This week – 23 August 1305

William Wallace was executed in London. He had been captured at Robroyston near Glasgow on 3 August by Sir John Menteith, sheriff of Dumbarton. He was taken to London and was tried and executed on the same day, having been found guilty of murder, treason and other crimes. Wallace denied the charge of treason as he had never sworn allegiance to Edward I. His execution consisted of hanging, disembowelling and beheading. Afterwards, his head was placed on London Bridge and his body was quartered and sent to Berwick, Newcastle, Stirling and Perth. For more about the execution, read Dr John Reuben Davies’ Feature of the Month.