking the castle, Wallace had the bodies of the English thrown into a tunnel which can still be seen today.

Supporters of the growing revolt suffered a major blow when Scottish nobles were forced to come to terms with the English at Irvine in July. Irvine ( Gaelic: Irbhinn) is a coastal New town in North Ayrshire, Scotland. In August, Wallace left Selkirk Forest with his followers to join Andrew Moray at Stirling. Andrew Moray ( La: Andreas de Moravia) (died c September 1297 also known as Andrew de Moray, Andrew of Moray, or Andrew Murray Stirling ( Gaelic: Sruighlea, Scots: Stirlin) is a city and former ancient Burgh in Scotland, and is at Moray began another uprising, and their forces combined at Stirling, where they prepared to meet the English in battle.

According to Harry, these hit and run tactics eventually led King Edward to address the problem by executing most of the Council of Barons in the Barns of Ayr (June 1297), with a similar event in Renfrewshire - although these events are of questionable veracity. Renfrewshire ( Siorrachd Rinn Friù in Scottish Gaelic) is one of 32 Council areas of Scotland. Ronald Crawford was apparently first to be hanged, sending Wallace, who had arrived at the location late after running an errand for his uncle, into action and killing the entire English garrison in Ayr, locking the doors as the garrison slept and firing the structures. Sir Ronald (Reginald or Ranald Crawford (c 1240 &ndash 1297 was the 4th Sheriff of Ayrshire, Chief of Clan Crawford, and Lord of Loudon Castle. Wallace and his men retired to Selkirk Forest for safety. When word reached the Crawford family that Ronald had been killed, Ronald's son, William, joined Wallace in the forest.

As Wallace's ranks swelled, information obtained by John Graham prompted Wallace to move his force from Selkirk Forest to the Highlands, though there is no historical evidence to suggest that Wallace ever left the Lowland areas of Scotland other than his visit to France and his trip to the scaffold in London. Sir John de Graham (died 22 July[[ 298]] was a Scottish soldier born in the lands of Dundaff, in the late 13th century

The Battle of Stirling Bridge

On 11 September 1297, Wallace won the Battle of Stirling Bridge. Events 9 - The Battle of the Teutoburg Forest ends 506 - The Bishops of Visigothic Gaul The Battle of Stirling Bridge was a battle of the First War of Scottish Independence. Although vastly outnumbered, the Scottish forces led by Wallace and Andrew Moray routed the English army. Andrew Moray ( La: Andreas de Moravia) (died c September 1297 also known as Andrew de Moray, Andrew of Moray, or Andrew Murray The Earl of Surrey's professional army of 3,000 cavalry and 10,000 infantry met disaster as they crossed over to the north side of the river. The Earldom of Surrey was first created in 1088 for William de Warenne. The narrowness of the bridge prevented many soldiers from crossing together (possibly as few as three men abreast), so while the English soldiers crossed, the Scots held back until half of them had passed and then killed the English as quickly as they could cross.

Stirling Bridge as of 2006.
Stirling Bridge as of 2006.

A pivotal charge, led by one of Wallace's captains, caused some of the English soldiers to retreat as others pushed forward, and under the overwhelming weight, the bridge collapsed and many English soldiers drowned. Harry claims that the bridge was rigged to collapse by the action of a man hidden beneath the bridge. The Scots won a significant victory which boosted the confidence of their army. Hugh Cressingham, Edward's treasurer in Scotland, died in the fighting. Hugh de Cressingham (died September 11 1297) was the Treasurer of the English administration in Scotland during 1296-97 Cressingham's skin was allegedly tanned and used to make trophy belts and sporrans by the Scots. A Sporran is a pouch (Scottish Gaelic for 'purse' Now a decorative part of Highland dress it was originally an everyday practical item William Crawford led 400 Scottish heavy cavalry to complete the action by running the English out of Scotland. It is widely believed that Moray died of wounds suffered on the battlefield sometime in the winter of 1297, but an inquisition into the affairs of his uncle, Sir William Moray of Bothwell, held at Berwick in late November 1300, records he was "slain at Stirling against the king. Berwick-upon-Tweed ( ˈbɛrɪk- ( Scots: Berwick or historically South Berwick) situated in the county of Northumberland, is the northernmost "

