WALLACE, WILLIAM, SIR


Meaning of WALLACE, WILLIAM, SIR in English

born 1279, probably near Paisley, Renfrew, Scot.

died Aug. 23, 1305, London, Eng.

Scottish national hero.

Son of a small landowner, he began his attacks on English settlements and garrisons in 1297, after Edward I declared himself ruler of Scotland. His army defeated a much larger English force at Stirling Bridge, captured Stirling Castle, and then ravaged northern England, for which Wallace was knighted and proclaimed guardian of the Scottish kingdom. In 1298 Edward I invaded Scotland and defeated Wallace at the Battle of Falkirk. Disgraced, Wallace resigned his guardianship and was replaced by the future Robert I but apparently continued to fight a guerrilla war. In 1305 he was arrested by the English and hanged, then disemboweled, beheaded, and quartered. The next year Robert raised the rebellion that eventually won independence for Scotland.

Britannica Concise Encyclopedia.      Краткая энциклопедия Британика.