Sir William Wallace

Sir William Wallace

What would you say if your country was under the control of the British and you couldn't sleep at night in peace? Would you yell for the freedom call that Sir William Wallace called for the day he died? And everyday before that? Or would you sit and hide, hoping it would all soon go away? Sir William Wallace lived in Scotland during the time where it was controlled by the British, and if you wonder why he hated their rule, it was because his people had no rights, no privileges, no freedom.

Some say that Sir William Wallace was a descendant from Richard the Welshman, who dated back to the time of William the Conquerer, who then dates back to the Scots lines of Cragries. Talk about a lot of extended family! My Aunt Michelle Hankin is also related to him! As William gathered followers from all over Scotland, he became Scotland's greatest hero. But he didn't start out that way; he actually began his life as a knight.

Sir William Wallace was born in 1270ce. in the village of Rowlands Gill. He was raised during the late 1200's in the little village of Dornoch, a city far south of Scotland's capital, Glasgow; where the Great Cathedrals still stand to this day. Imagine, looking at the same site as Wallace did! When he was around seven years of age he went to live with his uncle and learn how to be a knight.

Wallace had great skill with handling sword and dagger. When he was a grown man he stood to the height of 6 foot 7 and was a very physique man, (not to mention tall for that day and age). When the king of Britain, King Edward "Longshanks" ( a nickname given to him by Wallace himself) Plantagenet I of England took over, William Wallace started to rebel.

It is said that Sir William Wallace traveled all over Scotland to spread the word of freedom that his countrymen and women deserved other than to be ruled by the British. He defied the cruel hand of the evil, waring and invading King Edward. In August he was captured and brought to Smithfield, London and was executed by the king because he was not going to surrender the fact that he wanted, needed freedom. He died August 22nd, 1305, and was a great hero to idolize. He freed the land of my ancestors, and I would have followed him if I were alive during his time. I hope that you are now looking forward to learning more about my hero, the greatest Scottish patriot in history.