For More Events on This Day in Scottish History - https://bagtownclans.com/index.php/thisday/march-29/

Welcome back to This Day in Scottish History. I'm your host, Colin MacDonald. Today, we journey back to March 29, 1298, when William Wallace, the renowned Scottish knight and leader, was knighted and appointed Guardian of Scotland. This pivotal moment came after his significant victory at the Battle of Stirling Bridge and marked a crucial point in Scotland's struggle for independence. And if you’re curious about other fascinating events that happened on this day in history, be sure to check out my blog at bagtownclans.com/thisday. The link will be in the description!

By the late 13th century, Scotland was embroiled in a fierce struggle against English domination. King Edward I of England had deposed King John Balliol and sought to bring Scotland under his control. However, resistance was mounting, and among the emerging leaders was William Wallace, a figure whose early life remains shrouded in mystery but whose impact on Scottish history is undeniable.

Wallace first gained prominence in May 1297 when he killed William Haselrig, the English sheriff of Lanark, igniting a series of events that would lead to open rebellion against English rule. His actions resonated with many Scots who were discontent with English occupation, and soon, Wallace found himself at the forefront of a burgeoning resistance movement.

In September 1297, Wallace, alongside Andrew Moray, achieved a remarkable victory at the Battle of Stirling Bridge. Despite being vastly outnumbered, their forces utilized strategic positioning and the natural landscape to their advantage, decimating the English army. This triumph not only boosted Scottish morale but also demonstrated that the English could be defeated.

Tragically, Andrew Moray was mortally wounded during the battle, leaving Wallace as the primary leader of the Scottish resistance. In recognition of his leadership and the need for a unifying figure, Wallace was knighted and appointed Guardian of Scotland on March 29, 1298. The ceremony is believed to have taken place at the Kirk o' the Forest in Selkirk, attended by nobles and clergy who acknowledged Wallace's role in the fight for Scotland's freedom.

As Guardian, Wallace governed in the name of the deposed King John Balliol, emphasizing the legitimacy of their cause and the desire to restore Scotland's sovereignty. He implemented measures to reestablish trade and diplomatic ties with European nations, notably sending letters to the merchants of Lübeck and Hamburg, inviting them to engage in commerce with Scotland, which had been "recovered by war from the power of the English."

Wallace's tenure as Guardian, however, was fraught with challenges. The Scottish nobility was divided, and not all were supportive of his leadership, partly due to his non-noble origins and the existing power dynamics among the Scottish elite. Despite these internal conflicts, Wallace continued to lead military campaigns, including incursions into northern England, aiming to disrupt English supply lines and assert Scottish strength.

The turning point came on July 22, 1298, at the Battle of Falkirk. King Edward I, determined to quell the Scottish rebellion, led a formidable army into Scotland. Wallace's forces, though resilient, were ultimately defeated by the superior numbers and tactics of the English, particularly the devastating effectiveness of the English longbowmen against the Scottish schiltrons (tight formations of spearmen).

Following this defeat, Wallace resigned as Guardian, recognizing the need for a leader who could unify the fractured Scottish nobility. He continued to support the cause, traveling to France in an attempt to garner support from King Philip IV and possibly seeking assistance from the Papacy. Despite these efforts, Wallace was eventually captured near Glasgow in August 1305. He was transported to London, where he was tried for treason and brutally executed on August 23, 1305.

William Wallace's legacy endures as a symbol of Scotland's fight for independence and the enduring spirit of resistance against oppression. His appointment as Guardian of Scotland on this day in 1298 represents a significant chapter in the nation's history, embodying the struggle for sovereignty and the resilience of the Scottish people.

Thank you for joining me today on This Day in Scottish History. I hope you’ve enjoyed this exploration of William Wallace's appointment as Guardian of Scotland. Don't forget to check out my blog for more historical events at bagtownclans.com/thisday. Tune in tomorrow for another journey through Scotland’s remarkable past. I'm Colin MacDonald—Haste Ye Back!

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bagtown.substack.com