Was Mel Gibson's William Wallace In Braveheart A Real Person?

Yes, he was, though the film isn't always accurate. Sir William Wallace was born around 1272 and was a famous Scottish nationalist. In 1297 he headed an army which managed to drive the forces of the English king Edward I out of Stirling. (Edward invaded Scotland and became known as "the hammer of the Scots." Less flatteringly, some also called him "Longshanks.") Wallace was in power for a brief period, but the English defeated him at Falkirk in 1298. He was captured, taken to London and executed by being hung, drawn and quartered in public (since his rebellion was regarded as "treachery.")

The biography channel website has a good introduction to William Wallace's life.

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Thanks, this is a really good answer. I just wanted to know because I enjoy the film and my own ancestry is Scottish.

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