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National Wallace Monument

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sheila999
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Editor Pick

Wallace's monument

  • March 5, 2006
  • Rated 5 of 5 by Drever from Ayr
Wallace's monument

Completed in 1869 after 8-years construction, the 220-feet high Wallace Monument sits prominently on the Abbey Craig 2-miles north of the city of Stirling. From this prominent hilltop in 1297 William Wallace surveyed the English army’s approach across Stirling Bridge before leading the Scots into battle and victory. It forms a fitting, and striking, location for the national monument to a national hero. Financial support came from expatriate Scots and many European leaders, including the Italian patriot, Garibaldi.

In 1296, Edward I of England triggered the Scottish Wars of Independence by invading Scotland. William Wallace began a successful guerrilla campaign, becoming known as the hammer and scourge of the English. Chiefly through not having the support of the Scottish nobles, Wallace suffered defeat in 1298 at the Battle of Falkirk. Eventually betrayal, Wallace received a gruesome fate. Hung, drawn and quartered in London in 1305, he became a symbol for Scotland and freedom. Robert the Bruce then took-up the battle and succeeded in throwing the invaders out.

On reaching the Pavilion Visitor Centre some visitors to the Wallace Monument are startled by the similarity of the statue of William Wallace to Mel Gibson, who played William Wallace in the film "Brave Heart." From here, visitors can climb Abbey Craig or take the minibus service to reach the foot of the monument.

A panoramic view exists from the base of Wallace Monument, but from the top it is breathtaking. In the entrance foyer of the monument there is a display about Sir William Wallace, the fund-raising campaign, the design competition, and the building of this national landmark.

The first floor contains displays telling the story of the life of Wallace and of the Battle of Stirling Bridge. The highlight is a 3-D simulation in which Wallace appears at his trial at Westminster Hall, telling his own story via the "William Wallace Talking Head." Also on display is Wallace's sword, some 5 feet 4 inches long. Amazing how anyone could have fought with such a massive weapon! Repaired three times, it had certainly been wielded powerfully.

In the Scottish Hall of Heroes on the next floor are marble sculptures of other great Scots. These include writers, explorers, inventors, and statesmen including, Robert the Bruce, Sir Walter Scott, David Livingstone, Robert Burns, and James Watt.

The third floor of the Wallace Monument contains a 360° diorama presenting the history of the surrounding landscape. The final climb leads to The Crown of the Monument, which brings the diorama to life and makes every one of those 246 steps worthwhile. In looking over the town of Stirling and the carseland of the Forth Valley, as far as the Forth bridges in the East and Ben Lomond in the West, the monument offers one of the finest views in Scotland.

Upon returning down the narrow spiral staircase to the ground level, visitors can browse the gift shop or drop into the Victorian Tea Room and ponder the do or die times past.

From journal Investigating Tourist Hot Spots in Stirlingshire

Editor Pick

The Wallace Monument

  • September 29, 2005
  • Rated 4 of 5 by moatway from Riverview, New Brunswick
The Wallace Monument

The Wallace Monument looms over the town of Bridge of Allan and is visible from many points in the Stirling area. The admission price is 6 pounds (Adult, 2005) which includes an audio guide. Wallace was, of course, one of Scotland’s greatest heroes and was immortalized in the movie "Braveheart". (In Scottish hearts, he did not need to be further immortalized… Robert Burns had already written "Scots wha hae wi Wallace bled, Scots wham Bruce has aften led, Welcome to your gory bed, Or to victorie."). Wallace was, of course, victorious at the Battle of Stirling Bridge, the beginning of the Scottish independence movement against Edward I.

Leaving the reception centre, you will proceed up a rather steep hill. It is possible to get a free shuttle to the base of the tower, and I advise that you consider it if you doubt your ability.

The tower design was decided by a competition in 1859 with construction beginning in 1861. Eight years later, after considerable criticism and a number of financial problems, it was done. Your climb up the tower is in a narrow, spiral stairway… there are 246 steps. It really isn’t bad, as there are several floors with things to see to break up the climb.

The first level houses the gift shop. The second level is your history lesson… the story of William Wallace and the Battle of Sterling Bridge. Further up is the Hall of Heroes, marble busts of Scotland’s greatest, including Burns, Scott, Livingstone and Adam Smith. On the final level you find a platform that provides marvelous views of Stirling and the surrounding countryside.

The tower climb is one of those "must do" things, and it really isn’t as difficult as it might appear at first glance.

