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.