Braveheart: Fact Or Fiction?
8. Fact: Wife Executed
One of the film's most harrowing scenes is the one in which
Wallace’s wife is executed by having her throat slit. It is a difficult scene
to watch and the extremity of the situation caused a revolt. The killing of
his wife was factual, there are just a few differences.
The film implies that the execution inspired Wallace to rebel. This is untrue as he was an outlaw before he met her. Her death inspired a revolt in Lanark, shown in the film.
In 1297, Wallace and a few of his men were baited into brawling with the English. As the English numbers grew, Wallace and his men escaped and took residence in Marion’s home. They were pursued by the English to the house, where the door was locked. Marion played for time as Wallace and his men escaped through the back garden. The English soldiers knocked down the door and executed her on the spot.
This then inspired a revolt led by Wallace.