Who was William Wallace, the real ‘Braveheart’?

The 13th century Scottish warrior who defied Kind Edward I of England and met a gruesome end

The name William Wallace is held within high regard among the great Scottish heroes. Perhaps best known outside of his homeland as the inspiration for the 1995 film Braveheart, Wallace fought valiantly against the English when, in 1296, Edward I declared himself ruler of Scotland, deposing John Balliol. However, despite his monumental legacy, Swathes of Wallace’s life remain unknown and it is sometimes difficult to separate the historical figure from the folk hero he became.

Born in the 1270s, William Wallace was a member of Scotland’s lesser landowning gentry. Wallace’s life as a revolutionary began in 1297 when he attacked the town of Lanark. His aim was to kill the English Sheriff, William Haselrig, but when the attack failed, folklore claims Wallace himself snuck into Haselrig’s bed chambers, slaughtering his target with his sword. Supported by the Bishop of Glasgow, Wallace’s attacks lit a fire in the heart of many a loyal Scot, and they rushed to fight by his side. With this army, Wallace continued to fight the English and the delighted Balliol declared him to be “the Guardian of the Kingdom”.

However, in 1298 his army was defeated at the Battle of Falkirk by those of King Edward. Humiliated, Wallace resigned the Guardianship and Robert the Bruce and John “the Red” Comyn jointly took his place. Whilst Wallace was away in France, Bruce and Comyn reached terms with Edward, leading some to later claim that Bruce betrayed Wallace – though there is no historical evidence to support this. When Wallace returned, Edward offered a reward for his capture and on 3 August 1305 Wallace was seized by Nobleman Sir John Menteith.

Wallace’s execution on 23 August 1305 was to serve as a brutal reminder to all those who would dare dispute the rule of the English. Hung, drawn and quartered, Wallace’s head was displayed at London Bridge whilst his limbs were sent to Newcastle, Berwick, Sterling and Perth. The battle for freedom continued after Wallace’s demise and it was Robert the Bruce who ensured the Scottish were victorious. Crowned the first King of Scotland in 1306, eight years later Bruce led his armies to victory against those of Edward II at the Battle of Bannockburn. In 1328 the Scottish wars finally came to an end as England formally recognised the Kingdom of Scotland’s independence.

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