Following William Wallace's execution on 23 August 1305, his severed head was displayed on London Bridge—the first recorded head to be displayed on the structure.
Following William Wallace's execution on 23 August 1305, his severed head was displayed on London Bridge—the first recorded head to be displayed on the structure.
The rest of his body was hacked into four pieces and displayed in four towns/cities in England and Scotland. One quarter was hung on a gibbet above the common sewer in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, to the jubilation of those who had witnessed Wallace's brutal invasion of Northern England in 1297.
Another limb was displayed in Berwick-upon-Tweed, a strategically important port and town. A third was displayed in Stirling, possibly on the bridge, the site of Wallace’s famous victory over the English in 1297. The last part was displayed in Perth (St John's Town). The distribution of Wallace’s body parts was intended "to put dread in and to warn all by-passers and observers."¹
There is no reliable historical evidence that suggests any part of his body was taken down and given a proper burial. His head was probably thrown into the Thames once it had served its purpose.
It is not known how long his body parts were displayed for, but once the flesh had decayed the bones probably fell one by one to be scattered to the four winds. However, it is possible that some of Wallace’s bones were taken and buried by those who had supported him when he was leader.
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Picture by Andrew Hillhouse showing Wallace's arm at Stirling Bridge.
Notes:
1. From Wallace's indictment
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