Upon his return from the Battle of Stirling Bridge, Wallace was knighted along with his second-in-command John Graham and his third-in-command William Crawford, possibly by Robert the Bruce, and Wallace was named "Guardian of Scotland and Leader of its armies". William Crawford is the name of William Crawford (soldier (1732–1782 soldier in American Revolution western land agent of George Washington burnt at Robert I King of Scots ( 11 July, 1274 &ndash 7 June, 1329) usually known in modern English as Robert the Bruce (

In the six months following Stirling Bridge, Wallace led a raid into northern England. His intent was to take the battle to English soil to demonstrate to Edward that Scotland also had the power to inflict the same sort of damage south of the border. Edward was infuriated but he refused to be intimidated.

The Battle of Falkirk

A year later, Wallace lost the Battle of Falkirk. The Battle of Falkirk, ( Blàr na h-Eaglaise Brice in Gaelic which took place on 22 July 1298 was a major engagement in the First War of Scottish Independence. On 1 April 1298, the English invaded Scotland at Roxburgh. Events 527 - Byzantine Emperor Justin I names his nephew Justinian I as co-ruler and successor to the throne The destroyed Royal burgh of Roxburgh (or Rosbroch) was an important trading Burgh in High Medieval to early modern Scotland They plundered Lothian and regained some castles, but had failed to bring Wallace to combat. The Scots adopted a scorched-earth policy in their own country, and English quartermasters' failure to prepare for the expedition left morale and food low, but Edward's search for Wallace would not end at Falkirk. A scorched earth policy is a military strategy or operational method (possibly more often referred to as a tactic but this is not entirely correct as there is a difference between Falkirk is also the name of the Scottish council area centred on the town see Falkirk (council area.

Wallace arranged his spearmen in four "schiltrons" — circular, hedgehog formations surrounded by a defensive wall of wooden stakes. A schiltron (also schiltrom or shiltron) is a group of Soldiers wielding outward-pointing pikes or other Polearms to ward off The English gained the upper hand, however, attacking first with cavalry, and breaking up the Scottish archers. The Cavalry (from French cavalerie) is the second oldest of the Combat Arms, and as Soldiers or Warriors who fought mounted on Archery is the practice of using a bow or Crossbow to shoot Arrows Archery has historically been used in Hunting and Combat and has The Scottish knights withdrew, and Edward's men began to attack the schiltrons. It remains unclear whether the infantry firing bolts, arrows and stones at the spearmen proved the deciding factor, although it is very likely that it was the arrows of Edward's bowmen.

Either way, gaps in the schiltrons soon appeared, and the English exploited these to crush the remaining resistance. The Scots lost many men. Wallace escaped, though his military reputation suffered badly. John Graham was killed and William Crawford became Wallace's second. According to one account, during his flight Wallace fought and killed Brian de Jay, master of the English Templars in a thicket at Callendar. The Poor Fellow-Soldiers of Christ and of the Temple of Solomon (Pauperes commilitones Christi Templique Solomonici commonly known as the Knights Templar or the Order

By September 1298, Wallace had decided to resign as Guardian of Scotland in favour of Robert Bruce, Earl of Carrick, and John Comyn of Badenoch, ex-King John Balliol's brother-in-law. For the Irish title of the same name see the Earl of Carrick (Ireland. John II Comyn Lord of Badenoch (d 1302 or John "the Black", also known as Black Comyn, a Scottish nobleman was a Guardian For Badenoch Ontario, see that article Badenoch ( Gaelic: Bàideanach) is a traditional district which today forms part of Bruce became reconciled with King Edward in 1302, while Wallace spurned such moves towards peace.

