Scotland's Greatest Hero

William Wallace was one of 3 sons of Sir Malcolm Wallace. He was born around 1272 in Elerslie, Scotland.

Wallace grew up to be a tall man of 6'7" and very strong. The average height of men at this time was just over 5' so Wallace seemed like a giant to all. Also during these times 'middle aged' was 20-25 years of age so to become a leader would mean being born into the rank or like in Wallace's case, earn the rank in battles. Wallace showed great strength, stamina, endurance, courage and great skill in handling a sword or dagger. He was a trained horseman, as well. Wallace was educated by the Church as it was tradition for the eldest son of a family to inherit lands and titles, and the younger sons to follow the education of the Church. There Wallace would learn of politics and languages.

At the time of Wallace's birth, Alexander III had been on Scotland's throne for over twenty years. During his reign the people of Scotland saw peace, economic stability and prosperity. He had successfully defended Scotland from English claims. King Edward I (Longshanks) came to the throne of England in 1272 and became Wallace's deadliest enemy. Wallace's father was killed in a battle with English troops in 1291, which likely contributed to Wallace's lifelong desire to fight for Scotland's independence.

A new struggle for control of Scotland began at the death of Alexander III in 1286. He left as his heir, a grandchild, Margaret, who was the infant daughter of the King of Norway. Longshanks, wanting complete control of Scotland suggested that Margaret marry his son, brought forth at a treaty in 1295. The terms of the treaty were that Scotland was to remain a separate and independent kingdom and Longshanks was to keep a number of Scottish castles. When the young Margaret died, all plans changed and Longshanks decided to take advantage of the situation. He greatly underestimated Scotland's desire for freedom.

After a five month campaign, Edward I conquered Scotland in 1297. He appointed agents to keep peace in Scotland and declared himself ruler of Scotland. There was wide-spread disorder and defiance against the English in all of Scotland. William Wallace involved himself in many small fights and quickly became the King's enemy. His following quickly grew due to his strength and great leadership qualities. Wallace and his volunteer army marched through Scotland driving many invaders out of Scotland. Eventually they reached Aberdeen and destroyed the fleet of 100 English ships.

In September of 1297 William Wallace marched his following and other patriots of Scotland to Stirling Bridge, where they faced the English force of 1,000 heavy cavalry and 50,000 foot soldiers. The Scottish Army fought and defeated Longshanks and his army with home made weapons such as knives, axes, and wooden spears. They fought with all their might for their freedom.

In 1298, Longshanks and his 90,000-strong army attacked a much smaller Scottish force led by Wallace at Falkirk. As many as 10,000 Scots were killed that day and and Wallace's military reputation had been ruined. He retreated to the thick woods and it is said that he went to France. Little is known of his activities during 1299 to 1303.

In 1305, Wallace was betrayed by a Scottish knight in service to the English king and was arrested near Glasgow. He was tried for wartime murder of civilians; accused of sparing neither age nor sex, monk nor nun. He was condemned as a traitor to the King of England, although he had never sworn allegiance to Longshanks. On August 23, 1305, Wallace was executed in a very barbaric manner. At that time and for the next 550 years, the punishment for treason was hanging by the neck, but not til dead, and then disembowled while still alive. Wallace was then beheaded and his body divided into 4 parts. His head was impaled on a spike and displayed at London Bridge and his arms and legs were placed strategically at the 4 corners of Britain as a warning to all.

Almost immediately, Robert the Bruce revived the rebellion against England that would win Scotland it's independence. He was crowned King of Scotland in 1306.