The video discusses the life and career of William Wallace, a notable figure in Scottish history. Wallace, born around 1270, was a Scottish knight who led the Scottish resistance against English rule in the late 13th century.
The video starts by mentioning that the information available about Wallace is largely based on the writings of a poet named Henry the Minstrel, also known as Blind Harry, who wrote a poem about Wallace four centuries after his death. The video then delves into Wallace's life, highlighting his birth, education, and early military experiences.
The video describes Wallace's rise as a revolutionary, noting that he became involved in the struggle for Scottish independence after the English King, Edward I, took control of Scotland in 1290. Wallace's first significant military victory came at the Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297, where he managed to defeat the English army despite their superior numbers and weaponry.
However, the video also notes that Wallace's success was short-lived. Following the Battle of Falkirk in 1298, Wallace and his forces suffered a significant defeat at the hands of the English army. This defeat marked a turning point in the Scottish independence struggle, and Wallace disappeared from mainstream history for a few years.
The video then discusses Wallace's subsequent travels and attempts to secure international support for the Scottish cause. These travels took him to Norway, France, and possibly Rome, though the latter is uncertain due to a disputed letter found in the National Archives in London.
The video concludes by noting that Wallace was officially declared a traitor and an outlaw by the English crown in 1303, following his refusal to swear allegiance to the English crown. Despite this, Wallace continued to fight for Scottish independence, participating in several skirmishes across Scotland. The exact date and circumstances of his death are unknown, but he was posthumously executed by hanging, drawing, and quartering, a method of torture designed to maximize pain and suffering.
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1. The video is sponsored by Nord VPN and offers a holiday deal.
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3. The video is discussing William Wallace, a Scottish freedom fighter.
4. Wallace lived in the 13th century, and records from that time are not always reliable.
5. Wallace was born around 1270, and there are differing claims about his birthplace.
6. Wallace's father was a knight and minor landowner, and his family name came from Lowell, meaning "the Welshman".
7. Wallace was well-educated, knowing both French and Latin, and likely had military experience before his rise as a revolutionary.
8. Wallace's life and most of his famous battles are based on the writings of a poet named Henry the Minstrel, also known as Blind Harry.
9. The English King didn't immediately take over the rule of Scotland after the death of Alexander the 3rd.
10. In 1290, the English King tried to install John Balliol as the king of Scotland, but Balliol refused to support England.
11. In 1297, Wallace led a rebellion against English rule, and his rebels hit targets in Dundee, Antrim, and others.
12. The Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297 was a decisive battle that ended with the unraveling of the Earl of Surrey's coalition army.
13. After the Battle of Stirling Bridge, Wallace was honored at a ceremony in Kharkov, the forest.
14. Wallace disappeared from mainstream history for a few years after the defeat at Stirling Bridge.
15. Wallace traveled abroad and met with European leaders to cement allies for the Scottish cause.
16. Wallace was arrested in France and offered to the English crown, but he was just thanked for the gesture and asked to keep Poland.
17. Wallace was declared a traitor to the crown and an outlaw in 1303 after refusing to pledge his loyalty to the English crown.