William Wallace: The Man Who Opposed the King of England and Was Hanged on the River Thames

Sylvanus Maria Mgbechukwu, Researcher, Poet, Author, Activist, Administrator and Writer, is the founder of Direction Arena and BestAdviceForAll.Com, a forum and platform dedicated and committed to Truth and Rectitude, where people could find Illumination, Direction, Sound Advice, Guidance, Inspiration, Tips, Assistance, Support Or Help, to guide them in this “modern” world that have become a dark jungle and forest of dangerous ideologies, philosophies, ideas, learning, lies, propaganda and miseducation that ruin people due to lack of direction, guidance or enlightenment.

William Wallace is a name etched in history as a symbol of resistance against oppression and the quest for freedom. His life and legacy are a testament to his unwavering determination to oppose the domination of King Edward I of England over Scotland. Wallace's story is one of courage, betrayal, and ultimate martyrdom, culminating in his execution on the River Thames.

Early Life and Rise to Prominence

William Wallace was born around 1270 in Elderslie, Renfrewshire, into a family of minor Scottish nobility. Little is known about his early life, but his journey from obscurity to becoming a national hero began in 1297. At that time, Scotland was under the oppressive rule of King Edward I of England, who sought to annex Scotland and strip it of its independence.

Wallace first came to prominence as a leader of the Scottish resistance against English rule. He gathered a band of followers and launched guerrilla attacks against English forces. His most notable early victory came at the Battle of Stirling Bridge in September 1297, where his forces, using strategic ingenuity, defeated a much larger and better-equipped English army. This victory significantly boosted Scottish morale and cemented Wallace's status as a national leader.

Guardian of Scotland

Following the triumph at Stirling Bridge, Wallace was appointed as Guardian of Scotland, ruling in the name of the exiled King John Balliol. Wallace's leadership was characterized by his fierce determination to liberate Scotland from English control. However, his tenure as Guardian was marked by constant conflict, as King Edward I was relentless in his efforts to subdue the Scottish resistance.

In 1298, Wallace faced a significant setback at the Battle of Falkirk. Despite his tactical prowess, Wallace's forces were overwhelmed by Edward's superior numbers and weaponry. The defeat forced Wallace to resign as Guardian, but he continued to fight for Scotland's independence, often employing guerrilla tactics against the occupying forces.

Betrayal and Capture

Wallace's relentless campaign against English rule made him a target for betrayal. In 1305, after years of evading capture, Wallace was betrayed by a Scottish noble, Sir John Menteith, and handed over to the English. His capture was a devastating blow to the Scottish resistance and marked the beginning of his final chapter.

Wallace was taken to London to face trial. The English authorities accused him of treason, although Wallace maintained that he could not be a traitor since he had never sworn allegiance to Edward I. Despite his defense, the outcome was predetermined. Wallace was condemned to death in a brutal and public display meant to serve as a warning to other would-be rebels.

Execution on the River Thames

On August 23, 1305, William Wallace was subjected to a gruesome and agonizing execution. He was taken to Smithfield, where he was hanged, drawn, and quartered—a punishment reserved for those convicted of high treason. His body was mutilated, with parts sent to various parts of England and Scotland as a grim reminder of the consequences of defying the English crown.

Despite his horrific end, Wallace's legacy endured. His martyrdom inspired future generations of Scots to continue the struggle for independence. Wallace's name became synonymous with the fight for freedom and justice, and his story was immortalized in Scottish folklore and history.

Legacy

William Wallace's legacy as a national hero of Scotland remains strong to this day. His life and sacrifice are commemorated in numerous monuments, including the iconic Wallace Monument near Stirling. His story has also been popularized in literature and film, most notably in the 1995 movie "Braveheart," which, despite its historical inaccuracies, captured the spirit of Wallace's fight for freedom.

Wallace's enduring legacy serves as a reminder of the power of resilience and the impact one individual can have in the face of tyranny. His unwavering commitment to his country's independence continues to inspire those who value freedom and justice around the world.

Question: What, exactly, does a man think he gained by betraying his own country?
My Answer: For everything he taught he gained, he will now abandon his father's land and run into self-imposed exile _to livelike a prodigal son, in fear and ostracization away from his kins, loved ones, friends and well-wishers, the rest of his unfortunate life! For a traitor is accepted, never in heaven, only in hell!