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 Zvonimir Hrvoj

Historic Site of the week

Church of St Donatus

The Church of St Donatus name refers to Donatus of Zadar, who began construction on this church in the 9th century and ended it on the northeastern part of the Roman forum. It is the largest Pre-Romanesque building in Croatia.

The beginning of the building of the church was placed to the second half of the 8th century, and it is supposed to have been completed in the 9th century. The Zadar bishop and diplomat Donat (8th and 9th centuries) is credited with the building of the church. He led the representations of the Dalmatian cities to Constantinople and Charles the Great, which is why this church bears slight resemblance to Charlemagne's court chapels, especially the one in Aachen, and also to the Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna. It belongs to the Pre-Romanesque architectural period.

The circular church, formerly domed, is 27 m high and is characterised by simplicity and technical primitivism.

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

Church of St Donatus