William Wallace's Wife: The Historical Investigation

Introduction

The character of William Wallace in the 1995 film Braveheart sparked global interest in the historical figure. The movie, starring Mel Gibson, garnered critical acclaim and popular attention, but many aspects of Wallace's life, including his marital status, are still shrouded in mystery. While the film portrays Wallace with a wife named Murron, historians and scholars question the accuracy of this depiction. This article aims to delve deeper into the historical records and explore the possibility of a real-life wife for William Wallace.

The Historical Wallace

Who was William Wallace?

William Wallace, often referred to as the Hero of Scotland, lived from approximately 1270 to 1305. He is chiefly known for leading the Scottish Wars of Independence against English rule. However, much of his personal life remains unknown due to the scarcity of contemporary sources. Wallace is believed to have been born in Dunscore, Scotland, though the exact date and circumstances of his birth are uncertain. He was a knight and champion who rose to prominence during the turbulent period of Scottish resistance against the English.

Wife in the Movie Braveheart

Cornelia Wallace in Braveheart

The 1995 film Braveheart portrays William Wallace as having a wife named Murron. In the movie, Matthew Macfadyen plays William Wallace, and Isla Johnston is his wife. The character of Murron is portrayed as a devoted and brave wife, accompanying Wallace on his military campaigns. However, it is important to note that the film is a dramatic reimagining of Wallace's life and events, and many of the details, including the presence of a wife, are fabricated for narrative purposes.

In the TV-movie version of Braveheart, Angelina Jolie plays a character called Cornelia, who is Wallace's second wife. She is depicted as a widow battling cancer, a scenario that serves to add emotional depth to the narrative. Gary Sinise plays Wallace in this version, creating a different perspective on the historical figure.

Historical Evidence and Absence of Records

Lack of Historical Records

Despite the well-known and celebrated nature of William Wallace, very little concrete historical evidence exists regarding his personal life and relationships. Most of the information available is derived from sources written centuries after his death, such as “The True History of Edward, the Second, King of England” by Walter Bower, which was written in the mid-14th century. Other sources include the chronicles of Walter of Guisborough, albeit these sources are filled with inaccuracies and biases.

Wallace's contemporaries, including his opponents, such as Archbishop Edmund Blackader and Sir Thomas Gray, provide some accounts, but these too are often contradictory and unreliable. The scarcity of primary sources makes it difficult to ascertain the existence of a wife during Wallace's lifetime or any details about her.

Speculations and Theories

Speculative Theories

Given the lack of concrete evidence, various theories have emerged over time. One theory suggests that Wallace may have been married to a woman named Murron, a name that first appeared in a 13th-century local legend but lacks any substantiation in historical records. Another speculation is that Wallaces' first wife was a woman named Margaret Wallace, for whom four sons were mentioned in a 12th-13th century document. However, this has not been confirmed.

Other scholars posit that Wallace may have been involved with multiple partners or may not have been married at all, given the turbulent nature of his life and the frequent relocations and battles he fought in. Some accounts suggest that he fathered children in different regions, which could indicate multiple romantic relationships but does not necessarily point to a formal marriage.

Conclusion

Final Thoughts on William Wallace's Marital Status

While the movie Braveheart and various retellings of Wallace's life in popular culture have contributed to the creation of a romanticized image of a devoted husband, there is little definitive evidence to support the existence of a wife during his lifetime. The gaps in historical records and the lack of reliable contemporary sources make it challenging to determine the truth about his personal life, including whether he was married or not.

For historians and scholars, the absence of concrete evidence continues to fuel debates and speculation. The story of William Wallace remains a fascinating enigma, blending historical fact with compelling mythology.

Key Points

Very little reliable historical evidence exists regarding William Wallace's personal life and relationships. The character of Cornelia in Braveheart is a dramatic creation not based on historical evidence. Theories such as Wallace having a wife named Murron or Margaret remain speculative without solid proof.