8. The turn of the 14th century was a time of change and turmoil in Scotland. The English king Edward I, the "Hammer of the Scots", had reduced Scotland to a vassal state. In 1297 William Wallace had defeated the English army at the battle of Stirling Bridge, and became Guardian of Scotland, but not for long. The Battle of Falkirk on 22nd July saw Wallace defeated by Edward’s army, and he fled after resigning the position of Guardian so recently bestowed upon him . WILLIAM WALLACE