William Wallace was the second of three sons born to Sir Malcom Wallace and his wife Margaret. Sir Malcom Wallace was a knight who held some lands, but was a rather minor figure in the politics and nobility of the time. William grew to be a big man, standing six foot, seven inches when the average man was only five feet tall. .

             After the traditional role for a younger son, William was given formal education in preparation for a role with the Church. William spent a number of years learning the classics, first under his uncle at Cambuskenneth Abbey, and also later at Dundee. .

             During this time, a struggle for control of Scotland was underway. Alexander III died with no heir to take over the Scottish throne. Scotland was on the brink of civil war as the families Bruce and Balliol each claimed the right to the throne. King Edward "Longshanks" of England stepped in to mediate the dispute. Longshanks' actual motive was to take Scotland for himself. .

             During the sporadic battles during this conflict, William's father died in 1291 at Irvine. That year, at the age of 19, William Wallace killed the son of an English noble who had picked a fight with him. Wallace fled to stay with his uncle Sir Richard Wallace in Riccarton. William stayed with his uncle until the day a group of English soldiers demanded his fish that he caught. William killed three of them and again had to flee. .

             William spent several years hiding in the woods along the River Ayr. He led a group of men who frequently raided English garrisons and troops. Wallace's raids often involving difficult escapes from situation where he was heavily outnumbered, began to inspire those who supported Scottish independence. .

             A number of nobles joined William Wallace, including future king Robert the Bruce. Wallace's group took the city of Glasgow and Scone in May of 1297. At this time Longshanks sent an army of 40,000 infantry and 300 cavalry to resolve the "Scottish problem".