Wallace, Sir William (1272?-1305), was a Scottish patriot who led a revolt against King Edward I of England. The story of his life has stirred the national pride of Scots for more than 700 years.
In 1296, King Edward drove out the king of Scotland and stationed English soldiers in the country. Wallace, known for his strength and courage, became the leader of bands of Scottish patriots who carried on a bitter war against the invaders. The English raised an army and advanced against Wallace. He defeated them in the battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297. Soon afterward, King Edward led a great army against the rebels. His heavily armored soldiers defeated the rebels at Falkirk in 1298. Wallace escaped and carried on the fight in the mountains. In 1305, he was captured. He was executed on Aug. 23, 1305, for treason.
