Hello ladies and gents this is the Viking telling you that today we are talking about
William Wallace
William Wallace is one of Scotland’s greatest national heroes – a legendary figure who lead his people in a noble quest for freedom from English oppression. Immortalised in Mel Gibson’s Braveheart, it’s time to ask exactly what the truth behind the legend is.
1. Obscure beginnings
Although the exact circumstances surrounding Wallace’s birth are obscure, it’s believed he was born in the 1270s to a gentry family. Historical tradition dictates he was born in Elderslie in Renfrewshire, but this is far from certain. Either way, he was noble by birth.
2. Scottish through and through?
The surname ‘Wallace’ stems from the Old English wylisc, meaning ‘foreigner’ or ‘Welshman’. When Wallace’s family arrived in Scotland is unknown, but perhaps he was not as Scottish as first thought.
The recorded story of Scotland begins with the arrival of the Roman Empire in the 1st century, when the province of Britannia reached as far north as the Antonine Wall. But how much further back can the history of Scotland be traced? Who were the Picts and the Gaels? And how did the Viking invasion unite them? Rob Weinberg asks the big how and why questions about the birth of Scotland to Dr. Alex Woolf, senior lecturer at the University of St Andrews.
3. He was far from a nobody
It seems unlikely that Wallace led a major successful military campaign in 1297 without some prior experience. Many believe he was the youngest son of a noble family, and ended up as a mercenary – perhaps even for the English – for several years before launching a campaign against them.
4. A master of military tactics
The Battle of Stirling Bridge took place in September 1297. The bridge in question was extremely narrow – only two men could cross at a time. Wallace and Andrew Moray waited for around half of the English forces to make the crossing, before launching an attack.
Those still on the south side were forced to retreat, and those on the north side were trapped. Over 5000 infantrymen were slaughtered by the Scots.
5. Guardian of Scotland
Following his success at the Battle of Stirling Bridge, Wallace was knighted and made a ‘Guardian of Scotland’ – this role was effectively that of a regent. In this case, Wallace was acting as Regent for the deposed King of Scotland, John Balliol.
And as always have a chilled day from the Viking
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