He was accused of killing William de Heselrig & also pled not guilty to being a traitor, saying he was never a subject of the King of England

The Final Jeopardy clue for Monday, September 29, 2025, came from the category “Medieval Names” and highlighted a defiant historical figure who resisted English rule. The clue read: “He was accused of killing William de Heselrig & also pled not guilty to being a traitor, saying he was never a subject of the King of England.”

Who is William Wallace?

William Wallace was a 13th-century Scottish knight who became one of the most prominent leaders during the First War of Scottish Independence. Best known today through historical accounts and popularized by the film Braveheart, Wallace symbolized resistance to English domination. His actions and speeches inspired widespread rebellion across Scotland at a time when King Edward I of England was asserting his authority north of the border.

Wallace’s campaign against the English was marked by both military skill and fierce determination. One of his most noted acts was the killing of William de Heselrig, the English-appointed Sheriff of Lanark, in 1297. This assassination is widely seen as a catalyst for the broader Scottish uprising that followed. It was a pivotal moment that marked Wallace as a serious threat to English rule.

The Legal Defense: Not a Subject of the King

The second part of the clue references Wallace’s trial and his bold legal stance. After years of leading resistance, Wallace was eventually captured in 1305 and brought to London for trial. At Westminster Hall, he was accused of treason against King Edward I. Wallace’s defense was striking—he did not deny his actions but argued that he owed no loyalty to the English king. He declared that he had never sworn allegiance to Edward and therefore could not be guilty of treason.

This defense didn’t sway the court. Wallace was found guilty and sentenced to a brutal execution that remains infamous: he was hanged, drawn, and quartered, a punishment reserved for traitors. However, his claim of not being a subject has had lasting historical significance, reinforcing his image as a patriot fighting for Scottish sovereignty rather than a criminal.

Legacy of a Scottish Hero

Wallace’s legacy endured long after his execution. He became a national hero in Scotland and an enduring symbol of freedom. His life and martyrdom inspired future generations, including Robert the Bruce, who would later secure Scottish independence after the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314. In modern times, Wallace’s name is commemorated in monuments, most notably the Wallace Monument near Stirling.

His portrayal in films and literature—though often dramatized—has introduced his story to global audiences. While some historical details are debated or embellished, the core truth of his defiance and courage remains undisputed.

A Fitting Jeopardy! Challenge

This Final Jeopardy clue combined legal history, medieval politics, and national identity into a single line, making it both challenging and rewarding for contestants. It required knowledge not just of medieval names but also of the political intricacies of 13th-century Britain.

In the broader context of the show, this type of clue reflects Jeopardy!’s consistent commitment to highlighting figures who made lasting historical impacts, even centuries after their time. William Wallace remains one of those unforgettable names—forever etched in the story of Scotland and in the minds of those who dare to challenge empires