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Sir
William Wallace was the heroic defender of the liberties
and independence of Scotland. The second son of Sir
Malcolm Wallace, knight of Elderslie and Auchinbothie,
Renfrewshire, and his wife, the daughter of Sir Raynauld
Crawford, sheriff of Ayr, he was born about the middle
of the reign of Alexander III, or about 1276. He was
brought up in the care of his well to do uncle in Stirlingshire
and from an early age was instilled with strong ideas
of patriotism and independence.
The renewed interest in this legendary figure of Scottish history is due to the Hollywood film 'Braveheart' starring Mel Gibson. |
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While on his rampage up the Scottish east coast at the end of the 13th century, Wallace captured Forfar, Dundee, Brechin and Montrose castles, killing all the soldiers he found within them. Pleased with this success and hearing that the majority of the officers at Dunnottar Castle had gone to consult with other English garrisons nearby. In 1297 Wallace quickly descended on the Dunnottar Castle (still a wooden structure at this time). The fortress was fired and stormed, again, all defenders were killed.
Local tales have some defenders taking refuge in the church in the hope of sanctuary. But despite the appeals of the priest one Waultier De Keryngton to spare their lives. Wallace set fire to the building, burning them all alive.
After securing the castle with his own men, he marched north to Aberdeen.