23 August 1305
William Wallace charged with treason

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Despite gallant efforts to rid Scotland of English rulers, by 1305 the Scots finally capitulate to Edward I's superior military might. Their young rebel leader William Wallace is taken to London, where he is disembowelled alive. Eight years earlier, he led a rebel army to victory at Stirling Bridge. During the battle, Hugh Cressingham, Edward's treasurer, was skinned. Wallace, who professed loyalty to John Balliol (see 13 June 1291), had the backing of the Scottish Church. The historic victory was followed by defeat at Falkirk in 1298. Wallace escaped but was betrayed by one of his enemies, Sir John Mentieth. Before his execution, he says: 'I never could have been a traitor to Edward, for I was never his subject.'

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