William Wallace – Scottish Hero in a Kilt?

The movie Braveheart was directed by Mel Gibson, who was also staring as William Wallace. The movie itself is good however there are couple of things historically incorrect.

First of them is a kilt. There is not evidence of wearing belted plaid in 13th century. The first notice was in the late 16th century. And it was not fully developed until the late 17th century. Using the kilt in the movie about William Wallace is not historically accurate.

My other notice about the William`s costume is sleeveless shirt (or tunic). According to the evidence, there were long sleeves garments, shirts and tunics. And in some cases there were short sleeves – no sleeveless shirts. Probably, the intention was to show Mel`s arms ;-)).

The second thing I am concerned about is the relationship between William Wallace and Princess Isabelle. William Wallace was born in 1270 and died in 1305. Princess Isabelle lived between 1295 and 1358. There is difference of 15 years (not so big deal). However, William died in his 35 and Isabelle was not 10. I do not think the relationship would be possible. The movie shows them as two people of the same age.

Let`s have a closer look at Princess Isabelle dress.

A heraldry was mostly used on armor however it was used also on ladies dress or surcotes. In common, it was done as mi-parti – a dress divided into left and right parts of different colors.

Another type of clothing in 13th century are cotte and surcote.

A cotte, a kirtle or a cotehardie is a quite long dress with smooth sleeves, shaped arm hole, the bodice is tight, the skirt is wide and extended.

… and … headdress is beautiful…

Do you know any movie with historically incorrect costume design?