If you come to Scotland and do the typical tourist attractions, at some point (often multiple points), you’ll see the name ‘Sir William Wallace’. Even if it’s in a pub, you might see his face on the wall or his head frozen in time as a stone ornament. Fun fact: multiple pubs in Scotland use his name as their own. You can use luxury motorhome hire to do a tour of them. He’s also got a beer named after him! And, if you didn’t know, he’s the man behind the story of the iconic film Braveheart, some of which was filmed in Scotland. If you haven’t watched it, it’s definitely one to add to your list.
He is arguably one of Scotland’s most iconic historical people, but not enough tourists know about the history of the great name.
Read on to learn about Sir William Wallace and why his name is etched into the fabric of what Scotland is today.
Who is Sir William Wallace?
Sir William Wallace would have been one of the best people you’d ever meet. Born in 1270, somewhere near Paisley, Renfrew, he was the greatest Scottish national hero we could ever discuss. His actions changed the course of Scottish history. As the second son of Sir Malcolm Wallace of Elderslie in Renfrewshire, he lived a humble and somewhat peaceful life before joining the Scottish army.
After that, Sir William Wallace was one of the most fierce, legendary knights who led the Scottish resistance to the English king Edward I. He had the prestigious title of the ‘Guardian of the Kingdom of Scotland’ during the immense struggle to free Scotland from England.
His initial campaign in the war of Scottish independence and his part in one of the most brutal battles in Scottish wartime history, the Battle of Stirling Bridge, saw him knighted in December 1297, after which he assumed his title of Guardian of the Kingdom. He then took it upon himself to reorganise the army for improved mobilisation and battle combat and to regulate Scottish affairs for the country, taking him on a new political leadership quest that would ultimately lead to his death.
He died on August 23rd, 1305, in London, England, after being betrayed by Scottish nobleman John Menteith. Found guilty of treason, he was killed in London by the method of hanging, drawing, and quartering – one of the most brutal of that era.
How His Actions Changed Modern-Day Scotland
Sir William Wallace was a massive influence over the political and military leadership of Scotland. Many will argue that, without him, Scotland never would have gained their independence from England by winning the war.
At the time and even to this day, he inspires Scottish people and the leaders of Scotland to fight for their independence and freedom.
There’s a sense of national identity that started with the name of William Wallace. He was courageous and determined and believed Scotland should be a fiercely independent country. Before Wallace, many Scots were loyal to their local lords rather than a unified Scottish nation. His leadership changed that. His actions lit a fire in the heart of the Scottish people, and it never really went out.
Even after his death, the ripple effect of his bravery carried on through other Scottish heroes like Robert the Bruce. Without Wallace, there’s a chance Scotland would have remained under English rule for generations. Thanks to him, Scotland found its voice and its spirit.
Scotland’s Greatest National Hero
Sir William Wallace is often considered Scotland’s greatest national hero, and for good reason. He gave everything he had, including his life, to the idea that Scotland should never bow to another king.
When Wallace became Guardian of Scotland, he didn’t just lead armies. He tried to build a real political structure that could withstand English pressure. He worked to bring together the fragmented clans and nobles, many of whom had their own interests at heart rather than thinking about the good of Scotland.
He was a symbol of unity at a time when unity was almost impossible.
Wallace also believed in diplomacy when it was needed. He sent letters to other countries like France, hoping to create alliances that would strengthen Scotland’s position against England.
As we mentioned, his story ended in betrayal. Captured by a fellow Scot, Sir John Menteith, Wallace was handed over to the English. His death was gruesome and public, intended to humiliate and scare others who might follow his path.
Sir William Wallace wasn’t just a man with a sword. He was the beating heart of a movement that shaped Scotland into the proud nation it is today. His bravery, his leadership, and his sacrifice made him a legend. And in Scotland, legends never die.