Wallace Monument, Stirling, United Kingdom

The National Wallace Monument is which commemorates Sir William Wallace, a 13th-century Scottish hero. The tower was constructed following a fundraising campaign, which accompanied a resurgence of Scottish national identity in the 19th century. Completed in 1869 to the designs of architect John Thomas Rochead at a cost of £18,000, the monument is a 67-metre sandstone tower, built in the Victorian Gothic style.

The tower stands on the Abbey Craig, a volcanic crag above Cambuskenneth Abbey, from which Wallace was said to have watched the gathering of the army of King Edward I of England, just before the Battle of Stirling Bridge. The monument is open to the general public. Visitors climb the 246 step spiral staircase to the viewing gallery inside the monument's crown, which provides expansive views of the Ochil Hills and the Forth Valley.

A number of artifacts believed to have belonged to Wallace are on display inside the monument, including the Wallace Sword, a 1.63-metre long sword weighing almost three kilograms. Inside is also a Hall of Heroes, a series of busts of famous Scots, effectively a small national Hall of Fame.

References:

Wikipedia

User Reviews

T Patterson (3 years ago)
Wallace Monument and Tower is amazing. Set on top of the hills over looking Stirling. With a small admission charge it is possible to ascend the narrow winding staircase to the top of the tower. There are 3 exhibition floors to visit along the way but the panoramic views at the top are breathtaking and worth the climb.

Alison Annall (3 years ago)
Stunning monument and well worth the climb up the hill and the steps! They do have a shuttle bus from the visitor centre at the bottom. There was an actor in the grounds of the monument giving a brief history of Wallace and his efforts to free Scotland from English rule which really added to the experience. The views across Stirling and beyond are fabulous, especially from the top. I would highly recommend a visit.

Rachel Lightbown (3 years ago)
Wonderful historic place to visit. Nice little cafe, it offers gluten free options as well as catering to other dietry needs. There is a shop at the bottom and a shop within the monument. Toilets at the bottom and again inside the monument. A free shuttle bus to take you up and bring you back down or you can walk it. Lovely trail with carved items as you walk along.

Brad Sears (3 years ago)
We went here right after closing and walked all the way up to the top. We didn’t know that there would be a bit of a hike but it is all paved with loads of history and wooden sculptures. The monument is outstanding, amazing, beautiful and rich with visual detail. The panoramic views of Stirling were a nice addition too. We enjoyed the visit. Well worth it!

Michał Furman (3 years ago)
Majestic monument which is visible already from a distance, going by train approaching the city. The monument itself is an hour's distance from the station, I recommend to walk one way and return by bus. The entrance is quiet, as far as I know you can drive a car to a gate of a tower. Already from this place you can enjoy a beautiful view, it is even better on the very top, which is reached by winding rather narrow stairs. Limited number of people due to limited space, you have to wait when someone goes up or down. Several floors, each with a history of Scotland, the story of William Wallace, an animated history of the Battle of Stirling, the opportunity to create your own coat of arms and to buy souvenirs, is what awaits you after entering the tower. I recommend a visit.

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Photo from Flickr, copyright caminanteK

Historic Site of the week

Château de Foix

The Château de Foix dominates the town of Foix. An important tourist site, it is known as a centre of the Cathars. Built on an older 7th-century fortification, the castle is known from 987. In 1002, it was mentioned in the will of Roger I, Count of Carcassonne, who bequeathed the fortress to his youngest child, Bernard. In effect, the family ruling over the region were installed here which allowed them to control access to the upper Ariège valley and to keep surveillance from this strategic point over the lower land, protected behind impregnable walls.

In 1034, the castle became capital of the County of Foix and played a decisive role in medieval military history. During the two following centuries, the castle was home to Counts with shining personalities who became the soul of the Occitan resistance during the crusade against the Albigensians.

Wallace Monument

Address

Details

More Information

Rating

Interesting Sites Nearby

User Reviews

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Finest Norman castles in Italy

Exploring the History of Northern Poland

Discovering Slovenia's Historic Wonders

Historic Site of the week

Château de Foix