William Burns (Scottish historian)

William Burns (1809–1876) was a Scottish lawyer, early Chartist, historian and nationalist who was one of the prime movers in the campaign to create the Wallace Monument.

[2] In 1851 Rev Charles Rogers began a campaign to create a national monument to William Wallace.

Burns became involved deeply in this campaign and took over as Secretary on Roger's resignation.

[3] Together with Rogers they commissioned John Thomas Rochead to design the monument.

Following Burns's death the finances of the payment for the Wallace Monument fell into disarray.