BRAVEHEART The Story of William Wallace during the reign of Edward I of England

SIR WILLIAM WALLACE Born 1270 near Renfrew, Scotland; Died Aug. 23rd, 1305, in London

Wallace was: A National Hero –Leader of Scottish resistance forces during the long, and ultimately successful, struggle to free Scotland from English rule.

In 1296 Edward I of England: –Deposed Scottish king (John Balliol) –Declared self King/Ruler of Scotland

The Resistance Begins May 1297 –Wallace and a band of 30 some men burned Lanark and killed its English sheriff. –Wallace then organized an army of commoners and small landowners and attacked the English garrisons between the Rivers Forth and Tay.

Sept. 11, 1297 English response, led by the Earl of Surrey, John de Warenne THE BATTLE OF STIRLING –Wallace and his forces were greatly outnumbered, but Surrey had to cross a bridge before reaching the Scottish positions…the English were slaughtered as they crossed the river.

Stirling Castle Captured by Wallace after the overwhelming victory at Stirling –AND, for the moment, Scotland was nearly free of occupying forces from England.

OCTOBER 1297 Wallace invades northern England, specifically York, and ravaged the counties of Northumberland and Cumberland.

December 1297 Wallace returns to Scotland: –Knighted –Named guardian of the kingdom –However, many of the nobles lent him support only grudgingly –Also, Wallace was yet to confront Edward I

Edward I Returns to England from the campaigns in France in March –July 3rd Invades Scotland –July 22nd Confronts Wallace at Falkirk

BATTLE OF FALKIRK Wallace’s spearmen were defeated by archers and cavalry from England. –Wallace received help from forces opposed to Edward I, but was ultimately overwhelmed by English forces after half-hearted help from Scottish nobles. –Battle RUINED Wallace’s military reputation

December 1298 Wallace resigns guardianship of Scotland Succeeded by Robert de Bruce (later King Robert I) WALLACE DISAPPEARS –THEN…WALLACE DISAPPEARS…..

Autumn 1299-Summer 1304 Wallace whereabouts unknown… some ideas were: –He was in France in 1299 –Acted as a solitary guerrilla leader in Scotland –But his true activities are unknown…

Scottish submission Most of the Scottish nobles submitted to Edward I in –Felt that it was their only way to co-exist with the dominant English ruler.

Aug. 5, 1305 Wallace is captured and arrested near Glasgow, Scotland. He was taken to London, and condemned as a traitor to the king, even though, as he maintained, he had never sworn allegiance to Edward.

Wallace’s End He was: –Hanged –Disemboweled –Beheaded –Quartered

In 1306 Robert de Bruce –Begins a new rebellion –Wins Independence for Scotland in 1314.

Edward I of England Son of Henry III King during a period of rising national consciousness in England ( )

Edward I achievements Strengthened the crown and Parliament against the old feudal nobility Subdued Wales, destroying its autonomy Sought (albeit unsuccessfully) the conquest of Scotland. Reign noted particularly for administrative efficiency and legal reform. Introduced series of statutes to strengthen crown and feudal hierarchy Defined and emendated English law

Edward’s Scottish Relationship 100 yearsRelations were amicable and the border had been remarkably peaceful for nearly 100 years before the reign of Edward I. more than 250 years –He inaugurated more than 250 years of bitter hatred, savage warfare, and bloody border forays.

CHARACTERS IN THE MOVIE Need to know these in order to understand what happens throughout the production

William’s family Sir Malcolm WallaceSir Malcolm Wallace, his father –A small landowner in Renfrew. John WallaceJohn Wallace, his brother Argyle WallaceArgyle Wallace, his uncle –Rich patron who took him on a pilgrimage to Rome

CAMPBELL’S Hemish Campbell- William’s best friend from his youth Campbell- father of Hemish

McClannough’s Murron McClannough-Murron McClannough- Wallace’s childhood love and his wife McClannoughMcClannough- Murron’s father

Robert de Bruce The 17th Bruce, later the guardian of Scotland father- 16th Bruce-His father- 16th Bruce- kept in hiding from the nobles due to appearance

Scottish Nobles CraigCraig- the bald guy in the movie MournayMournay- dark hair, looks like he belongs in a Genesis music video LochlandLochland- tall, skinny, blondish skullet

The English Group Edward I- the “Longshanks” Prince Edward, later Edward II, the fourth son of Edward I Phillip- character of Piers Gaveston, supposed lover of Edward II Princess Isabelle- princess of France Escort to the princess

Stephen The Irishman –He is the comic relief of the tale