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[[File:William-wallace-monument-1256291 1280.jpeg|thumbnail|left|250px|Monument to William Wallace at in Sterling, Scotland.]]

Braveheart was a popular movie released in 1995 that won 5 Oscars and featured Mel Gibson as William Wallace. Wallace was a Scottish knight who became a hero in the Scottish rebellions against the English in the late 13th and early 14th century. The movie helped to inspire Scottish national pride while also, to some, represent an early, Medieval warrior who fought for freedom for himself and his people. While much of the story depicted did occur, including the English occupation of Scotland during the time of Edward I, king of England, the depiction of the revolt against the English and other events do not correspond well to historical accounts.

====Early Years of William Wallace====In the movie, William Wallace is suggested to have traveled in Europe during the early years of Edward I's occupation of Scotland. However, little is known about Wallace's early years. First, it is assumed Wallace came from a noble family; two villages are often claimed as his birth places birthplaces (Elderslie and Ellerslie), both on the western part of Scotland.<ref>For more on Wallace's early development years before he revolted against the English, see: Cushing, H. (2010). <i>The life of Sir William Osler.</i> [Vol. 1]: [...] (Nachdr. der Orig.-Ausg., Oxford. Hamburg: Severus Verl.</ref> We do know that Wallace was an experienced swordsman and knight, which indicates he may have fought in wars prior to his own rebellion and participation in the wars against the English. In fact, one possibility is he fought with king Edward I as a mercenary during that king's wars against the Welsh. That may have been the most feasible path for him to have gained fighting experience and possibly learn about English war tactics.<ref>For more on William Wallace the knight, see: Brown, C. (2005). <i>William Wallace: The True Story of Braveheart.</i> Stroud: Tempus.</ref>

==Revolt Against the English==In the movie, William We know that Wallace began fighting against the English after the death of his wife in 1297, who according tot he movie was killed by the English. In fact, no records exist of William Wallace having ever been married. Howeveran experienced swordsman and knight, a later poem did mention indicating he had a wife that was killed and it led him to seek revenge. More likely, Wallace was either ambitious to break English authority or resented English occupation of his ancestral lands. This may have been why he became one of the leading early Scottish rebels. Braveheart also suggests that Wallace's actions fought in response to wars before his wife's death triggered to a wider own rebellion and participation in the wars against the English. However, a rebellion across various parts of Scotland had already startedIn fact, one possibility is he fought with William Wallace joining William, Lord of Douglas King Edward I as an ally. One of a mercenary during that king's wars against the first major acts of rebellion was the assassination of the Sheriff of Lanark, William Heselrig. The account by Thomas Grey does indicate a woman or girl present with William WallaceWelsh. Some have suggested this was his wife. Similar to the movie, Wallace That may have left been the town initially then came back with some supporters most feasible path for him to lead an attack where the Sheriff was then killed. As the events occurred at the same time as other rebellious acts across Scotland, the attack may have been a premeditated gained fighting experience and coordinated eventpossibly learn about English war tactics.<ref>For more on the events that led up to the Battle of Sterling Bridge and William Wallace's murder of , the Sheriff of Lanarkknight, see: TranterBrown, N. GC. (19752005). <i>William Wallace: The WallaceTrue Story of Braveheart.</i> LondonStroud: CoronetTempus.</ref>

After ====Revolt Against the murder of English====In the sheriffmovie, William Wallace took some time to organize his forces, as other parts of Scotland began to rebel and side with fighting against the spreading rebellion. While Wallace was portrayed as the leader English after his wife's death in this revolt1297, several peoplewho, in addition according to Wallacetot the movie, began to lead was killed by the early rebellionEnglish. The first major battle In fact, no records exist of William Wallace fought in was the Battle of Sterling Bridge, which occurred on September 11, 1297. This battle was a turning point as it gave Wallace his fighting reputationhaving ever been married. In the movieHowever, the English are tricked into marching their heavy cavalry into a trap, with the resulting infantry slaughtered in later poem mentioned he had a futile charge.<ref>For more on the Battle of Sterling Bridge and Wallace's rolewife killed, see: Magnusson, Mwhich led him to seek revenge. (2001). <i>Scotland: The Story of a Nation</i> (Paperback ed). London: HarperCollins.</ref> In realityMore likely, the battle Wallace was won by the Scottish because the either ambitious to break English became trapped on Sterling Bridge, where they were not able to use their superior numbers. Many authority or resented his ancestral lands' English soldiers fell in the river and likely died from drowning as the bridge may have collapsed during the battleoccupation. The victory by Wallace may have largely occurred because the English assumed Wallace would let them cross the bridge, as that This may have been considered more in line with the rules why he became one of war or assumed rules at the timeleading early Scottish rebels. In effect, Braveheart also suggests that Wallace may have won because he simply didn't follow this rule, realizing the narrowing of the bridge could be used s actions in response to his advantage and launching the attack as wife's death triggered a wider rebellion against the English tried to cross.

