William Wallace

Sir William Wallace
Depiction of Wallace in a stained glass window in the Wallace Monument
Guardian of the Kingdom of Scotland (Second Interregnum)
In office 1297–1298
Preceded by	John Balliol (as King of the Scots)
Succeeded by	Robert the Bruce John Comyn
Personal details
Born	c. 1270 Elderslie, Renfrewshire, Kingdom of Scotland
Died	23 August 1305 (aged c. 35) Smithfield, London, Kingdom of England
Cause of death	Hanged, drawn and quartered
Resting place	London, in an unmarked grave
Spouse	Marion Braidfute[1] (disputed)
Children	None recorded
Occupation	Military leader
Military service
Allegiance	Kingdom of Scotland
Years of service	1297–1305
Rank	Commander
Battles/wars	First War of Scottish Independence Action at Lanark Raid on Scone Battle of Stirling Bridge Battle of Falkirk Battle of Happrew

Sir William Wallace (Scottish Gaelic: Uilleam Uallas, pronounced [ˈɯʎam ˈuəl̪ˠəs̪]; Norman French: William le Waleys;^[2] c. 1270^[3] – 23 August 1305) was a Scottish knight who became one of the main leaders during the First War of Scottish Independence.^[4]

Along with Andrew Moray, Wallace defeated an English army at the Battle of Stirling Bridge in September 1297. He was appointed Guardian of Scotland and served until his defeat at the Battle of Falkirk in July 1298. In August 1305, Wallace was captured in Robroyston, near Glasgow, and handed over to King Edward I of England, who had him hanged, drawn and quartered for high treason and crimes against English civilians.

Since his death, Wallace has obtained a legendary status beyond his homeland. He is the protagonist of Blind Harry's 15th-century epic poem The Wallace and the subject of literary works by Jane Porter and Sir Walter Scott, and of the Academy Award-winning film Braveheart.