Stuff You Didn't Know About William Wallace

William Wallace is shrouded in mystery and clouded in romance. Scottish history tour guide, Bruce Fummey, takes a look at five things most people won't have thought about this hero of the Scottish independence struggle
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Videography by Matt Ward at www.visualsofscotland.co.uk
Scotland History Tours is here for people who want to learn about Scottish history and get ideas for Scottish history tours. I try to make videos which tell you tales from Scotland's past and give you information about key dates in Scottish history and historical places to visit in Scotland. Not all videos are tales from Scotland's history, some of them are about men from Scotland's past or women from Scotland's past. Basically the people who made Scotland. From April 2020 onward I've tried to give ideas for historic days out in Scotland. Essentially these are days out in Scotland for adults who are interested in historical places to visit in Scotland.
As a Scottish history tour guide people ask: Help me plan a Scottish holiday, or help me plan a Scottish vacation if your from the US. So I've tried to give a bit of history, but some places of interest in Scotland as well.

[@lilgnomeo1413]

No matter how many times, Hearing the Story of Wallace will always make me shed a tear, a true hero for our people I’ll love Scotland til the day I die and after💙 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@liampaterson3424]

In heraldry, a drawn bow and arrow is also indicative of being victorious in battle which Wallace certainly was.

[@allymac1314]

You've raised the bar with this one Bruce. The humour adds to the storytelling and the "re-enactions" are an absolute hoot! Jist braw, mun!

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Thanks Alasdair

[@MonstaTrapz]

I'm English and laughed at the box of curly wurlys😂 Enjoy your videos Bruce. I was in Scotland in Feb, loved it, stayed in Rottall and went to the Wallace monument in Stirling on the 11 hour drive home to Devon 😊

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Oooft, that's a drive

[@waltonsmith7210]

I genuinely dont understand why they felt the need to change so much in the movie Braveheart when the real facts (as far as we know them) are perfectly compelling. Tell the history, and a good story will emerge.

[@scottdublin4164]

Bruce, I have to say, you are one of the best historical interpreters that I have ever heard! I absolutely love listening to you tell me a story! Keep up the great work!

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Wow, thank you!

[@williamspence9470]

The Society of Sir John De Graeme had a hoot helping create this video Bruce, thank you for letting us be involved, was awesome to be a part of and actually see the thinking of what goes on behind the camera too!" Hopefully the start of many more, thank you again ! Tapadh leat a charaid

[@stormgeist1766]

I enjoyed the parts that you played, and you played them well. It was a nice touch and gave this story an extra bit of personality, and there were certainly multiple moments that put a smile on my face and drew a laugh from my belly... Can I have a wee bit of that beer

[@nancyholcombe8030]

Thought I recognized a familiar face or two in those reenactments! Good job lads!

[@sitvtamsitv1943]

Spotted Gordon, David & Lyall. Well done guys 🤣😂✊👍

[@brianreardon159]

And. Amazingly when returning to life,he'd turned into Mad Max.🥰

[@whoarewe7515]

Was going to say when he grew up he became Mel Gibson.

[@phillipallen3259]

Edward really did own Scotland, he knew that he could buy off the nobles and if he bought off certain nobles and not others, he'd off balance Scotland by keeping the nobles pitted against each other. Then alone comes Wallace who doesn't care about money, only beer and Scotland. Hell as far as we know he may have only cared about beer and upsetting the nobles. Either way I'm with Wallace! I like beer! Well done Bruce and crew!

[@Getorix]

I don't like beer but I do like upsetting the nobles so I'm with you and Wallace bud!

[@wagygirl]

I love this Bruce. The humor is perfect. My ancestor was with Wallace when he was captured by the English.

[@nialloneill5097]

Blessed may he be...

[@user-qt1oy3we7e]

Terrible that he was betrayed by John Menteith, a fellow Scot.

[@fearthekilt]

Perth looks beautiful. I'm definitely adding it to my "must see" list on my retirement trip to Scotland. Thanks again for another great Scottish tale about a great Scottish hero told by a great Scottish raconteur. Thanks for the story Bruce and good morning from America.

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Our pleasure!

[@mikhailabunidal9146]

@Fear the kilt🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 في يوم من الأيام ، بلدو رح تنزار بأنا tha aon ag ràdh, Thig am baile-dùthcha leam-sa One day, his 🏡town will be visited by me

[@whoarewe7515]

With the hope of seeing our Bruce.