According to Harry, Wallace left with William Crawford in late 1298 on a mission to the court of Philip le Bel King of France to plead the case for assistance in the Scottish struggle for independence. On their trip down the English coast, the small convoy ran into the infamous pirate Richard Longoville, also known as the Red Reiver for his red sails and ruthless raids. Hiding in the hold of the ship while Crawford and a small contingent of men sailed, Wallace surprised the pirates as they boarded the ship. Longoville was captured and taken to Paris where the Scots convinced Phillip to grant amnesty so that Longoville could prey on English ships. This last story is one of many recorded by Blind Harry for which there is no evidence. Harry also invented a major action against Edward I at Biggar, which, though often cited, never actually occurred.

Modern tradition asserts that he served with the Garde Écossaise in France - despite the fact that the Guards would not be formed for more than 100 years - in two battles with the English which history has not recorded and made a side trip to Rome to plead for Scotland, which, similarly, was never recorded. The Scots Guards or Garde Écossaise ( Scottish guard) was an elite Scottish military unit founded in 1418 by the Valois In 1303, Squire Guthrie was sent to France to ask Wallace and his men to return to Scotland, which they did that same year. They slipped in under the cover of darkness to recover on the farm of William Crawford, near Elcho Wood. Having heard rumours of Wallace's appearance in the area, the English moved in on the farm. A chase ensued and the band of men slipped away after being surrounded in Elcho Wood. Here, Wallace took the life of one of his men that he suspected of disloyalty, in order to divert the English from the trail.

Wallace's capture and execution

Wallace evaded capture by the English until 5 August 1305 when John de Menteith, a Scottish knight loyal to Edward, turned Wallace over to English soldiers at Robroyston near Glasgow. Events 642 - Battle of Maserfield - Penda of Mercia defeats and kills Oswald of Bernicia. Sir John de Menteith (c 1275 - c 1323 was a Scottish nobleman Robroyston ( Bhaile na Raibert Ruadh in Gaelic) is a northeastern Suburb of the city of Glasgow, Scotland. Glasgow (ˈglæzgoʊ is the largest city in Scotland and third most populous in the United Kingdom Wallace was transported to London and tried for treason and the execution of civilians and prisoners at Westminster Hall where he was crowned with a garland of oak to suggest that he was the king of outlaws. An outlaw or bandit is a person living the lifestyle of outlawry; the word literally means "outside the Law " by folk-etymology from the original He responded to the treason charge, "I could not be a traitor to Edward, for I was never his subject. " With this, Wallace asserted that the absent John Balliol was officially his king. Wallace was declared guilty.

Following the trial, on 23 August 1305, Wallace was taken from the hall, stripped naked and dragged through the city at the heels of a horse to the Elms at Smithfield. Events 79 - Mount Vesuvius begins stirring on the feast day of Vulcan the Roman god of fire Smithfield (also known as West Smithfield) is an area in the north-west part of the City of London, mostly known for its centuries-old meat market and its bloody history He was hanged, drawn and quartered — strangled by hanging but released while still alive, emasculated, eviscerated and his bowels burnt before him, beheaded, then cut into four parts. To be hanged drawn and quartered was the penalty once ordained in England for the crime of High treason. Emasculation is the removal of the Genitalia of a male notably the Penis and/or the Testicles By extension the word has also come to mean “to socially Disembowelment ( evisceration) is the removing of some or all of the vital organs usually from the Abdomen. His preserved head was placed on a pike atop London Bridge. London Bridge is a Bridge between the City of London and Southwark in London, England, over the River Thames. It was later joined by the heads of his brothers, John, and Simon Fraser. Sir Simon Fraser of Oliver and Neidpath Knight Banneret fought in the Wars of Scottish Independence. His limbs were displayed, separately, in Newcastle, Berwick, Stirling, and Aberdeen. Newcastle upon Tyne ( (often shortened to Newcastle) is a city and Metropolitan borough of Tyne and Wear, England Berwick-upon-Tweed ( ˈbɛrɪk- ( Scots: Berwick or historically South Berwick) situated in the county of Northumberland, is the northernmost Stirling ( Gaelic: Sruighlea, Scots: Stirlin) is a city and former ancient Burgh in Scotland, and is at Aberdeen ( pronounced; Aiberdeen Obar Dheathain is Scotland 's third most populous city and one of Scotland's 32 local government council

William Wallace Statue, Aberdeen.
William Wallace Statue, Aberdeen.

