Wallace’s Death and Execution

Edward I

No words of peace are to be held out to William Wallace in any circumstances whatever unless he places himself utterly and absolutely in our will

There were many in Scotland who would shelter and help Wallace

But others who would give him up for reward or favour

Wallace never gave up in his fight against the English he continued to

• Resist English forces

• Evade capture

• Harass occupying English forces

WANTED

WILLIAM WALLACE

Spring 1305

• Sir John Mentieth a Scottish knight joined Wallace’s followers as a spy

• He communicated his movements to Edward

• Wallace was reported to be staying in a house near Glasgow when Mentieth struck in the middle of the night.

Wallace’s capture

Journey to London

• Wallace was dragged away and taken to Carlisle where he was imprisoned

• From Carlisle he was taken south • His hands tied behind his back and

legs tied together under the belly of his horse

• Journey lasted 17 days• Wallace and his captors reached

London 22 August 1305• Edward ordered him to be taken to

trial

The Trial

• Taken through streets of London past jeering crowds

• ‘Show’ trial was held in Westminster Hall

• Laurel wreath placed on his head

• Peter Mallory (Chief Justiciar of England) in charge of proceedings

• No witnesses were called

• No pleas were given

• Wallace had no opportunity to defend himself

The list of charges

~ Treason against the King

~ Murder, including that of Sir William Haselrig

~ Arson

~ Destruction of property

~ Sacrilege

Wallace denied none of the accusations except Treason

• Tied and dragged through streets of London to Smithfield Elms

• Noose placed around his neck and hoisted into the air

• Left swinging and choking for 5 - 10 minutes before being taken down

• Abdomen cut open, his bowels taken out and burned in front of him

Wallace’s Death

Wallace’s Death

• Head was cut off with an axe

• Body cut into four quarters

• Head placed on a spike over London Bridge

• Four parts of his body sent to Berwick, Perth, Stirling and Newcastle

Edward’s triumph over Scotland was now complete…..

Until 1314