[@bertiesaurus]

If you’re retired you’ll feel right at home in Perth

[@djmarti7773]

Thank you for another bit of the Scottish jigsaw on the true history within Scotland. The history that was denied us when growing up in oor sch. I hope you give us mire enlightenment on more of your knowledge in all things associated with Scotland and its proud history. Thank you to you and your patrons who make this happen.. I look forward to your shows as they are a Ray of light in these dark times. Have you 50p fer the meter..lol

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

😂😂😂

[@GDixon-ch3yl]

I love your story telling, your sense of humor and your knowledge overall. The Scottish mind set.😇😏😌❤️

[@nancypatterson2215]

My direct ancestor was A Jenny Crawford. Her family were the Sherriffs of Ayr for hundreds of years. That family also married into the Wallace family from that same area. I know that Wallace had no issue, but I often wondered if the Crawford/Wallace Clans were related? Thank you for your time & all the knowledge of Scottish history that you give to the world. A great gift!

[@novelist99]

No known issue at least. I too am from the Wallace line. My second great grandmother was Susannah Wallace, and I've followed her ancestors back to 1442 so far. This line is from Elderslie, Renfrewshire, Strathclyde. I too have Crawfords in there--I don't see a Jenny. I have a bunch of ancestors named "William Wallace" of Craigie way back in that line. So my guess is that they were probably somehow related to this William Wallace. Sadly, I never even knew that I had Scottish in my ancestry until I started studying it recently. Now, I'm intrigued and trying to learn all I can.

[@michaelgrimes1131]

You tell an intertaining story! I'm from Tennessee with Scots Irish ancestors on my mother's side of the family. Ain't life grand!

[@mattdragonrider7888]

As a wee boy some 55 years ago , along with my pal we used to cycle to Wallace's well at Robroyston , there were no houses near by only the old hospital .To us it was a big adventure ,we had no real idea who William Wallace was ,in those days

[@johnmacdonald1878]

Very interesting, He must have been a hell of a good leader. Ordinary people always supported and fought for him. He starts as a mysterious legend. In the end its his trail and execution in which he is a proven to be very real person who actually existed. With his achievements recorded as fact. Which is why his name is immortal. Others like Robin Hood ect remain mysterious legends if they ever actually existed at all.

[@scottmurray5600]

The William Wallace trail sounds a lot better than the trial. I was stupit tae think he was a Paisley buddie fae just up the road when in fact he was an Ayrshire man, just like me. I wonder if complained tae the council constantly aboot the state of the roads as weil? Lets have the trail between the two points.

[@Barbreck1]

I've long considered the Robin Hood myth to be nothing more than a piece of English propaganda... an inspiring fireside story of an English hero to keep the common folks calm as the threat of Wallace's invasion loomed large on the horizon. After all, there are far too many similarities between the two stories... from his being an archer and having a wife named Marion to his manservant:, Jack Short (Little John?) and the guerilla-style raids mounted from Ettrick Forest. The difference being: There is ample evidence of William Wallace... absolutely none for a "Robin Hood". My bet is that the term "Robbing Hood(lum)" was coined of Wallace for his cheeky beer raid!

[@patriciajrs46]

@@scottmurray5600 Funny. I, too like the idea of the trail. Trials usually upset me.

[@1981Marcus]

@@Barbreck1 There was a whole genre of outlaw romances that influenced each other. Stories about real people like Wallace, Hereward the Wake, Fouke FitzWaryn, and Eustace the Monk, fed into and drew on stories about more dubious characters like Robin Hood and Adam Bell.

[@alastair6356]

My wife is a Buddie and took me to Elderslie in Renfrewshire to pay homage to Wallace's birth place However it has been interesting to find we where in the wrong Elderslie. Often we pasted the momument in Ayr and didn't know this was where Wallace originated from. Thanks Bruce for giving us back our History and Heros our culture.🤩👍Scotland gu br'ath.

[@robertscardino2527]

I knew the word 'bairn' before. I learned it from Billy Elliott. But I had to look up Jock Tamson. I always learn something new from you. As my Irish (County Cavan) Auntie used to say, "If you learn something new everyday you'll live forever." Thank you.

[@thesocietyofjohndegraeme576]

Was a great pleasure working with Bruce on this video ....

[@TeamLNE]

'Dinnae give me alright, you got any Curly Wurlys' 😂 That absolutely floored me Bruce!

[@lynnemurphy114]

I've never heard anything about these things that happened, really enjoyed especially the rise from the dead💚

[@tlhedrick62]

I love this channel. It's a mix of humor and knowledge. Thanks Bruce.