A plaque stands in a wall of St. Bartholomew's Hospital near the site of Wallace's execution at Smithfield. St Bartholomew's Hospital, also known as Barts, is a hospital in Smithfield in the City of London, England. Scottish patriots and other interested people frequently visit the site and flowers often appear there.

The Wallace Sword, which supposedly belonged to Wallace, although some parts are at least 160 years later in origin, was held for many years in Loudoun Castle and is now in the Wallace National Monument near Stirling. The Wallace Sword is an antique Claymore purported to have belonged to William Wallace (1270 – 1305 a Knight and Scottish Patriot Loudoun Castle is a popular Theme park set around the ruins of a 19th century Castle near Galston, in the Loudoun area of Southwest Scotland The National Wallace Monument (generally known as the Wallace Monument) is a tower standing on the summit of Abbey Craig, a hilltop near Stirling in Stirling ( Gaelic: Sruighlea, Scots: Stirlin) is a city and former ancient Burgh in Scotland, and is at

Portrayal in fiction

Comprehensive and historically accurate information was written about Wallace, but many stories are based on the wandering 15th-century minstrel Blind Harry's epic poem, The Acts and Deeds of Sir William Wallace, Knight of Elderslie, written around 1470. Historians either reject almost all of the parts of Blind Harry's tale, or dismiss the entire composition. Although Blind Harry wrote from oral tradition describing events 170 years earlier, giving rise to alterations of fact, Harry's is not in any sense an authoritative description of Wallace's exploits. Indeed, hardly any of Harry's work is supported by circumstantial evidence including names from land charters, the Ragman Roll, and religious and public office holders and their archives. Ragman Rolls was the name given to the collection of instruments by which the nobility and gentry of Scotland used in order to subscribe allegiance to King Edward I of England While not all details are consistent, the general flow is consistent with contemporary histories. Several modern writers note that the Bishop of St. Andrew's did commission a friar to write a first-hand account of Wallace's exploits, but the existence, let alone the disposition of this manuscript is not known.

Blind Harry's poem Barns of Ayr, for example, describes a mythical incident when 360 Scottish nobles, led by Wallace’s uncle, Ronald Crawford, were summoned by the English to a conference in Spring of 1297. Sir Ronald (Reginald or Ranald Crawford (c 1240 &ndash 1297 was the 4th Sheriff of Ayrshire, Chief of Clan Crawford, and Lord of Loudon Castle. As each passed through a narrow entry, a rope was dropped around his neck and he was hanged. The incident as described by Blind Harry does appear in the 1995 film Braveheart with even less accuracy, placing the event in the childhood of Wallace and ignoring the murder of his uncle Crawford. Braveheart is a 1995 historical action-drama movie produced and directed by Mel Gibson, who also starred in the title role Nevertheless, Ronald Crawford did die at this time and his son replaced him as Sheriff of Ayrshire, giving some credence to the story.

In the early 19th century, Walter Scott wrote of Wallace in Exploits and Death of William Wallace, the "Hero of Scotland", and Jane Porter penned a romantic version of the Wallace legend in The Scottish Chiefs in 1810. Sir Walter Scott 1st Baronet (15 August 1771 &ndash 21 September 1832 was a prolific Scottish Historical novelist and Poet popular throughout Jane Porter is also the name of the romantic interest of Tarzan in the novels of Edgar Rice Burroughs.

