The Origins of William Wallace Flashcards
What did contemporary English Chroniclers portray Wallace as?
He was portrayed as man of low birth: “He sprang from low-born stock, an expert archer who made his name by bow and quiver.” (Chronicle of William Rishanger)
Where does most of the story of the life of William Wallace come from?
A poem written by Blind Harry in 1488, 170 years after Wallace died.
What do we know about William Wallace’s father?
He was believed to be a knight named Sir Malcolm Wallace of Elderslie.
Recently, a strong case had been put forward in favour of Wallace being born at Ellerslie in Ayrshire, his father’s name being Alan Wallace who is known to of signed the Ragman Roll of 1296.
When did William Wallace murder Heslrig?
May 1297
Who did Wallace join forces with and where did they travel too?
Wallace was joined by William Ormsby and they traveled to Scone.
When and where did William Wallace and Douglas move North and who were they joined by?
They moved North to Dundee Castle in August and joined with Macduff and the men of fife.
They then joined forces with Andrew de Moray.
Where did Moray and Wallace position themselves for battle?
They were inferior in numbers, and positioned themselves on the north side of the Forth on the slopes of the Abbey Craig.
What was the role of William Wallace?
glish chronicles first mention Wallace in 1297, where it is said he gained support among Scots after murdering the English Sheriff of Lanark.
As an outlaw, Wallace led a rebellion across the south-west of Scotland. He was supported by important figures such as Bishop Wishart of Glasgow, the noble Sir William Douglas and a young Robert the Bruce. Wallace’s actions were dealt a blow when the nobles who supported him surrendered to Edward I’s forces at Irvine. Wallace himself refused to surrender and continued his fight against English occupation. His activities unsettled Edward I’s representatives in south-west Scotland and in linking up with Andrew Moray assumed joint command of a strong rebel force.