[@jameshorne9351]

Another great video Bruce. I loved the story of Wallace rising from the dead. I did not know that 1 before, but the way you tell it is truly priceless, some people are just born story tellers & you are definitely 1.

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Ah thanks

[@nicholasbethell2921]

Thanks for another interesting video Bruce. Bows and arrows were sometimes seen in medieval heraldry and were part of Elizabeth Bowes-Lyons, the Queen Mother's coat of arms.

[@brentwallace7096]

thank you, Bruce. I had never heard some of these stories. you are such a wealth of history information and I appreciate it very much.

[@calummcnab3222]

Once again Bruce. Fantastic and very entertaining as well as informative.

[@dimitriofthedon3917]

Love ya vids mate, makes me proud that a Scottish family adopted me knowing all of this mad stuff

[@typhoon5445]

As a fellow perthy just started watching your videos Bruce absolutely brilliantly told …if history was told like this in school i would have stuck in more !!

[@badbiker666]

Zoe did a nice job as the bar keeper at the beginning. She should be in more videos!

[@eamonnclabby7067]

Hear,hear....

[@perception913]

So honored to share the name of Sir William Wallace... Awesome videos

[@Barbreck1]

Smashin stuff, Bruce. I hadn't considered the humility of the man depicted in his chosen arms, but it makes sense now you've highlighted it. I'll admit though, I was half expecting to hear about Wallace's encounter with Marcus De Selby and his time in Dundee as a student of Divinity. Perhaps a story for another day?

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

I'll be here for a while yet

[@gavinduncan8479]

Buy a coffee or pint for yourself and some of your crew also Bruce. Love the videos you and your team make, especially this one about William Wallace. The comedic aspect everyone brought to the video was great. Thanks Again Bruce 🍻 Your Australian cousin, Gavin Donnachaidh 😉

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Ah Gavin, you're a superstar mate

[@randysandford4033]

Great story as always. Wallace the true hero of Scotland and a true hero of us all (unless you happened to be English). FREEDOM!

[@sapien82]

Fantastic video another great yin , seen yer cameo in the lost king very good thoroughly enjoyed that. I love that the underdog like wallace and others throughout history always seem to become heroes to time. I love that a peasant can become the guardian of a nation with nothing but a bow in his haund.

[@ericdane7769]

Top notch content ! Informative, entertaining, good story-telling... basically everything the movie wasn't.

[@hotelsierra86]

Your productions are increasingly impressive. I wait with great anticipation your role as the new James Bond. Britain needs you. The four nations will never forget you. Honour,my friend,together onward.

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

😂😂

[@jamesjames3146]

We need Wallace in Canada. There are enough Scots patriots already here. As always love the story.

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

@jamesjames3146 Live shows in Canada in 2024. Shows in Halifax, Annapolis, New Glasgow, Moncton, Montreal, Perth , Ottawa, Toronto, Fergus, Seaforth, Calgary, Vancouver and Victoria. Most of the details are here. www.brucefummey.co.uk/shows.aspx

[@annasaylor3566]

Thank you Bruce and all, I have been learning so very much from you. I love your presentation's. ☮️🌹🦋❤️

[@georgefuters7411]

Superb video, Bruce, the humour, use of actors and multiple locations were perfect counterpoint to the solemn and inevitable close. As always, well presented, informative and enjoyable. I was in stitches with the English bashing Curly Whurly and William (Robin Hood) Wallace and Friar Tuck nicking kegs of beer from the pub. This one's going to take some beating🤣😂🤣🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇪🇺🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@fayelawless2625]

Your crews talent for skits, story telling, and making history relayable and relatable are freakin unmatched, mister Fummey! Thank you once again for brightening my whole day

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Glad you like them!

[@jamieford4920]

Now it all makes sense why your videos are so good, soon as you said your hometown of Perth, that explained everything 👍

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

😜

[@HowWeGotHere]

Thank you Bruce you have some of the Best History not just Scottish History content on KZbin

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Ah thanks

[@mlb5525]

A true hero of Scotland. They should make a movie about him😉. I mean an accurate movie about his life with Bruce as historical advisor.

[@janetmackinnon3411]

Again a really good video. Thanks also for the humour...

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Our pleasure!

[@Getorix]

16:30 the accounts I've read about the black Douglas was that he became a crusader. Took Robert the Bruce's heart to Jerusalem even. Hence why they have a heart on their coat of arms.

