Role of William Wallace and Andrew Murray - Description of Content - WW Flashcards
Role of william wallace
Wallace came to prominence following the murder of William Heselrig, English Sheriff of Lanark.
Important because was a defiant act of violence against a senior English official and allowed Wallace to emerge as a potential figurehead around which resistance could gather.
surrender of Bishop Wishart
The surrender of Bishop Wishart of Glasgow and Robert Bruce to the English left Wallace to recruit & train men.
This was important, as he emerged as the sole leader of resistance amongst commoners in the south west, including Clydesdale.
Wallace’s successful campaign
Wallace led a successful campaign of ambushes in the South West during the spring of 1297, including on a garrison at Ayr.
This was important as it demonstrates the impact of his early leadership of resistance in the region.
Selkirk Forest
Wallace gathered a large force in Selkirk Forest, and went on to attack on Scone where he almost captured the English sheriff with help from William Douglas of Douglasdale.
This was important as it shows he had expanded his influence beyond the south west.
series of attacks
Wallace led a further series of attacks on castles, including Dundee.
This was important as it further illustrated his ability to organise and lead attacks on English held fortifications.
Scots to victory at Stirling Bridge
Wallace jointly led the Scots to victory at Stirling Bridge on the 11th September, 1297, convincing some Scottish lords to fight under his command.
This was important as it was large scale military victory of significant strategic importance against the English army, as a result of which he was confirmed as Guardian and knighted.
Berwick
As Guardian, Wallace recaptured Berwick, and launched raids into northern England.
This was important as the English occupation of Scotland was temporarily ended.
letters to Lubeck
Wallace issued the Wallace issued the letters to Lubeck and Hanove.
This was important as it was a diplomatic expression of independence
Wallace after falkirk
Wallace rejoined the resistance in 1303.
Important because demonstrated that attacks against England could still continue outwith positions of power and that guerilla warfare was still an effective resistance tactic against a superior occupied force.
Andrew Moray
Andrew Murray, Scottish knight & veteran of the battle of Dunbar, escalated Scottish resistance by recapturing the castles of Urquhart, Inverness and Elgin.
Important because he emerged as the key resistance leader in the north and by September 1297 had arguably done more than anyone to organise the resistance and drive the English south
north of Dundee.
August 1297 Murray’s forces had defeated all English garrisons north of Dundee.
Important as can be argued that Murray’s significance as a leader of Scottish resistance matches if not eclipses Wallace’s.
Scottish army at Stirling Bridge.
He combined forces with Wallace at Perth - jointly commanded the Scottish army at Stirling Bridge.
Important because it led to the near collapse of English military control in Scotland including the killing of key English officials such as Cressingham.