It was after the battle that Wallace was likely named as guardian of the kingdom in March 1298.<ref>For more on how Wallace became guarding of However, a rebellion across various Scotlandparts had already started, see: Murison, A. F. (2003). <i>with William Wallace: Guardian joining William, Lord of Scotland.</i> MineolaDouglas, Nas an ally.Y: Dover Publications.</ref> In One of the movie, first major acts of rebellion was the noblemen are seen as less than trusting assassination of Wallace and more willing to give the English their loyalty. More likely, much Sheriff of Scotland was in open revoltLanark, although parts of it did stay under English control and there were noblemen loyal to the EnglishWilliam Heselrig. The account by Thomas Grey does indicate a woman or girl present with William Wallace. Notably, Edinburgh and its well fortified castle remained in English handsSome have suggested this was his wife. After Like the battlemovie, Wallace may have left the Scots began town initially then came back with some supporters to raid parts of northern England. The movie, lead an attack where the main city in the north, suggests York Sheriff was sacked, although this likely did not happenkilled. The raids of northern England in 1297 by Wallace, neverthelessAs the events occurred simultaneously with other rebellious acts across Scotland, the attack may have been momentous a premeditated and much destruction is suggested by contemporary chroniclerscoordinated event.<ref>For more on these raidsthe events that led up to the Battle of Sterling Bridge and Wallace's murder of the Sheriff of Lanark, see: Brown Tranter, CN. G. (20141975). <i>William The Wallace: The Man and the Myth.</i>London: Coronet.</ref> Such destruction was used by the English as part of their evidence against him when he was captured years later. The raids by Wallace were designed to provoke the English and undermine their authority, leading to potentially rebellion within England against the king. This forced Edward's hand into mounting a more serious invasion into Scotland.

After a period where a large English army then gathered the murder of the sheriff, Wallace took some time to invade organize his forces, as other parts of Scotlandbegan to rebel and side with the spreading rebellion. While Wallace was portrayed as the leader in this revolt, where several people and Wallace began to lead the Scots were mostly content with raiding these forces, a pitched early rebellion. The first major battle finally occurred at William Wallace fought in was the Battle of Falkirk Sterling Bridge, which occurred on July 22September 11, 12981297. Edward saw his chance their This battle was a turning point as the Scots willingly it gave him battle rather than continue their raiding of English forcesWallace his fighting reputation. This time, and similar to In the movie, the Scots were decimated by English longbowmenare tricked into marching their heavy cavalry into a trap, with the resulting infantry slaughtered in a futile charge.<ref>For more on the Battle of FalkirkSterling Bridge and Wallace's role, see: HentyMagnusson, G. AM. (20022001). <i>In Freedom’s CauseScotland: A The Story of Wallace and Bruce.a Nation</i> Mineola, N(Paperback ed).YLondon: DoverHarperCollins.</ref> However, it is very unlikely that Robert the Bruce, future king of Scotland and leader of the Scottish revolt, betrayed Wallace, as suggested in the movie. In fact, the movie suggests rather than Wallace's failure, it was a lack of Scottish support that cost him the battle. More likely, the main failure of the battle may have been poor planning on the part of Wallace, who may have done better by simply harassing the English forces from a distance rather than face a far larger enemy in open combat. After the battle, he may have been so humiliated that he willing resigned his role as guarding of Scotland or was stripped of this title.