[@sitvtamsitv1943]

The story i learnt was that although he was asked to take the heart to Jerusalem, sadly he never did make it to the holy land as he got to Teba in Spain, and died in battle fighting for the cruisaiders. August 25th 1330.

[@vallovesnature8449]

Awesome video Bruce! There’s always more to a person than what we’re first told. 😌🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@craigsinclair7864]

Very interesting Bruce. Wouldnt it be great to be able to sit down with these guys for a beer, with the Bruce, Wallace, James Douglas et al and have a wee chin wag about everything that happened during their time. I wander what they think about Scotlands story to date and how things have developed..... It would be good to hear a story about the Darien venture and the pressures that came from that to the signing of the Act Of Union....the end of an old song...

[@howler6490]

Aye, the politics and financial finangling will make a guid episode or twa !

[@gavinduncan8479]

Loved it Bruce, especially the comedic aspect everyone brought to the video. Thanks again mate 🍻

[@coniwatson9512]

Your outstanding with your manner of historical knowledge. Thanks so much. I call my ancestors rock hoppers . First from scotland then to Northern Ireland then to America. Some came direct to the colonies. My grandfather a Wallace.

[@fluffy4192]

Yo i know this vid is 3 months old so i dunno if you'll ever see this but for such a niche subject as far as KZbin production value is you are leagues ahead of other people. obviously Scottish history is vast and I'm a dumbass American with Scottish roots but i have a bunch of niche interests on youtube and the the effort you put into videos is easily on par with the most mainstream educational channels. your dedication to covering all aspects of Scottish history from a wide range of perspectives is extremely admirable and i hope to learn from you and i hope other people that want to cover subjects can put as much effort and thought into their work as you do. Cheers to you and everyone that helps and participates in your process you are creating amazing and essential conversation to regular people like me.

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Thanks man

[@nebulastar3087]

Excellent video Bruce, loved the wee bits with the actors too. The production quality was A+.

[@jamesmathews9098]

Bruce, first I love watching your videos for your accent, your humor and your knowledge. I am an American with little to no knowledge of Scottish history, but I love learning from you. What would you consider the best book on the subject of William Wallace? I would love to read it. Thank you so much for what you do.

[@terencegamble4548]

Bruce, another video so dense with information, but still so enjoyable and entertaining. Thank you.

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@keith19934]

Cheers Bruce from California!

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Hola

[@marshmangunnar9150]

I can't get enough of your productions good sir! Fantastic the lot of em.

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Ah cheers man

[@edwardlorden2996]

I just came across this, the first of this presenter's work that I've seen. Excellent work! I wish I had found it a decade or so ago, just for the accent work! As an American, I was once on cast for a Renaissance Faire as a Scot. Thank you for such a wonderful video.

[@lilgnomeo1413]

Born in Johnstone Castle, raised in Elderlsie nothing makes me more proud than seeing oor wee toon on KZbin for once for good news rather than a few grows getting raided😂😂😂Love the videos and I’m gutted I hadn’t bumped into you that day would’ve been a pleasure to meet you🙏

[@NorthernBandit1]

Aye Bruce, so many interpretation throughout history, it's nice to hear those that vary in terminology the way you spell out the details of the many. It's no wonder we all have such fits and confusion when we look into our ancient family be it Scotland, Norway and Ireland for me. The details are can be so daffy. Have a great week end. Thanks again for entertaining my gray cells. Rock till ya drop!

[@kirkmorrison6131]

A Great, video hard to believe his life. It was an impressive life that he led.

[@FairnessFobe]

Thanks Bruce. You've excelled yourself in this one. Very amusing.

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Thanks

[@climer588]

Great video! Love the production!

[@s_n_o_w_f_a_l_l]

Wish I had have known you'd be filming on my doorstep. That would be my parish if I remained catholic. Love your videos!

[@tambranicolekendall9288]

I'm so happy I found your channel. Loved this video, your humour and storytelling skills. I'm proud of my Scottish ancestry. Thank you! Hugs from Texas.

[@lizbecker1677]

This does not sound like the plot of Braveheart, which I think is a great movie. The truth is so much more convoluted and interesting but doesn't lend itself to a great blockbuster movie unless you take a lot of creative liberties! Thanks for telling this story, and I can't wait to watch more of your videos. I love the way you talk about history, and I enjoyed seeing the medieval soldiers hanging out in modern pubs.

[@Getorix]

The only thing the movie got right was that there was indeed a scot named William Wallace who fought against the English lol.

