In the Footsteps of William Wallace : In Scotland and Northern England

For nearly 700 years debate has raged over the true nature of William Wallace and his role in Scotland's turbulent history. Was he the Braveheart of Blind Harry's legendary account, the bold, but savage, hero of the Scottish wars? Or, as some contemporary chroniclers attested, nothing but a villainous thief and vagrant fugitive? This book draws on a wide range of contemporary and modern sources to look behind the figure of legend to find Wallace's true character. Through superb photographs, we trace the journey of Wallace from his modest upbringing in south-west Scotland and his first vic. Read more... Abstract: For nearly 700 years debate has raged over the true nature of William Wallace and his role in Scotland's turbulent history. Was he the Braveheart of Blind Harry's legendary account, the bold, but savage, hero of the Scottish wars? Or, as some contemporary chroniclers attested, nothing but a villainous thief and vagrant fugitive? This book draws on a wide range of contemporary and modern sources to look behind the figure of legend to find Wallace's true character. Through superb photographs, we trace the journey of Wallace from his modest upbringing in south-west Scotland and his first vic A superbly illustrated journey through the landscape and events of the life of the iconic Scottish knight who was brought to life in the film Braveheart For nearly 700 years debate has raged over the true nature of William Wallace and his role in Scotland's turbulent history—was he the Braveheart of Blind Harry's legendary account, the bold, but savage, hero of the Scottish wars, or, as some contemporary chroniclers attested, was he nothing but a villainous thief and vagrant fugitive? This book draws on a wide range of contemporary and modern sources to look behind the figure of legend to find Wallace's true character. It traces Wallace's journey from his modest upbringing in south-west Scotland and his first victory as a "guerilla" leader and military commander at Stirling Bridge to his painful death seven years later, including his "invasion" of Northumberland and Cumberland. This is an essential traveling companion for a journey through Wallace's kingdom and to learn more about the myth and the man. For nearly 700 years debate has raged over the true nature of William Wallace and his role in Scotland's turbulent history. Was he the Braveheart of Blind Harry's legendary account, the bold, but savage, hero of the Scottish wars? Or, as some contemporary chroniclers attested, nothing but a villainous thief and vagrant fugitive? This book draws on a wide range of contemporary and modern sources to look behind the figure of legend to find Wallace's true character. Through superb photographs, we trace the journey of Wallace from his modest upbringing in south-west Scotland and his first victory as a 'guerilla' leader and military commander at Stirling Bridge to his painful death seven years later. We see his 'invasion' of Northumberland and Cumberland. This is an essential travelling companion for a journey through Wallace's kingdom and to learn more about the myth and the man. Content: Cover Title Copyright Contents Preface Acknowledgements 1 William Wallace -- The Making of a Legend 2 Peasant Rascal or Noble Hero? The Stewarts 3 William Wallace and The Revolt of 1297 John Balliol 4 Guerrilla to Governor The Morays 5 Wallace, Governor of Scotland York as a War Capital Edward I 6 The Wilderness Years -- Betrayal and Martyrdom Robert Bruce Appendix Access To Sites Bibliography.