According to historical accounts, Wallace went to France in 1299 to plead dethroned Scottish King John Balliol’s case with King Philip IV. He may also have travelled to Rome to meet the Pope on his behalf before returning to Scotland four or five years later.

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Upon his return, Wallace continued to harass occupying English troops, although on a much smaller scale than before. In 1305, Sir John Menteith, a former friend, betrayed Wallace and as a result, Edward I captured him at Robroystoun near Glasgow. Following his trial and conviction in 1305 in Westminster, the English executed Wallace by hanging, drawing, and quartering him at Smithfield on 23rd August, 1305.

The violence of those distant centuries still incites Scottish nationalists. Following last September’s premiere, they attempted to attract supporters by distributing posters and leaflets at theatres showing the film. The nationalists’ attraction to Braveheart came as no surprise to Andrew Wallace. ‘[William] Wallace is and always will be a potent symbol of nationalism,’ he says.

Nevertheless, the legend of William Wallace that has endured in the hearts and minds of the Scottish people for generations can now be shared by film-goers throughout the world.

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