Interesting Facts About William Wallace Sword

One of the most prominent features of the film Braveheart is the sword wielded by William Wallace. It is one of the fantasy swords, and is almost similar to Scottish claymore. It is utterly unique and a historically inspired replica sword. It is a double edge, long sword featuring a cruciform hilt and a long handle for extra torque while swinging. In addition, it features a claymore ball pommel that completes the fittings. However, the ricasso is something that stands out.

Unlike several other movie swords and anime swords, the Wallace sword is a claymore having a leather wrapped ricasso. It creates a comfortable place for the swordsman to shorten up his grip for close combat. No sword has gained more popularity than this sword. Perhaps, the Highlander Sword enjoyed such popularity, but this Wallace claymore is in a league of its own. If you are a fan of this, continue reading as we uncover history and some interesting facts about this great sword.

History of the Wallace Sword

Although the sword is from the time of William Wallace, the size of it means it is unlikely to have been wielded by someone on horseback. The blade would have been pointed or swung mainly at the cavalry, killing the horse and then bringing down the rider.

It is often believed that the Wallace Sword was present at Dumbarton Castle from 1305 when William Wallace was imprisoned after he was captured. But, there is no evidence of the whereabouts of the sword until 1505 when it was first described in Scotland’s Lord High Treasurer when King James IV ordered the repair of its handle.

After the Monument was opened in 1869, the Wallace sword was moved to the Monument 19 years later in 1888. The principal fundraiser for the Monument, Charles Rogers has been putting an effort to move the sword to the Monument after its completion, however his request was turned down by Dumbarton Castle’s Colonel of the Royal Artillery in 1875, and it wasn’t until 1888 the sword was transferred after the War Office agreed, a decision made after protests in Dumbarton.

Interesting Facts About the Wallace Sword

The Wallace Sword, a sword known to be wielded by William Wallace, a legendary Scottish Knight, is one of the most popular and iconic real swords in the history of mankind. Controversies and debates revolved around this sword, but one can’t deny the fact that it holds serious importance in history. Here are some of the mysteries and interesting facts regarding the sword:

Not all historians agree that the Sword was actually used by William Wallace though the sword is named after him.
A detailed testing of the Wallace sword concluded that the sword was actually constructed by casting the pieces of different other blades together.
It is still a mystery that when this sword was actually constructed.
The Swordsmith who crafted this sword is also unknown.
The making of this sword featured a few techniques that evolved centuries after William Wallace’s death.
Since no physical detailing of this sword is available, it is still a mystery as to how Wallace managed to use this massive sword that weighed more than 3 kgs. It is believed that he must have been 6 to 7 inches tall, and taller than an average Scott during those days.
This is assumed to be a fantasy sword and a replica version of the traditional Scottish claymore.
According to the legends, the sword has some supernatural and exceptional powers that made Wallace undefeatable with this sword.
The sword has disappeared many times during a period of 700 years. And it stands a mystery as these disappearances were not tracked.
A few specialists also state that William Wallace made the belt, scabbard, and the hilt of the sword by killing Sir Hugh Scressingham, the English Administrator, and drying his skin.
The handle of the Wallace Sword is higher, compared with the regular length of the handles of mist Scottish swords from the 13th century.
The double guard design of the sword looks like a typical Scottish sword’s.
It is also quite strange to see a Scottish sword having leather-wrapped ricasso which is not typically featured in Scottish swords, used during William Wallace’s times.
The sword’s size is not appropriate for someone riding on horseback.
The Wallace Sword was stolen quite a few times but was retrieved back until it was taken permanently to the Wallace Memorial Museum to keep it preserved.
There are some strange tattoos on the sword. A few experts have tried to decode the tattoo but nothing was established.
The sword is sometimes considered evil by Englishmen because it tasted the blood of several numbers of their fellows for years.
The sword includes pieces of swords that were proved to be constructed during the 16th century. If that is to be believed, it is a mystery where the original parts of the sword lay.
The pommel of the sword features a Brazilian nut style, it also holds inspirations from the Viking style, as the lobe-style of the Pommel displays.

The Wallace Sword Legacy!

The William Wallace Sword has always stood for bravery and freedom. Sometimes, it is referred to as the Sword of Freedom. The legacy of the Wallace sword has inspired people all over the world. William Wallace and his sword have become symbols used by groups as well as individuals to pay more attention to their cause.

In 1912, Ethel Moorhead, the suffragette, smashed the sword case in the National Wallace Monument in order to get more attention towards the women’s cause for political freedom. The Wallace Sword was stolen from the Monument on November 8, 1936 by the Scottish Nationalists at Glasgow University. However, they later returned the sword after they realized that their theft caused significant distress. The sword was stolen again in 1972 twice.

The Wallace Sword is one of the most popular swords among enthusiasts these days. Every swordsman wishes to have a replica of this sword in his collection. If you are a sword collector, enrich your collection with a Wallace Sword.