Real life inspiration: Sir William Wallace

In reality: William Wallace was a Scottish knight and land owner who gained notoriety due to the 15th century poem, 'The Acts and Deeds of the Illustrious and Valiant Champion Sir William Wallace, Knight of Elderslie' written by the minstrel 'Blind Harry'.

In the movies: Mel Gibson's portrayal of the Scottish freedom fighter is easily the most well known in cinema. Despite the great action, 'Braveheart' is nevertheless as historically flawed as the Americans breaking the Enigma Code, with the idea of Wallace having fathered Edward III pure fantasy.