The Acts and Deeds of the Illustrious and Valiant Champion Sir William Wallace, Knight of Elderslie

work by Harry the Minstrel

Also known as: “Wallace”

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July 23, 2026

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The Acts and Deeds of the Illustrious and Valiant Champion Sir William Wallace, Knight of Elderslie is a historical romance in verse written by Harry the Minstrel around 1488. This work chronicles the life and exploits of Sir William Wallace, a key figure in the Scottish Wars of Independence. While the poem draws from historical events, it also incorporates popular legends, portraying Wallace in a heroic, almost superhuman light. Many of the extraordinary feats attributed to Wallace in the romance actually occurred after his historical execution in 1305. Despite its historical inaccuracies, Wallace was immensely popular in Scotland due to its patriotic fervor and significantly influenced the perception of William Wallace as a national hero.123

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Harry The Minstrel
…and Valiant Champion Sir William Wallace, Knight of Elderslie, which is preserved in a manuscript dated 1488. He has been traditionally identified with the Blind Harry named among others in William Dunbar’s The Lament for the Makaris (“poets”) and with a “Blin Hary” who is listed from time to time…
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…and Valiant Champion Sir William Wallace, Knight of Elderslie, which is preserved in a manuscript dated 1488. He has been traditionally identified with the Blind Harry named among others in William Dunbar’s The Lament for the Makaris (“poets”) and with a “Blin Hary” who is listed from time to time…
Read More