William Wallace: The King of the Rebels

analytical Essay

1744 words

Rebel, Hero, Freedom-Fighter, Martyr. These are just a few of the words that race through our minds when we hear the name of William Wallace. Over the past few hundred years popular culture has raised Sir William Wallace from the bloody battlefields of Scotland to a place on a pedestal among the greatest heroes of history. In this ascent, the line between the man and the myth has become blurred. So who was William Wallace? In my research I have found many conflicting theories, each historian or author to delve back into the past returns with a slightly different interpretation then those before him. However, one thing remains certain and that is that William Wallace was a game changer. Like many historical figures prior to 1500 C.E, the definite facts of Wallace’s life are few and far between, the first detailed accounts of his life are not seen until a century after his death. Little about Wallace is known prior to his rise in 1297 C.E, however it is generally agreed upon that he was born to some minor nobility, possibly descended from Richard Wallace, who was one of the first to arrive in Scotland, likely from Wales. Wallace’s exact birth date is unknown and his place of birth is often thought to be Elderslie, though this is disputed. He is thought to be well educated as a child, the popular theory being he was schooled at a monastery in Dunipace, possibly by his uncle, who may have been a priest there. It is very likely that Wallace had prior experience in the military. His exploits during the rebellion show strong leadership and a powerful military mind, unlikely of which were taught to him in a monastery. Where, when and for who he would have served is not clear. However it is commonly believed he served as an archer, ... ... middle of paper ... ...efused, even when what may have been the most painful death imaginable awaited him. His persevering dream for a free Scotland carried him through a life and death of great suffering, and elevated him from the status of a man to arguably the greatest symbol of freedom in history. So who was William Wallace? William Wallace was a barbarian, a hero, a rebel, an unwavering idealist and most importantly a man. A man who lived as a slave to his unwavering belief in freedom, despite pain torture and death he remained stalwart refusing to change his belief for neither kings nor death itself. His ideals were so strong that they survived his life of immense suffering and turmoil and have lived for over seven hundred years past his death, greatly impacting our culture, and inspiring people across the world. Who was William Wallace? William Wallace was The King of The Rebels.

In this essay, the author

Explains that popular culture has raised sir william wallace from the bloody battlefields of scotland to a place among the greatest heroes of history.
Explains that wallace was born to some minor nobility, possibly descended from richard wallace, who was one of the first to arrive in scotland, likely from wales. his exact birth date is unknown and his place of birth is often thought to be elderslie.
Opines that wallace had prior experience in the military. his exploits during the rebellion show strong leadership and a powerful military mind.
Narrates how alexander the third's untimely death thrust the kingdom into turmoil. the scottish nobility requested the help of king edward the first of england to settle the dispute.
Analyzes how wallace's assassination of heselrig in lanark is widely debated by scholars. some say that wallace was being put on trial for violence against the english and that he escaped.
Narrates how wallace joined forces with william the hardy and andrew murray to raid the english over scotland. wallace and murray split for a time and attacked scone, dundee and ancrum.
Explains that wallace and murray combined forces again at the bridge of stirling. the english believed they were on their way to complete control of scotland.
Explains that wallace and murray sat on the other side of the bridge, with their dedicated twenty-three hundred men, and the scots struck, killing the english before their feet could leave. wallace killed cressingham, disemboweling and flaying him.
Analyzes how wallace moved into northern england, skirmishing with the english and raiding small villages, traumatizing them, showing them the scots were a force to be reckoned with.
Explains that wallace was knighted and made guardian of scotland by john balliol. wallace continued his raiding in northern england and his feared image as the barbaric scotsman.
Explains that wallace's revolt was at its peak, defeating the english, and setting an example that an organized rebellion could be successful. king edward was enraged and re-launched his campaign into scotland.
Analyzes how wallace wentaded edward's army around the hills of scotland, planning to run their rations dry and strike when they were tired and half starved. though wallace made one fatal error, he did not take into account the welsh archers.
Analyzes how the defeat at falkirk was a devastating blow to wallace's reputation, but it was major factor for the continuation of the rebellion.
Explains that wallace resigned his title as guardian of scotland in 1298, handing the responsibility to robert the bruce and a few rebel leaders. wallace traveled to france to convince king phillip to send aid to the scottish rebels.
Explains that wallace returned to scotland in 1303, and had plans to travel to rome to gain more allies. the rebellion continued, but the french did not send the support they had promised, as they needed help from king edward.
Narrates how wallace continued skirmishes and guerilla style raids against the english for a time, hiding in the forests and hills. he was captured by sir john menteith, loyal to edward.
Explains that edward allowed the trial to destroy wallace's reputation, to ensure that no rebellions would rise like his again. he planned to try wallace for treason, crimes against english civilians, and acts of barbarism.
Explains that wallace stood trial and was allowed no jury and no lawyer, he was not even permitted to speak. the premise of the trial was more to be another public reading of his atrocities against the english people than to prove guilt.
Explains that edward planned to have wallace publicly humiliated and executed, which would put the nails in the coffin of the scottish rebellion. wallace was stripped naked and dragged violently across london tied to a horse.
Analyzes how king edward inadvertently made wallace into the legend he has now become. his persevering dream for a free scotland elevated him from the status of an individual to arguably the greatest symbol of freedom in history.
Explains that william wallace was a barbarian, hero, rebel, unwavering idealist, and most importantly, man. his ideals were so strong that they survived his life of immense suffering and turmoil.

Get Access
Check Writing Quality

Get Access