[@lizbecker1677]

@@Getorix ...and was hung, drawn and quartered.

[@allenjenkins7947]

Braveheart was indeed a ripping yarn and very entertaining, but hardly history. About as historically accurate as the Errol Flynn version of Robin Hood, except that Wallace actually existed.

[@1981Marcus]

@@allenjenkins7947 Tbh the Errol Flynn movie had more accurate costumes...

[@stacylittle6282]

Great video! Very interesting, very entertaining too.

[@Mark-oq9fl]

Great video Bruce!

[@martinkerr2721]

Hi learned so much more of our Country's History than what we ever got in school in the early 90,s thanks again sir you do tell them well .

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Brilliant

[@lawsonmarr6110]

Fantastic video again Bruce, you are the man!

[@rhysmclean2913]

Great video as always. You should check out the old graveyard in Monkton, Ayrshire. It’s said that while evading the English, Wallace sought refuge there with the monks and this is where he had the dream about at Andrew.

[@jimmccrae8694]

Really enjoyed this video Bruce. Just finished Highland Warrior, a book about Alasdair MacColla, which covered this retaliation of the Campbells because of the Lamonts turning to support MacColla.

[@thecelticprince4949]

Here's one for you Bruce. How about a story on Robin Hood or Robert of Huntington. And the Huntington's longtime friendship/association with the Scottish Crown. Robin Hood had a lot in common with His countryman of whom your story today is about.

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Good point

[@happy_bubble7]

Great story telling skills. Thanks for the information. For Land and For Sea. ❤️

[@gavinmillar7519]

Great video!

[@drewmck7624]

North of 150K subscribers and now on the precipice of becoming an international movie star. Looking forward to seeing The Lost King. Congrats on both!

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Cheers Drew

[@FuManchu5ltr]

Greetings from Perth, Western Australia

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Are you coming to see my show at Perth Fringe in February? fringeworld.com.au/whats_on/stories-of-scotland-fw2023

[@alicewatt416]

As usual Bruce a great video thank you👍

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Thanks 👍

[@katiemoyer8679]

Thank you. Your Saturday morning vid gifts are Always a pleasure, you are wonderful. 🎊 🎉❤

[@mauricejohnston8454]

another interesting,funny, important video.. thanks Bruce

[@lynnedunlop9843]

What a great video. Love watching your videos. Good scottish banter cannae beat it. Keep up the good work

[@melissamybubbles6139]

Thank you for your entertaining but important stories.

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Thanks for listening

[@robsvideos1140]

This was a great video Bruce, very educational.

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Thanks

[@elendil7]

Excellent video! Thank you🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Our pleasure!

[@airtexaco]

Love your content-thank you! Also love the casting of the nice bar lady. Thank you again..

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

THAT'S MY DAUGHTER!!!

[@rideitpodcast]

Excellent video 👌 I wasn't aware of the oak tree location so I'll give that a visit sometime.

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Brilliant

[@Barlofontain]

As a Buddie, that monument in Elderslie cracks me up, especially the house

[@user-ro8gy7to1b]

❤ your channel brother

[@RobinDavis-nf7gg]

Thank you Bruce.for your knowlege an of the tellin of William Wallace..

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Very welcome

[@MarkTelfer-tMarkCustomistation]

Excellent history telling as always Bruce

[@mactalia1]

Excellent insight. Thank you 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿⚔️

[@scottferguson48]

Thank you Bruce for another great video. I wish you and your family well. ..Latha math dhut mo charaid

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Tapaidh leat

[@cshan0032]

More sketches with people dressed up please 😍 That was F.A.B

[@sarahjohnstonedigitalrebelpunk]

I love how you present your videos. You make them so interesting. Thank you 🙏🏻

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

So nice of you

[@thehistoryexplorer]

Just found your channel, love the content 👍

[@yvonnecleveland2340]

Thanks!

[@michelelegge6287]

So excited to see you are coming to Perth for our Fringe Festival look forward to seeing your comedy

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Can't wait!

[@themarathongamer7635]

Love this channel and I love your country - great stuff! 🙂

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Thank you so much 😀

[@williamwallace7819]

Outstanding insight by Bruce. While weird to praise insight when discussing objective history, Bruce’s perspective is fascinating. William Wallace approves.

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Thank you Billy

[@ritchieblackmore2711]

Nice yin Bruce thanks buddy...

[@patrickrose1221]

Good as gold , delivered with a deep knowledge and great whit. : )

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Much appreciated!