The previous article in this series showed the Guard House, and mentioned a carved stone face that is visible on that building. That face is shown here in close-up.

Dr I.M.M.MacPhail, in his book "Dumbarton Castle" (1979), mentions a Wallace Tower (now gone, it guarded the old north entry of Dumbarton Castle), and the Guard House between the two peaks, to which the name "Wallace's Prison" used to be applied; that name apparently arose from a tradition that, after his capture in 1305, and before being taken to London, William Wallace was brought to Dumbarton Castle (which was then governed by Sir John Menteith). Note, though, that the Guard House itself dates from a much later period. He then adds:

"Dumbarton children for centuries have been pointed out a leering stone face on a skewput as that of the 'fause Menteith', as if in confirmation of that tradition. Although there is no record of Wallace's confinement in the castle after his capture, this was most likely to have happened as Sir John Menteith, who was sheriff of Dumbarton and keeper of the castle, was responsible for having him transported to London; but it could only have been for a day or so, as Wallace was brought to trial in Westminster Hall a little over three weeks from the date of his capture."

While it cannot be said for certain that Wallace was ever confined at Dumbarton Castle, what is in no doubt is that "the fause [false] Menteith", then governor of Dumbarton Castle, was instrumental in Wallace's capture (this fact is also recorded in contemporary and near-contemporary English chronicles).

MacPhail provides a great deal of information about Menteith; he concludes that section of his work by aptly quoting from the Menteith family's own historian, Sir William Fraser: "Whether he was a prime mover or only an abettor in the execution of his duty, Sir John Menteith has not escaped the execration of posterity for his alleged share in the death of Scotland's best patriot."

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