In reality, the battle was won by the Scottish because the English became trapped on Sterling Bridge, where they were not able to use their superior numbers. Many English soldiers fell in the river and likely died from drowning as the bridge may have collapsed during the battle. Wallace's victory may have largely occurred because the English assumed Wallace would let them cross the bridge, as that may have been considered more in line with the rules of war or assumed rules at the time. In effect, Wallace may have won because he didn't follow this rule, realizing the bridge's narrowing could be used to his advantage and launching the attack as the English tried to cross. It was after the battle that Wallace was likely named as guardian of the kingdom in March 1298.<ref>For more on how Wallace became guarding of Scotland, see: Murison, A. F. (2003). <i>William Wallace: Guardian of Scotland.</i> Mineola, N.Y: Dover Publications.</ref> In the movie, the noblemen are seen as less than trusting Wallace and more willing to give the English their loyalty. More likely, much of Scotland was in open revolt, although parts of it did stay under English control, and there were noblemen loyal to the English. Notably, Edinburgh and it is well-fortified castle remained in English hands. After the battle, the Scots began to raid parts of northern England. The movie, the main city in the north, suggests York was sacked, although this likely did not happen. The raids of northern England in 1297 by Wallace, nevertheless, may have been momentous and much destruction is suggested by contemporary chroniclers.<ref>For more on these raids, see: Brown, C. (2014). <i>William Wallace: The Man and the Myth.</i></ref> Such destruction was used by the English as part of their evidence against him when he was captured years later. Wallace's raids were designed to provoke the English and undermine their authority, leading to potential rebellion within England against the king. This forced Edward's hand into mounting a more serious invasion into Scotland.  <dh-ad/> After a period where a large English army then gathered to invade Scotland, where the Scots were mostly content with raiding these forces, a pitched battle finally occurred at the Battle of Falkirk on July 22, 1298. Edward saw his chance there as the Scots willingly gave him battle rather than continue their English forces' raiding. This time, and similar to the movie, the Scots were decimated by English longbowmen.<ref>For more on the Battle of Falkirk, see: Henty, G. A. (2002). <i>In Freedom’s Cause: A Story of Wallace and Bruce.</i> Mineola, N.Y: Dover.</ref> However, it is implausible that Robert the Bruce, the future king of Scotland and the Scottish revolt leader, betrayed Wallace, as suggested in the movie. In fact, the movie suggests rather than Wallace's failure. It was a lack of Scottish support that cost him the battle. More likely, the battle's main failure may have been poor planning on the part of Wallace, who may have done better by simply harassing the English forces from a distance rather than face a far larger enemy in open combat. After the battle, he may have been so humiliated that he willingly resigned his role as guarding Scotland or was stripped of this title. ==Death of ==How did William Wallacedie?====

After the defeat at Falkirk, Wallace may have left for France or even Rome for a period of time. It is possible he was seeking assistance from the French and Pope for the Scottish cause. This is likely since there were wars between the French and English at this time , and Wallace would have tried to appeal to a willing English enemy if he could. Sometime around 1304, Wallace likely returned to England and continued to raid parts of English occupied Scotland.<ref>For events after the Battle of Falkirk in Wallace's life, see: Hamilton, J. S. (2010). <i>The Plantagenets: History of a Dynasty</i>. London ; New York: Continuum, pg. 79.</ref> The movie depicts an aging Edward I as being tormented by William Wallace. The attacks were shown as successful skirmishes in most cases, but it is likely these attacks were either negligible, failures, or were insignificant to affect the English presence in Scotland. More likely, Edward I probably did not consider Wallace a major threat at this point and Wallace was more in a desperate state trying to raise a more significant force after the disaster at Falkirk.

In fact, because he probably now had a weakened position The movie depicts an aging Edward I as being tormented by William Wallace. The attacks were shown as successful skirmishes in Scotlandmost cases, Wallace was betrayedbut these attacks were likely negligible, as suggested in the moviefailures, by a Scottish noble (John de Menteith) who was loyal to Edward in 1305or insignificant. Wallace was captured and soon put on trail for treason at Westminster Palace, where he They did seem to say that he was not guilty of treason, the charge he was tried with, because he never claimed loyalty to have a meaningful impact on the English crown, as depicted presence in the movieScotland. However, he was also charged with other offenses. Among the charges brought against him were those related to his pillaging of civilians, which was probably Edward I most likely did not consider Wallace a major threat at least partially true, during his raids in the north of England. By the end of August 1305, this point because Wallace was found guilty and drawn and quartered, a death reserved for traitors. Wallace's body parts and head were displayed in different parts of England struggling to make raise an example against those considering of revolting against army after the English king.<ref>For more on the capture and execution of William Wallace, see: Ross, D. R. (2005). <i>For Freedom: The Lasts Days of William Wallace</i>. Edinburgh: Luath Pressdisaster at Falkirk.</ref>

