1305 – William Wallace, Scottish patriot, is executed for high treason
by Edward I of England.

Along with Andrew Moray, he defeated an English army at the Battle of
Stirling Bridge, and became Guardian of Scotland, serving until his
defeat at the Battle of Falkirk. A few years later Wallace was
captured in Robroyston near Glasgow and handed over to King Edward I
of England, who had him executed for treason. He responded to the
treason charge, "I could not be a traitor to Edward, for I was never
his subject." With this, Wallace asserted that the absent John Balliol
was officially his king. He died a very nasty death.

1628 – George Villiers, 1st Duke of Buckingham, English statesman,
boyfriend of King James VI and I, is assassinated. He was knighted in
1615 as a Gentleman of the Bedchamber.