From journal Stirling: Scotland's Heritage City

Editor Pick

Braveheart, the true story.

  • April 18, 2004
  • Rated 5 of 5 by miss_vixen from Edinburgh, Scotland
The Wallace monument lies under the Ochil hills, on top of a rocky promontory just outside Stirling, making it easy for visitors to find. There is a gift shop at the bottom of the hill, selling all the usual tartan tat that tourists like, and a sculpture of Wallace (looking a little like Mel Gibson). From here it is possible to get a lift up to the tower in a Land Rover, but it only takes around 10 to 15 minutes to walk up the road through the woods, depending on your fitness. Quite often there is a piper playing on the hill, you can hear it for miles.

The monument costs between £3 and £4 to get in, and this is worth it for the spectacular view from the top. On a clear day you can see as far as Edinburgh to the east and the Trossach hills to the west. Inside the monument features the story of Wallace and some other great achievements by Scots.

The monument is not suitable for wheelchair users as there is only a twisty, narrow staircase to reach the displays.

From journal Stirling Quality

Editor Pick

The Wallace Monument

  • November 9, 2003
  • Rated 5 of 5 by Re Carroll from Abbotsford, British Columbia
The Wallace Monument

Although Mel Gibson brought Braveheart to life for the masses, Sir William Wallace has always been a hero to the people of Scotland because of his passionate dedication to the fight for Scottish independence. Although his men were poorly equipped and heavily outnumbered, Wallace harassed the English soldiers with guerrilla tactics and became known as the Hammer of the Scots. His most successful battle was at the Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297, where he and his men routed the English forces. King James knighted him for his heroics in battle and he became the first guardian of Scotland. Unfortunately, he was eventually captured and taken to London, where he was hanged, drawn, and quartered in 1305.

To honour the man that many consider to be Scotland's greatest freedom fighter, public donations poured in from Scots people around the world, and The Wallace Monument was built in 1869 on a wooded hill on the outskirts of town.

The monument is a 220-foot-high Gothic tower. There is a large statue of Wallace in the parking lot and partway up the path to the monument is a piper in full regalia who serenades visitors. There are picnic tables set amid the grounds, and even from ground level at the monument, the views of Stirling Castle and town are excellent. The gift shop and coffee shop are open to all, and the only fee charged is to actually climb to the top of the monument.

After paying our £5 admission, we started the 246-step climb. The stairs are circular and narrow, like a lighthouse, but there are narrow windows along the way that provide natural light and glimpses of the valley below. The tower has three separate levels that visitors can visit before reaching the top. The first is dedicated to Wallace's life from the early years through his struggles with the English and eventually his capture and execution. One of the focal pieces is his gigantic, double-handed broadsword, and there is a multimedia presentation and a short film. The displays are well done and very informative, and you should allow about half an hour to see it all. The next level contains a chamber called The Scottish Hall of Heroes that features marble busts and information on many famous Scots, including Robert the Bruce, Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and explorer David Livingstone. Near the top is the final chamber that has a 360-degree diorama of the surrounding landscape. This was helpful for identifying landmarks when we eventually got to the outside viewing platform to enjoy the panoramic view. The view was somewhat obscured because of clouds, but I'm told that on a good day, Ben Lomond is visible in the distance.

The monument is open daily. Although anyone with mobility problems can't access the tower, shuttle buses from the parking lot run regularly to the base of the monument, and the view of Stirling Castle and the surrounding countryside is worth the ride.

From journal A Stirling Experience

Wallace Monument

  • September 10, 2003
  • Rated 4 of 5 by smacdoug from Burlington, Ontario
Wallace Monument

Built over 200 years ago, this monument to Scotland's national hero can be seen from just about anywhere in Stirling due to its location atop a mountain.

You must first drive to the base of the mountain, where you pay your admission. You then have the choice of walking to the top, or taking the shuttle. I recommend the shuttle as walking can be quite dangerous (pedestrians share the same narrow winding road as the shuttle does).

When you reach the top, you enter the monument and present your ticket. Inside there is a giftshop and a tearoom at the base. To reach the top, you must malk up an extremely narrow circular staircase. There's barely enough room for a single person to walk up, yet you must share it with people walking down at the same time.

Along the way up the the 200+ stairs, there are rooms that house historical displays mostly relating to the life of William Wallace. One display includes what they believe to be Wallace's actual sword.

Once at the top you are presented with a spectacular view of the city of Stirling.

From journal The MacDougalls Go to Scotland

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