Who was William Wallace and what was his role in the Battle of Falkirk?
Everything you need to know about the Scottish leader on the 720th anniversary of the battle
![william_wallace.jpg](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/UD7yeDXC9wpdFCZsZoXyf7-415-80.jpg)
One of the major battles in Scotland’s struggle for independence was fought 720 years ago this weekend, on 22 July 1298. Here is everything you need to know about William Wallace and his role in the Battle of Falkirk.
Who was William Wallace?
William Wallace, one of Scotland’s greatest national heroes, led Scottish resistance forces after King Edward I imprisoned the scottish king John de Balliol and declared himself the ruler of Scotland.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
![https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516.jpg](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516-320-80.jpg)
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Wallace lead around 30 men to burn the royal town of Lanark and kill its English sheriff, and then raised an army to attack the English garrisons. In the Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297, he captured Stirling Castle and nearly freed Scotland of occupying forces.
What was his role in the Battle of Falkirk?
In an attempt to avenge their loss at Stirling Bridge, English forces lead by Edward I invaded Scotland in 1298. Wallace led the defence, at the head an army of about 2,500 mounted knights and 12,500 infantry. Vulnerable to England’s longbowmen, his troopes were soon scattered by the charging English cavalry. The Scots then fled into the neighbouring woods. Wallace escaped, although he lost many supporters. After English rule was re-established, Wallace waged a lengthy guerrilla campaign .
How did he die?
Wallace was declared a traitor to the English king, even though he had never sworn allegiance. He was eventually hunted down - and then hanged, drawn, quartered and beheaded.
He was succeeded by Robert de Bruce, who in 1306 raised the rebellion that won Scotland’s independence.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Big Tech's answer for AI-driven job loss: universal basic income
In The Spotlight A new study reveals the strengths and limitations
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
'I will not be silent' on Gaza, says Kamala Harris
Speed Read In a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Harris supported Israel's right to defend itself while expressing a desire to end Palestinian suffering
By Arion McNicoll, The Week UK Published
-
'How long can TikTok dominate as a social network?'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
How could J.D. Vance impact the special relationship?
Today's Big Question Trump's hawkish pick for VP said UK is the first 'truly Islamist country' with a nuclear weapon
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
The Tamils stranded on 'secretive' British island in Indian Ocean
Under the Radar Migrants 'unlawfully detained' since 2021 shipwreck on UK-controlled Diego Garcia, site of important US military base
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Britain's Labour Party wins in a landslide
Speed Read The Conservatives were unseated after 14 years of rule
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Will voter apathy and low turnout blight the election?
Today's Big Question Belief that result is 'foregone conclusion', or that politicians can't be trusted, could exacerbate long-term turnout decline
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
John Swinney: the SNP's ultimate 'safe pair of hands'
Why Everyone's Talking About Former leader described as a 'serious person for serious times' is front runner to replace Humza Yousaf
By The Week UK Published
-
Will Aukus pact survive a second Trump presidency?
Today's Big Question US, UK and Australia seek to expand 'game-changer' defence partnership ahead of Republican's possible return to White House
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
It's the economy, Sunak: has 'Rishession' halted Tory fightback?
Today's Big Question PM's pledge to deliver economic growth is 'in tatters' as stagnation and falling living standards threaten Tory election wipeout
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Why your local council may be going bust
The Explainer Across England, local councils are suffering from grave financial problems
By The Week UK Published