The Scottish army led by rebellious Scottish nobleman William Wallace defeated the English at the Battle of Stirling Bridge 1297. Wallace’s Memorial in Stirling comemorates the above event as well as it’s an icon of Scottish pride.
Made world famous by the film Braveheart (portrayed by actor Mel Gibson), William Wallace was voted the second greatest Scotsman of all times (right behind poet Robert Burns).
As one of the rebellious noblemen who refused to be loyal to English King Edward I, Wallace led his army in a victorious battle at Stirling in 1297. As a result of the victory, Wallace was made a Guardian of Scotland. He resigned this position after the Battle of Falkirk in 1298 where Edward I took control of the battle.
Wallace had to escape and hide for several years. He was caught in Glasgow in 1305 and sent for a trial to London. He was found guilty for treason. They hanged and quartered Wallace. His head was put on a spike on London Bridge, four parts of his body were sent to Berwick, Newcastle, Perth and Stirling.
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“Wallace” means “Welshman” in Old English, it may refer to his ancestors coming from Wales, however, there is no evidence about it.
Featured image: Wallace Memorial in Stirling (credit to Linda N.)
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