William Wallace

When you think of medieval, sword-wielding Scottish heroes, it's most likely to be William Wallace that you're envisioning in your head. (And if you've seen the 1995 film Braveheart, there's a good chance you are picturing him as a face-painted Mel Gibson - yes?!)

Born in Elderslie near Paisley in 1270, William Wallace is hailed by many as the greatest of Scots. He was to become the leader of the Scots' resistance against the English occupation at the beginning of the Scottish Wars of Independence. Most famously, he defeated the army of the 'Auld Enemy' at the Battle of Stirling Bridge, but was eventually betrayed and executed in London.

 

The Wallace Statue in Melrose

© VisitScotland / Ian Rutherford

View from the National Wallace Monument overlooking the city of Stirling

© VisitScotland / Luigi Di Pasquale

William Wallace Attractions

Across Scotland, you'll find many memorials and statues made in his image, as well as monuments erected to commemorate the battles of the Wars of Independence.

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