Heroes and Cultural Identity Project

SCE Heroes - William Wallace

Written by James Gillies, Haley Johnston, Jo Loseby, Mike McGrath and Kirsty Ritchie who are studying History on the Full-time Access to Humanities course:

WILLIAM WALLACE 'BRAVEHEART'

OUTLAW TO HERO

Wallace was a patriot who fought for Scotland's freedom as a nation against the oppression and tyranny of the English. He was an ordinary man who rose to power, a man of the people, at a time when only nobles ruled.

Following the murder of his wife he fought the English. He was a great military tactician who won a major battle against the odds at Stirling Bridge in 1297.

His actions were selfless. He stood to gain nothing for himself, but the return of Scotland's exiled King John. He was not just a skilled swordsman but a clever politician.

He was betrayed by the Scottish nobles who he thought were behind him. But they were thinking of themselves and had their own agenda for power and wealth. He suffered greatly and died in the most brutal of ways for his cause. He was hung till half dead, his organs were removed while alive and he was cut into four pieces - his head on London Bridge and parts in Newcastle, Berwick, Stirling and Aberdeen.

He won the hearts and confidence of the people of Scotland, gave them hope and raised their spirits. He restored Scottish pride and sense of courage which has lasted until today.