Despite Wallace's deathAdditionally, he is shown as gaining revenge by impregnating probably had a weakened position in Scotland. As suggested in the future consort of the king of England, Edward II's wifemovie, Isabella of France. In fact, at this point shortly before Wallace's death, Isabella would have been no older than 9 years of age and not yet married to Edward II.<ref>For more on Isabella and her life, see: Warner, K. was betrayed by a Scottish noble (2016John de Menteith). <i>Isabella of France, The Rebel Queen: The Story of the Queen who Deposed her Husband was loyal to Edward IIin 1305.</i> Gloucestershire, England: Amberley Publishing.</ref> In other words, she Wallace was not even in England yetcaptured and soon put on trial for treason at Westminster Palace. While Edward II is portrayed as effeminateAt the trial, where historical records do indicate he was possibly homosexual, his role did seem to say that he was not significant until after his father's reign. However, guilty of treason because Edward II was a relatively weak king, this did allow the Scots he never claimed loyalty to successfully rebel against him. In fact, Robert the Bruce, in many ways, was far more successful than William Wallace, as he successfully rebelled from the English and Scotland regained its independence under his reigncrown. The Battle of Bannockburn, as suggested by This was depicted in the movie. However, he was a major turning pointalso charged with other offenses, although many years of fighting and rebellion occurred before and after that battle between the Scots and Englishsuch as pillaging civilians. Nevertheless, as the movie suggests, the Scots This charge was probably true because he did gain their independence after the reign of Edward Ilead raids into northern England.

==Conclusion==Much By the end of William August 1305, Wallace was found guilty and drawn and quartered, a death reserved for traitors. Wallace's life has now been steeped body parts and head were displayed in myth, where in actuality very little is known about himdifferent parts of England to make an example against those considering revolting against the English king. Most of what we do know deriving from primary accounts center around <ref>For more on the battles from 1297-1298 capture and when he was captured in August 1305. Nevertheless, execution of William Wallace did, for various reasonsee: Ross, gain a symbolic importanceD. R. (2005). Later stories, such as <i>Exploits and Death For Freedom: The Lasts Days of William Wallace </i> helped to create a romantic and tragic character, perhaps more similar to later figures rather than William Wallace. Nevertheless, the significance of William Wallace is evident to the national character of Scotland where today many statues and monuments are dedicated to himEdinburgh: Luath Press.</ref>

Despite Wallace's death, he is shown as gaining revenge by impregnating the king of England's future consort, Edward II's wife, Isabella of France. In reality, Isabella would have been no older than 9 years of age at this time and not yet married to Edward II.<ref>For more on Isabella and her life, see: Warner, K. (2016). <i>Isabella of France, The Rebel Queen: The Story of the Queen who Deposed her Husband, Edward II.</i> Gloucestershire, England: Amberley Publishing.</ref> She was not even in England at this time. While Edward II is portrayed as effeminate, historical records do indicate he was possibly gay. But his role in English rule was not significant until after his father's reign. However, because Edward II was a relatively weak king, the Scots did successfully rebel against him.  Robert the Bruce, in many ways, was far more successful than William Wallace. He successfully rebelled against England, and Scotland regained its independence under his reign. The Battle of Bannockburn, as suggested by the movie, was a major turning point. Bannockburn was the culmination of years fighting the Scots and English. Nevertheless, as the movie suggests, the Scots did gain their independence after Edward I's reign. ====Conclusion==References==Much of William Wallace's life has now been steeped in myth, where in actuality very little is known about him. Most of what we know derives from primary accounts center around the battles from 1297-1298 and captured in August 1305. Nevertheless, William Wallace did, for various reasons, gain symbolic importance.  Later stories, such as <i>Exploits and Death of William Wallace </i>, helped create a romantic and tragic character, perhaps more similar to later figures than William Wallace. Nevertheless, the significance of William Wallace is evident to Scotland's national character, where today, many statues and monuments are dedicated to him. <youtube>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojBwASARAzo<references/youtube>

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