Theater of the Soul

Scottish soldier and national hero. The first historical record of
Wallace’s activities concerns the burning of Lanark by Wallace and 30
men in May, 1297, and the slaying of the English sheriff, one of those
whom Edward I of England had installed in his attempt to make good his
claim to overlordship of Scotland. After the burning of Lanark many
joined Wallace’s forces, and under his leadership a disciplined army
was evolved. Wallace marched on Scone and met an English force of more
than 50,000 before Stirling Castle in Sept., 1297. The English, trying
to cross a narrow bridge over the Forth River, were killed as they
crossed, and their army was routed. Wallace crossed the border and laid
waste several counties in the North of England. In December he returned
to Scotland and for a short time acted as guardian of the realm for the
imprisoned king, John de Baliol . In July, 1298, Edward defeated
Wallace and his army at Falkirk, and forced him to retreat northward.
His prestige lost, Wallace went to France in 1299 to seek the aid of
King Philip IV, and he possibly went on to Rome. He is heard of again
fighting in Scotland in 1304, but there was a price on his head, and in
1305 he was captured by Sir John de Menteith. He was taken to London in
Aug., 1305, declared guilty of treason, and executed. The best-known
source for the life of Wallace is a long romantic poem attributed to
Blind Harry, written in the 15th century.