The Life and Legend of William Wallace

Date of Birth

Jan 1, 1272

Wallace is born in Paisley, Renfewshire in Scotland. His father was a Scottish Knight. He is educated throughout his youth and speaks multiple languages. He also learns swordplay and military tactics.

Death of the King of Scotland

Jun 25, 1286

Alexander III dies after falling of a horse. He had no hier. Edward I takes advantage of this and seizes control of Scotland. This is the beginning of the struggles between Scotland and England.

Capture of Acre

May 18, 1291

The Sultan of Egypt and his son capture the Christian stronghold of Acre.This is one of the last major crusade battles in Egypt. Victory goes to the Muslims.

Kamakura earthquake

May 20, 1292

An earthquake hits Kamakura Japan 30,000 dead. Like other earthquakes in Japan it triggered a tsunami and caused large amounts of flooding. The estimated magnitude of the earthquake ranges from a 7.1 to a 7.5. It is interesting to note that this area recently suffered a similar earthquake and tsunami. It makes me wonder how long these events have been happening in this area of the world.

conquest of Scotland

Jan 11, 1296

Edward I conquers Scotland and enforces harsh laws. Scotland becomes angry with the English. War is brewing and Wallace begins to take action to gain independence.

Battle at Scone

Jun 23, 1296

Wallace and his rebels sack Scone in an early battle of the war. Andrew De Mornay fights alongside Wallace in the battle. This is one of the first victories for the Scottish. The signifigance of Scone is that it is where the King of Scotland was traditionally crowned before the invasion of Edward I.

Independence gained in Monaco

Jan 8, 1297

Monaco gains it's independence. It succesfully breaks away from the Republic of Genova. It will be occupied by a number of countries from this date until post WWII when it adopted it's own constitution.

Battle of Dunbar

Apr 27, 1297

The English defeat the Scots at Dunbar,a few months before Stirling Bridge. The battle is sparked by Edward I ordering Bewick to be invaded. The Scottish retaliate by attacking Dunbar.

The rebellion begins

May 11, 1297

Wallace murders William Heselrig,the English Sheriff of Larnk and sparks the rebellion for independence. He gains followers and wages war on English settlements.This inspires Andrew De Mornay to do the same.

The battle of Stirling Bridge

Sep 11, 1297

William Wallace and Andrew De Mornay defeat a large English force at Stirling Bridge.The battle was a crushing defeat for the English and cemented Wallace's reputation a leader. This battle also makes Wallace a primary target for the English.

Wallace"s knighthood

Sep 14, 1297

Wallace is knighted and is declared "Guardian of Scotland" to rule in the deposed king's place. Wallace becomes a hero of the rebellion and the nobles join his fight for independence.

Rindfleish Persecutions

Jun 24, 1298

250 jews Killed in Rothenberg, Germany. It is a very antismetic time in Germany. The prisoners are burned at the stake. 600 years later,similar atrocities were commited in this area of the world during the Holocaust.

Battle of Falkirk

Jul 22, 1298

Wallace loses to Edward I at Falkirk and becomes a fugitive.The Scottish were able to hold back the cavelry but the English archers had the advantage and unleashed countless arrows into the Scottish troops. This is the turning point for the English and they temporarily gained the upper hand.

Crowning of Albert I

Jul 27, 1298

Albert I, Rudolf of Hasburg's son becomes Holy Roman Emperor. He
later becomes the Duke of Austria.He is famous for protecting persecuted Jews during his rule.

End of the Arpad Dynasty

Jan 14, 1301

Andrew III of Hungary dies,ending the Arpad Dynasty. It had been in power since the 9th century. King Charles 1 eventually assumes control of Hungary.

Crowning of the Prince of Wales

Feb 7, 1301

Edward II becomes the Prince of Wales .He is the son of Edward I. He is the first in his line to rule Wales. He becomes King of England after his father's death. He was defeated by Robert the Bruce during the war for Scottish independence.

Treaty of Paris restores Gascony to England

May 20, 1303

The Treaty of Paris is signed restoring Gascony to Britan during the Hundred Years War. It was previously captured by the French when the war broke out. This was the beginning of the end for the war.

Capture in Glasgow

Aug 5, 1305

Wallace is captured at Glasgow. He is tried as an outlaw and a traitor. He is sentenced to be tortured to death.

Execution

Aug 23, 1305

Wallace was hung, drawn and quartered and beheaded. His head was mounted on London Bridge. This was a common punishment for those who betrayed the Crown. The rest of his dismembered remains were sent to the four corners of Scotland as a warning to future rebels. It did not have the desired effect. Wallace had become a martyr and a symbol of hope for Scottish independence.

Robert the Bruce becomes King of Scotland.

Mar 25, 1306

Robert the Bruce becomes the Scottish King. He takes charge of the rebellion in place of Wallace. Eventually he leads the Scots to freedom at Bannock Burn.