William Wallace and Scottish resistance

William Wallace and Scottish resistance

William Wallace’s Emergence

  • William Wallace emerged as a leading figure in the Scottish resistance after the death of Andrew More and William Douglas in battle against the English in 1297.
  • Wallace was not of noble birth, which made him a more relatable figure to majority of the Scots.
  • He rallied a group of common men, soldiers and some nobles to fight against English rule, resorting to guerrilla warfare tactics.

Battle of Stirling Bridge

  • Wallace’s first significant military success was at the Battle of Stirling Bridge in September 1297.
  • Despite the English forces being superior in numbers, Wallace and Andrew Moray took advantage of the limited crossing and attacked before the entire English army could cross.
  • The Scots won a decisive victory, annihilating a significant portion of the English army. This battle marked a turning point in the First War of Scottish Independence.

Appointment as Guardian of Scotland

  • Following the Battle of Stirling Bridge, Wallace was knighted and appointed as the Guardian of Scotland.
  • Serving as a de facto head of state, he attempted to enforce authority and maintain order during a volatile period.
  • Despite the Scottish nobles’ objection due to Wallace’s non-noble background, his leadership and public appeal were invaluable to the Scottish cause.

Battle of Falkirk

  • The Battle of Falkirk in July 1298 saw Wallace’s forces squaring against Edward I’s army.
  • Faced with the ‘schiltron’ tactic used by Wallace, where long spears were arranged in a circular or square formation, Edward I adapted his strategy and ordered his archers to fire volleys into the packed formation.
  • The result was disastrous for the Scots and marked the end of Wallace’s guardianship as he resigned in late 1298.

Capture and Death

  • Wallace continued his resistance and guerrilla warfare until his capture by the English near Glasgow in 1305.
  • Reviled by the English as a traitor, Wallace was taken to London where he was tried and executed.
  • His death, however, did not mean an end to the Scottish rebellion, but rather fuelled it further, inspiring future freedom fighters like Robert the Bruce.