A plaque on a wall near Smithfield, London.
How long have I been passing this wall without really noticing what it contains? Probably more than a year now, but before I was only working once a week in this area. Plus, working out of hours doesn't really give me time to linger here as either no one is about in the morning and in the evening, the pubs are full of 9-5 merry people having a drink.
Reading what's in the plaque, a painted face of Mel Gibson came to mind and rows of proud arses pointing to the sky! Yeah, that scene lingered till now.
As one of the main leaders in the war for Scottish Independence, in September 1297, together with an Andrew Moray, Wallace defeated an English army at the Battle of Stirling Bridge.
He was appointed guardian of Scotland and served until his defeat at the Battle of Falkirk in July 1298.
His capture in 1305 was brought on by another Scottish knight who was loyal to King Edward I of England who turned him to the English soldiers in Robroyston near Glasgow. Brought to London, he was tried for treason and crimes against English civilians.
His famous words were " I could not be a traitor to Edward, for I was never his subject".
A shield below the plaque.
As inscribed in the plaque: His example of heroism and devotion inspired those who came after him to win victory from defeat and his memory remains for all time a source of PRIDE, HONOUR and INSPIRATION to his countrymen.
A very brave man who fought for his country and a HERO who fought against injustice and tyranny. His life can also serve as an inspiration to anyone in the present world, who wants liberty and freedom from any oppressing forces that is still present today.
All images are mine and are original, taken with my Samsung Galaxy S7.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Wallace
