William Wallace Knight Scottish Patriot

Sir William Wallace was a knight and Scottish patriot who spearheaded resistance against the English occupation of Scotland during the period of Wars of Scottish Independence. He was the sole inspiration behind poems such as Knight of Elderslie and The Acts and Deeds of Sir William Wallace written by Blind Harry. These poems formed the inspiration of the Hollywood blockbuster Braveheart that was released in 1995.

Though his birth date and birthplace are debated upon, History of William Wallace and Scottish Affairs claims that he was born in 1276. While some claim he was born in 1270, it is genuinely agreed upon that he was born in this decade. Though some claim he was born in Elderslie, near Johnstone, some claim that his actual birthplace is Ellerslie in Ayrshire.

In 1297, he was alleged to have killed William Heselrig, the English Sheriff of Lanark in order to take revenge for the death of Marion Braidfute of Lamington. In Blind Harry's tale, Marion Braidfute, the young maiden, is said to have courted and married William Wallace. Soon, he attained victory in skirmishes at Loudoun Hill and Ayr and he has fought along with Sir William Douglas the Hardy at Scone.

In 1296, William Wallace is said to have been involved in an event that came to be known as Wallace's Larder. He is alleged to have lured the English occupants of Ardrossan Castle to come out of their holding into the town where he attacked them. After occupying the castle, Wallace is said to have thrown the bodies of Englishmen into a tunnel.

In September 1297, the Scottish army led by William Wallace won the Battle of Stirling Bridge. Since the bridge was very narrow, it prevented many of the soldiers to pass over the bridge together. Scottish army took advantage of this and killed the English army men as quickly as they would cross.

William Wallace prevented being captured until 5 August 1305 until John de Menteith, a Scottish knight turned him over to the English soldiers at Robroyston near Glasgow. He was transported to London and tried for treason and he was garlanded with oak to signify that he had broken laws. After he was declared guilty at the trial, he was stripped and dragged across the city by a horse to the Elms at Smithfield.

William Wallace was hanged but was released while he was still alive to be emasculated and eviscerated. Great deal of torture was inflicted on him; he was beheaded and his body was cut into four parts. While his head was placed on top of London Bridge, his limbs were displayed across several cities. William Wallace