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All the United Kingdom Scotland Melrose The Sir William Wallace Statue
AO Edited

The Sir William Wallace Statue

This massive, 30-foot-tall statue of the famed Scottish knight overlooks a grassy knoll.

Melrose, Scotland

Added By
katielou106
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Wallace stands looking out over a slightly different angle of Scott’s View.   katielou106 / Atlas Obscura User
Wallace stands looking out over a slightly different angle of Scott’s View.   katielou106 / Atlas Obscura User
The Sir William Wallace Statue   katielou106 / Atlas Obscura User
  rbenn250 / Atlas Obscura User
  conlyn55 / Atlas Obscura User
  conlyn55 / Atlas Obscura User
Looking up at the statue from below.   katielou106 / Atlas Obscura User
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About

The William Wallace Statue was commissioned by the 11th Earl of Buchan to represent the man affectionately known as "Braveheart."

Wallace was considered one of Scotland's great heroes. The "Guardian of Scotland" played a hugely important role in the battle against England for Scottish independence in the 13th century. On August 5, 1305, English forces captured Wallace, likely by treachery. 18 days later, Wallace was hanged, disemboweled, beheaded, and quartered. In 1306, Robert the Bruce took up the cause and eventually succeeded in winning Scottish independence.

David Stewart Erskine, the 11th Earl of Buchan, commissioned this statue of Wallace in 1814. At the time of its erection, it was painted white, although the paint has long since peeled away and faded.

The statue depicts Wallace in red sandstone and shows him standing, taking in the views over the River Tweed below. The statue stands 30 feet (9.4 meters) high. John Smith of Darnick, a self-taught sculptor, worked from a portrait of Wallace found in France to make the statue. Smith's statue shows Wallace clad in medieval Scottish armor, with a sword in his right hand and a shield hanging from his left.

Related Tags

Medieval Warriors Revolution Scotland History & Culture Statues

Know Before You Go

There is a small car park just off the B6356 near the head of the waling route to the statue. Please park considerately as the area is used by other walkers, and bays are not marked.

Community Contributors

Added By

katielou106

Edited By

Spiffy, rbenn250, conlyn55

  • Spiffy
  • rbenn250
  • conlyn55

Published

October 26, 2022

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Sources
  • https://www.britainexpress.com/scotland/Borders/properties/wallace-statue.htm
The Sir William Wallace Statue
Dryburgh
Melrose, Scotland, TD6 0RQ
United Kingdom
55.586162, -2.649481
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Nearby Places

Scott's View

Scottish Borders, Scotland

miles away

The Rhymer's Stone

Melrose, Scotland

miles away

Robert the Bruce's Heart

Melrose, Scotland

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Melrose

Melrose

Scotland

Places 3

Nearby Places

Scott's View

Scottish Borders, Scotland

miles away

The Rhymer's Stone

Melrose, Scotland

miles away

Robert the Bruce's Heart

Melrose, Scotland

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Melrose

Melrose

Scotland

Places 3

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