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The exact date of William Wallace's birth is unknown, but historians know that he was born sometime in the 1270s in Elderslie, which is located in west central Scotland.
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Wallace's father is killed during a skirmish with English troops. Some believe that his father's death was an event that shaped his views of the English.
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King Edward I of England imprisons King John de Balliol of Scotland and takes control of Scotland. This action by Edward caused much anger and unrest among Scotish citizens.
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Wallace and a group of 30 men travel to the town of Lanark and kill the English Sheriff of the town and started to burn the town to the ground.
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Wallace and his forces defeat a much larger English force at Sterling Bridge. This battle acted as a turning point in the war as it loosened the grip the English had on Scotland. Though Wallace is credited with commanding the Scottish army during the battle, credit actually goes to Andrew Murray who died during the fight. After the battle Wallace is rewarded with being knighted and given the title of Guardian of the Kingdom.
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This battle marked the true test of Wallace's ability to command. He made use of whats known as "schiltrons" which are dense formations of troops which from a wall of shields. This strategy didn't work as the English cavalry were able to defeat the Scotish. Wallace resigned his guardianship and fled to France in hope of recruiting support.
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William Wallace is captured near Glasgow, Scotland and is transported to London to be put on trial.
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Wallace was convicted of high treason and was hung, drawn, quartered. His head was mounted on Traitors' Gate at London Bridge and his limbs were sent to Newcastle, Berwick, Perth, and Stirling.
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Robert the Bruce, the guardian of the kingdom that succeeded Wallace leads the rebellion that ends up earns Scotland independence.
