Sir William Wallace was born around 1270, and was one of the leaders of the fight against the English for Scottish independence. Contrary to the story put out in Mel Gibson’s ludicrous ‘Braveheart’ film, Wallace was a minor noble, growing up in some privilege. His early life is not well known, but coming to prominence in 1297 at the head of an army, it’s likely he may have fought as a mercenary in earlier years, perhaps even as an archer in the army of English king, Edward I.

After a period of political upheaval in Scottish politics, following the death of Scottish king Alexander III in 1286, and the interference of Edward I, war broke out between them in 1296. After initial English success, An army led by Wallace and Andrew Moray fought a much larger English army under the 6th Earl of Surrey at the Battle of Stirling Bridge. The English army was routed due to an incompetent use of the terrain (it was literally a bridge causing an easily defensible bottleneck), and Wallace was widely hailed for the victory. He then led an army into England, raiding the North, and firing some 700 villages, before returning home loaded with booty.

A furious Edward I invaded Scotland again in April 1298, and on the verge of turning back because of logistical issues, discovered the Scottish army at Falkirk. Battle commenced, and the Scottish forces were comprehensively destroyed, with Wallace fleeing. It’s believed he spent most of the next six years in France trying to enlist aid, but returned in 1304. He was captured in August 1305, and taken to London, where he was tried for treason, and even war crimes. Found guilty, he was hung, drawn, and quartered, a particularly brutal method of execution. A folk hero in Scotland, in reality, perhaps not at the same level as others in this series when it comes to impact.