William Wallace came to prominence in 1297 after killing the English Sheriff of Lanark and launched a guerrilla campaign against English rule in Scotland. He joined forces with Andrew de Moray and together they defeated the English at the Battle of Stirling Bridge, with Moray taking control of Scotland after as Guardian. However, Wallace's success was short-lived and he was defeated by King Edward at the Battle of Falkirk in 1298. Wallace went into hiding but was eventually captured in 1305 and executed in London.

1. Scottish Wars of Independence
William
Wallace and
Scottish
rebellion

2. In today’s class, I am learning to:
• Describe major events from the life of
William Wallace
• Describe Scottish rebellion against
English rule in Scotland
Wallace and Scottish rebellion

3. William Wallace is arguably the most famous
Scotsman of all time, but there is a great deal of fact
and fiction told about his life story.
Wallace and Scottish rebellion

4. One of the problems in
studying Wallace is the lack
of historical sources.
Many of these are English,
and often biased against
him. Others – like the
poem The Wallace by Blind
Harry – were written years
later and are biased in
support of him.
Wallace and Scottish rebellion

5. From Wallace’s birth
onwards, his story is not
always clear.
It is believed that he was
born around 1270.
His birthplace is debated:
many say Elderslie in
Renfrewshire, others claim
Ellerslie in Ayrshire.
Wallace and Scottish rebellion

6. Wallace was not from a
poor background. He
would be classed as a
member of the minor
nobility.
The Wallace family were
land owners and had
property in various
locations around Scotland,
particularly Ayrshire.
Wallace and Scottish rebellion

7. Before 1297, very little is
known about Wallace’s life.
It is believed he was
educated first in Stirling
and then in Dundee.
Some historians also
believe that he may have
served as a soldier, given
his later military success.
Wallace and Scottish rebellion

8. In 1297, Wallace came to
prominence. He killed
William Heselrig, the
English Sheriff of Lanark.
Again there are disputes
about why this happened.
Some claim the argument
was about a woman,
others say it was over
fishing rights.
Wallace and Scottish rebellion

9. After killing Heselrig,
Wallace became involved
in a guerrilla campaign
against English rule.
This involved attacks on
English targets in locations
across Scotland, mainly in
the south and central
regions. More men
gradually joined him.
Wallace and Scottish rebellion

10. Wallace’s rebellion was not
the only one in Scotland.
A revolt against English
rule started in Irvine, and
involved Robert the Bruce.
However this attempt soon
ended when the group was
challenged by a group of
rival soldiers.
Wallace and Scottish rebellion

11. Another important
rebellion took place in the
north of Scotland.
Andrew de Moray (who
had been captured at the
Battle of Dunbar) fought to
win back his family’s lands.
He gained control of places
like Urquhart Castle and
Inverness Castle.
Wallace and Scottish rebellion

12. Over time, Wallace’s
rebellion moved north and
Moray’s went south.
Eventually the two forces
combined during the Siege
of Dundee Castle.
From there they went to
Stirling, where they would
fight the English army.
Wallace and Scottish rebellion

13. Wallace and Moray’s army
defeated the English army
at the 1297 Battle of
Stirling Bridge.
This led to them taking
control of Stirling Castle.
Moray died as a result of
injuries from the battle.
Wallace was appointed
Guardian of Scotland.
Wallace and Scottish rebellion

14. As Guardian of Scotland,
Wallace sought to
strengthen the country.
He wrote to European
leaders and countries
encouraging them to trade
with Scotland.
He also engaged in attacks
on the north of England.
Wallace and Scottish rebellion

15. Wallace’s success as
Scottish leader came to an
end the following year.
Angered by Wallace’s
actions, King Edward a
huge army north.
The English defeated the
Scots at the 1297 Battle of
Falkirk.
Wallace and Scottish rebellion

16. Wallace was a wanted man
and he went on the run.
In August 1305 he was
captured near Glasgow.
He was taken to London
and given a show trial. The
guilty verdict led to him
being hanged, drawn and
quartered.
Wallace and Scottish rebellion