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William Wallace Day
"I tell you the truth: Freedom is what is best. Sons, never live life like slaves."
~ William Wallace (1274-1305)
Sir William Wallace (1274-1305) is remembered today as the “Knight of Elderslie and Guardian of Scotland” for his battles against the tyranny of Edward Plantagenet during the Scottish Wars of Independence. This tartan was first worn by members of the Society of William Wallace at the Scottish Parliament to commemorate the return of the Letter of Safe Conduct to Scotland and at the centenary of the unveiling of the William Wallace memorial at his birthplace in Elderslie, Renfrewshire on Wallace Day. Erected in 1912, the monument consists of a large statue of Wallace holding a sword, surrounded by an ornamental arch, and ornamented with six bronze (colored) plates depicting key moments from Wallace's life. The tartan colours symbolize: Red, for sacrifice - the dominant shade of the cloth; Steel grey to represents the Wallace Sword, symbolic of strength, dedication and determination, and the natural shade of the granite of the Wallace memorial in Elderslie; brown from the bark of the Wallace Yew beside the memorial in Elderslie; a single line of rust in memory of the Walk for Wallace completed by David R Ross in 2005 and symbolic of the well in Elderslie; blue and grey - the core of the plaid - symbolic of the cross in the sky seen before the battle at Athelstaneford as a sign of the blessing of St Andrew, later becoming the saltire and symbol of Scotland. ❤️ 💙 💚 🤎 🏴 ⚔️ 🌳
William Wallace, a Scottish knight and one of Scotland’s most revered national heroes, was born around 1270 in Elderslie, Renfrewshire. Little is known about his early life, but he rose to prominence during the Wars of Scottish Independence against England. By 1297, Wallace emerged as a key leader in the resistance against King Edward I of England, who had declared himself overlord of Scotland.Wallace's most notable victory came at the Battle of Stirling Bridge in September 1297, where his forces decisively defeated the English despite being vastly outnumbered. His tactical ingenuity and understanding of the terrain helped secure this unexpected triumph.
Following this victory, Wallace was appointed Guardian of Scotland, effectively leading the nation in the name of the exiled King John Balliol.However, Wallace’s success was short-lived. In 1298, he faced a crushing defeat at the Battle of Falkirk, where the English forces, bolstered by superior numbers and archers, overwhelmed the Scots.
Wallace resigned as Guardian of Scotland and continued to fight in a guerrilla-style campaign. He spent several years evading capture while seeking support abroad. In 1300, William Wallace traveled to France in search of support from King Philip IV for the Scottish cause. During this time, Wallace is believed to have received a letter of safe conduct from King Philip, which would allow him to travel freely in France and to seek aid and discuss alliances against England. It wasn’t until the 1800s that this letter was discovered in England among diplomatic records. The letter was eventually returned to Scotland in the 1990s, over 600 years after Wallace’s capture. It was handed over as part of a broader effort to repatriate historical documents relevant to Scottish heritage.
In 1305, Wallace was betrayed and captured near Glasgow. He was transported to London, where he faced a brutal trial and was convicted of treason against England. On August 23, 1305, Wallace was executed in a manner intended to serve as a warning to others: he was hanged, drawn, and quartered.
William Wallace remains a symbol of Scottish independence and resistance, remembered for his courage, leadership, and unwavering commitment to Scotland’s freedom. His legacy has inspired countless works of literature and film, including the famous movie Braveheart.4o
In 1300, William Wallace traveled to France in search of support from King Philip IV for the Scottish cause. During this time, Wallace is believed to have received a letter of safe conduct from King Philip, which would allow him to travel freely in France. Some accounts also suggest that Wallace sought help from other European rulers, including the Pope. A significant piece of evidence supporting Wallace’s diplomatic efforts is a letter of safe conduct allegedly issued to him by King Philip, allowing Wallace to seek aid and discuss alliances against England.This document is believed to have granted him protection while he attempted to rally international support for Scotland’s independence. However, Wallace’s efforts in Europe ultimately bore little fruit, as England’s power and influence were too great. Despite this, his diplomatic ventures illustrate his determination to secure Scotland’s freedom, even beyond the battlefield.
For pictures of the memorial in Elderslie, click the engraving.