Wallace, Sir William, also spelt Walays or Wallensis c.1274-1305
Scottish patriot

He was the chief champion of Scotland's independence, born probably near Paisley. Blind Harry associates his early years with Dundee and Ayrshire at the start of the War of Independence, though this is uncertain. Wallace burnt Lanark and defeated Edward I's army at Stirling Bridge. The English were expelled from Scotland and the north of England was raided. In retaliation Edward invaded Scotland in 1298, meeting Wallace at Falkirk, where the Scots were this time defeated. Wallace eventually escaped to France in 1299 where he tried to enlist support. He returned in 1303, but in 1305 was arrested near Glasgow by Sir John Menteith, sheriff of Dumbarton. Taken to London he was condemned and hanged, drawn and quartered. His quarters were sent to Newcastle, Berwick, Stirling and Perth.