WIlliam Wallace Memorial

The William Wallace Memorial is a significant historical landmark located in the heart of the City of London, just outside St. Bartholomew's Hospital on West Smithfield. This site marks the location where the legendary Scottish knight William Wallace was executed in 1305 after being betrayed and handed over to English authorities. The memorial itself is a simple yet poignant plaque affixed to the wall of the hospital, commemorating Wallace's bravery and his role in the Wars of Scottish Independence. Visitors often come here to pay respects and reflect on the turbulent history between Scotland and England. The surrounding area is steeped in history, with the medieval St. Bartholomew the Great church nearby and the bustling Smithfield Market, one of London's oldest meat markets. The memorial is easily accessible and provides a quiet moment of contemplation amidst the busy city streets.

Don't miss

• See the commemorative plaque on the wall of St. Bartholomew's Hospital.
• Explore the historic St. Bartholomew the Great church, a short walk away.
• Visit the nearby Smithfield Market, a bustling meat market with a rich history.
• Walk the same grounds where Wallace was executed, now a peaceful courtyard.
• Combine with a visit to the Museum of London for broader context on medieval London.

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit WIlliam Wallace Memorial

Cheapest way inHistoric Pub Walking Tour of London5★ · 577 travelers~4 hoursFree cancellationFrom$19 per personSee dates →Most bookedWicked Westminster: The Original London Ghost walk4.6★ · 3,305 travelers~3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$27 per personSee dates →Top ratedWartime London Walking Tour & Churchill War rooms Entry 12ppl Max5★ · 209 travelers2–3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$139 per personSee dates →

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Know before you go

• The memorial is outdoors and accessible 24/7, but best visited during daylight hours.
• Look for the plaque on the wall of St. Bartholomew's Hospital, near the main entrance.
• Photography is allowed, but be respectful of the hospital environment.
• Combine with a visit to the nearby Museum of London for a deeper dive into medieval history.

A bit of history

William Wallace, a Scottish knight and leader during the First War of Scottish Independence, was captured near Glasgow in 1305 and taken to London. He was tried for treason and executed at Smithfield on August 23, 1305. The memorial plaque was erected in 1956 by the Wallace Society to mark the approximate site of his execution.