We examine the enduring legacy of William Wallace, the humble hero who fought for Scotland’s independence from England in the late thirteenth and early fourteenth centuries, but was executed in London for treason in 1305, on the orders of King Edward I.
Using a combination of archival material, interviews and dramatic reconstructions, we outline how the Knight of Elderslie has been resurrected in monument, given new life in literature, and canonised in celluloid, ultimately becoming a national symbol of patriotism and survival.
In 1305, William Wallace died as a national embarrassment to Scotland - not one person protested against his brutal execution. Yet 700 years later he is one of Scotland’s foremost heroes. We place the Wallace legend under the microscope, taking a detailed historical look at the bloody and relentless Wars of Scottish Independence.
Wallace’s revolt against the English occupation of Scotland began in 1297. We explore his possible motives for resisting the English, including the ‘taxation question’, and the theory that he was seeking revenge for the murder of his wife.
Although his forces famously defeated the occupying army at the Battle of Stirling Bridge, Wallace would not live to see a positive conclusion to the struggle for autonomy. His bloody battles were first immortalised in Blind Harry’s epic fifteenth century poem, which sensationalised the existing documents to create a sensational – and factually dubious – piece of writing.
We also explore the roles of Nigel Tranter’s 1975 novel, and James Mackay’s exhaustive biography in forging the Wallace myth. Mel Gibson’s 1995 filmic attempt at tackling Wallace’s story enjoyed substantial commercial success. Despite being slated by critics due to its somewhat liberal attitude towards historical accuracy, the film brought Wallace’s tale to a wider audience, ensuring that the flame of the ‘Braveheart’ legend is still far from being extinguished.
We use authentic primary sources, such as maps and historical documents, to painstakingly reconstruct the three lives of Scotland’s most famous son. Input from historians and experts gives us an incredible insight into the complex birth of the Wallace legend.
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