Even after Wallace's death, Edward showed no compassion. The former Guardian's head was posted to rot on stick at Westminster Bridge and the four quarters of his body were publicly displayed at Newcastle, Berwick, Perth and Stirling as a warning. King Edward was determined to prevent anyone from following Wallace's example. He failed. Within a year, the bitter old man was dead and Scotland was again in revolt, as Robert the Bruce rallied the nation. In 1314, a huge English army led by Edward's son, Edward II, again headed for Stirling to crush the rebellious Scots.
But Bruce had learned from Wallace. The Schiltroms stood firm, the cavalry remained loyal, and a few miles south of Stirling, at Bannockburn, the English army was routed. Scotland was free at last!

Separating fact form fiction is usually tricky in a Hollywood historical production. Not so with Breaveheart. Allowing for the inevitable bit of dramatisation, it's safe to assume the script is basically true. But there are a few exceptions. Here is a rundown of the 'clangers'.

Wallace's father was killed fighting the English, but it was well documented that this happened in 1291, when William Wallace would have been nearly 20 - not the 8 year old boy portrayed in the movie. Scriptwriter Randall Wallace's defence is that since no one knows exacly when Wallace was born, who is to say he is wrong? If he was 8 years old in 1291, however, then he must have led the Scots to their 1297 victory at the tender age of 14 - too young even to get into a cinema to see Braveheart!!

The English occupation forces were no angels, and beyond doubt they would have sexually assaulted Scottish women. But there is no evidence that Edward I institutionalised a system giving English nobles sexual rights over Scottish brides on their wedding night in a ploy to encourage them to emigrate across the border.

This was a brilliant marketing ploy, but evidence suggest that the blue woad Mel Gibson wears in the battle scenes went out of fashion around the 6th Century. Fads do come back, however, as witnessed by anyone who travels to Hampden Park for an International match.

It makes great viewing, but the idea that Wallace's brilliant victory at Stirling Bridge was based on baring bums at the assembled invaders seems most unlikely. Randall may well have been confused with more recent events at nearby Stirling Rugby Club.

Robert the Bruce's appearance on the English side at the battle of Falkirk is referred to in the medieval poem by "Blind Harry", so Randall Wallace can't be accused of making this up. However, it's highly sensitive and contentious, given Bruce's position in Scottish history. The overwhelming view of historians is that Bruce was 100 miles away on his estate in Carrick. Otherwise, the portrayal of Bruce is pretty accurate: until his emergence as a national leader after Wallace's death, he was a bit of a chancer.

This is really the only serious occasion where fiction overtakes from fact. Princess Isabella, daughter of the King of France, did exist in history and did marry the Prince of Wales. But this was in 1308. If we are to believe Wallace started an affair with her shortly before the battle of Falkirk in 1298, then she would have been a child. Even ignoring chronological problems, the story-line is far fetched. Women in the 13th century were rarely sent on diplomatic missions or anything like a medieval "Blind Date".

Over the centuries, dozens of books have been written about Wallace and no doubt a few more are in the pipeline. Here is a brief guide to those most commonly found on bookstore shelves. All of these books have provided the material for this web site. They are all good in their own way and will take you a great deal further than this site.
Brave Heart
by Robert MacKay
This book has nothing to do with the film, it is nevertheless a good biography. Its convincing first chapter sets out the case for Wallace having Ayrshire rather than Renfrewshire roots, but the argument can get a bit tedious. It is advisable to skip the first chapter and read it at the end - it puts the debate about Wallace's birthplace in perspective.
Braveheart
by Randall Wallace
This is not a biography but a novelisation of the screenplay. If you enjoyed the movie, you'll like this book, which is very readable and captures the spirit of Gibson's Wallace well. Of course, it also reinforces the historical diversions of the film, so don't take it as gospel.
Tales of William Wallace
by Tom Scott
This is effectively a modern day version of the story of Wallace as told by the 14th Century poet "Blind Harry". As a medieval fable writer, you can't knock him, although the book has rather been overtaken by Braveheart which takes the best of Blind Harry and tells it in a more up to date style.
The Kings Enemy
by D. J. Gray
If you want a concise and readable factual account of William Wallace's life, look no further. But for interpretation and passion, look elsewhere.
The Wallace
by Nigel Tranter
A classic, published in 1975 and yet to be bettered. Written in the style and authority which has brought the veteran Scottish historian international recognition. If there is any criticism, it is like difficult to get a hold off, unlike other Tranter books.
William Wallace
by Andrew Fisher
If you already know most of the facts about Wallace, this is a good book to buy. Its emphasis is more on historical interpretation than story telling, concentrating on the key moments of Wallace's life. Some people may find this book somewhat detached and over academic though.