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Scottish patriot William Wallace is executed for high treason by Edward I of England at Smithfield, London

Sir William Wallace was a Scottish knight who became one of the main leaders during the First War of Scottish Independence. Along with Andrew Moray, Wallace defeated an English army at the Battle of...

Sir William Wallace was a Scottish knight who became one of the main leaders during the First War of Scottish Independence.

Along with Andrew Moray, Wallace defeated an English army at the Battle of Stirling Bridge in September 1297. He was appointed Guardian of Scotland and served until his defeat at the Battle of Falkirk in July 1298. In August 1305, Wallace was captured in Robroyston, near Glasgow, and handed over to King Edward I of England, who had him hanged, drawn and quartered for high treason and crimes against English civilians.

Since his death, Wallace has obtained a legendary status beyond his homeland.

Historical Significance

Sir William Wallace was a Scottish knight who became one of the main leaders during the First War of Scottish Independence.

Key People

William Wallace

knight

Scottish knight

Edward I

–

Events Before

  1. Flemish forces conquer Middelburg in Zeeland

    Flemish forces conquer Middelburg in Zeeland

  2. Treaty of Paris restores Gascony to the English and arranges marriage of English Prince Edward to French Princess Isabel

    Treaty of Paris restores Gascony to the English and arranges marriage of English Prince Edward to French Princess Isabella

  3. Battle at Zierik Sea: Dutch and French fleet beat Flemish fleet

    Battle at Zierik Sea: Dutch and French fleet beat Flemish fleet

  4. Sea Battle of Zierikzee: Franco-Holland forces defeat the Flemish fleet

    Sea Battle of Zierikzee: Franco-Holland forces defeat the Flemish fleet

  5. William the Good becomes Earl of Holland

    William the Good becomes Earl of Holland

Events After

  1. The Earl of Pembroke's army defeats Robert the Bruce's Scottish army at the Battle of Methven

    The Battle of Methven took place at Methven, Scotland on 19 June 1306, during the Wars of Scottish Independence.

  2. King Phillip the Fair, orders expulsion of Jews out of France

    Philip IV (April–June 1268 – 29 November 1314), called Philip the Fair (French: Philippe le Bel), was King of France from 1285 to 1314.

  3. French King Philip IV has Grand Master Jacques de Molay and the Knights Templar arrested and charged with idolatry and c

    French King Philip IV has Grand Master Jacques de Molay and the Knights Templar arrested and charged with idolatry and corruption

  4. German king Albert I makes his son Rudolf II King of Bohemia

    German king Albert I makes his son Rudolf II King of Bohemia

  5. Duke Henrik of Corinthia chosen as King of Bohemia

    Duke Henrik of Corinthia chosen as King of Bohemia

More from the 1300s

Edward of Caernarfon (later Edward II) becomes the first English Prince of Wales

Edward II (25 April 1284 – 21 September 1327), also known as Edward of Caernarfon or Caernarvon, was King of England from 1307 until he was deposed in January 1327.

Romeo and Juliet's wedding day, according to Shakespeare

Romeo and Juliet's wedding day, according to Shakespeare

The Earl of Pembroke's army defeats Robert the Bruce's Scottish army at the Battle of Methven

The Battle of Methven took place at Methven, Scotland on 19 June 1306, during the Wars of Scottish Independence.

Scottish resistance leader William Wallace is captured by the English near Glasgow and transported to London for trial a

Scottish resistance leader William Wallace is captured by the English near Glasgow and transported to London for trial and execution

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on August 23, 1305?
Sir William Wallace was a Scottish knight who became one of the main leaders during the First War of Scottish Independence. Along with Andrew Moray, Wallace defeated an English army at the Battle of Stirling Bridge in September 1297. He was appointed Guardian of Scotland and served until his defeat at the Battle of Falkirk in July 1298.
Why is Scottish patriot William Wallace is executed for high treason by Edward I of ... significant?
Sir William Wallace was a Scottish knight who became one of the main leaders during the First War of Scottish Independence.
Who was involved in Scottish patriot William Wallace is executed for high treason by Edward I of ...?
Key figures include William Wallace (knight), Edward I.

Explore More

August 23 in HistoryYear 1305