G.A. Henty wrote a novel in 1885 about this time period titled In Freedom's Cause. George Alfred Henty ( 8 December, 1832 - 16 November, 1902) referred to as G Henty, a producer of Boys Own fiction who wrote for that magazine, portrays the life of William Wallace, Robert the Bruce, The Black Douglas, and others, while dovetailing the novel with historical fiction. Boy's Own Paper was a British Story paper aimed at young and teenage boys published from 1879 to 1967 See also James Douglas Sir James Douglas (also known as Guid Sir James and the Black Douglas) (1286 &ndash August 25, 1330 Historical fiction is a sub-genre of Fiction that often portrays alternate accounts or dramatization of historical figures or events

Nigel Tranter wrote a historical novel titled The Wallace, published in 1975, which is said by academics to be more accurate than its literary predecessors. Nigel Tranter OBE ( November 23, 1909 – January 9, 2000) was a Scottish Historian and Author. Nigel Tranter was a Scottish author who wrote many novels based on actual historical events and characters

William Wallace appears in the real-time strategy game Age of Empires II: Age of Kings, as the Scots were the focus of the game's training campaign. Age of Empires II The Age of Kings (often shortened to The Age of Kings or AoK) is a Real-time strategy (RTS Video game developed Although in the game Wallace is not present at the Battle of Stirling Bridge, he appears at the Battle of Falkirk to aid the player. The Battle of Stirling Bridge was a battle of the First War of Scottish Independence. In the game, the Scottish ended as victors at Falkirk, unlike the actual historical battle.

Perhaps the best-known account of the life of William Wallace is the 1995 film Braveheart, directed by and starring the actor Mel Gibson, written by Randall Wallace, and filmed in both Scotland and Ireland. Braveheart is a 1995 historical action-drama movie produced and directed by Mel Gibson, who also starred in the title role Mel Columcille Gerard Gibson, AO (born January 3 1956 Randall Wallace (born July 28, 1949, Jackson Tennessee) is an American Screenwriter, producer, and director who wrote This film was a commercial and critical success, winning five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. "The Oscar" redirects here for the film see The Oscar (film. The Academy Award for Best Motion Picture is one of the Awards of Merit presented annually by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS to artists working The Academy Award for Achievement in Directing (Best Director is one of the Awards of Merit presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS to The film contains many major historical inaccuracies (see Braveheart#Historical inaccuracies)

In March 1998 Iron Maiden released the album Virtual XI which contained the track "The Clansman", loosely based on the life of William Wallace. Braveheart is a 1995 historical action-drama movie produced and directed by Mel Gibson, who also starred in the title role For other uses see Iron maiden. Virtual XI (pronounced Virtual Eleven is the 11th studio album by British heavy metal band Iron Maiden. Iron Maiden bassist Steve Harris states that the song was inspired by the films Braveheart and Rob Roy, starting first as two separate songs before they were melded into one. Stephen Percy Harris (born March 12, 1956 in Leytonstone, London, England) is the Bassist, band leader and primary Braveheart is a 1995 historical action-drama movie produced and directed by Mel Gibson, who also starred in the title role Rob Roy is a historical drama film directed by Michael Caton-Jones and released on April 7, 1995.

References

  1. ^ Behind the Name: Search Results
  2. ^ Adamson, Archibald R. (1875). Rambles Round Kilmarnock. Pub. Kilmarnock. Pps. 49 - 50.

Bibliography

See also

External links

The National Wallace Monument (generally known as the Wallace Monument) is a tower standing on the summit of Abbey Craig, a hilltop near Stirling in The Clan Wallace or the Wallace Family originated in the Strathclyde area of the Scottish Lowlands. Clan Campbell is historically one of the largest and most powerful Highland Scottish clans History Origins of the clan The origins of Clan The Lugar Water, or River Lugar, is created by the confluence of Bello Water and Guelt Water, both of which flow from the hills of the Southern Uplands Josep Moragues i Mas (1669-1715 was a Catalan general during the War of the Spanish Succession. Robert I King of Scots ( 11 July, 1274 &ndash 7 June, 1329) usually known in modern English as Robert the Bruce ( For the Scottish town of the same name see Irvine North Ayrshire. Andrew Moray ( La: Andreas de Moravia) (died c September 1297 also known as Andrew de Moray, Andrew of Moray, or Andrew Murray Sir John de Menteith (c 1275 - c 1323 was a Scottish nobleman Jack Short was the betrayer of Scottish legend Sir William Wallace. Edward I (17 June 1239 – 7 July 1307 popularly known as Longshanks, was a King of England who achieved historical fame by conquering large parts of Wales and almost
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