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The Wallace Monument stands above the fields where Sir William Wallace led his troops to victory at The Battle of Stirling Bridge

David Goran

The National Wallace Monument (generally known as the Wallace Monument) is one of Scotland’s best-known landmarks and a national icon. It commemorates Sir William Wallace, one of the most prominent and most well-recognized figures from Scottish history.

The Victorian Gothic tower is situated on Abbey Craig, a volcanic crag above Cambuskenneth Abbey, two miles north of Stirling. It was designed by the Edinburgh-born Glasgow architect J. T. Rochead and built between 1861 and 1869. It is said to have cost in excess of £18,000 at the time.

The National Wallace Monument is a tower standing on the summit of Abbey Craig, a hilltop near Stirling in Scotland. Photo Credit
The National Wallace Monument is a tower standing on the summit of Abbey Craig, a hilltop near Stirling in Scotland. Photo Credit

 

Completed in 1869 after eight years’ construction. Photo Credit
Completed in 1869 after eight years’ construction. Photo Credit

 

The monument is 220 feet high, 54 square feet at its base, with the tower 36 square feet. Photo Credit
The monument is 220 feet high, 54 square feet at its base, with the tower 36 square feet. Photo Credit

In 1296, Edward I of England, known as the ‘Hammer of the Scots’, invaded Scotland and the Scottish Wars of Independence began. William Wallace, the younger son of a Scottish knight, resisted him and led a guerrilla campaign against the English.

On 11 September 1297, the Scots, led by Wallace and Andrew Moray, defeated the English army at the famous Battle of Stirling Bridge. The Wallace Monument is located on a rocky crag from which Wallace was said to have watched the gathering of the English army, just before the battle in 1297.

It was funded by public subscription, and donations poured in from expatriate Scots around the world. Photo Credit
It was funded by public subscription, and donations poured in from expatriate Scots around the world. Photo Credit

 

Built in the Victorian Gothic style. Photo Credit1 Photo Credit2
Built in the Victorian Gothic style. Photo Credit1 Photo Credit2

 

Tower Detail. Photo Credit
Tower Detail. Photo Credit

 

 

It is estimated that there were in excess of 30,000 tons of stones used in the construction. Photo Credit
It is estimated that there were in excess of 30,000 tons of stones used in the construction. Photo Credit

The Monument has four levels above the ground floor. The top floor is also known as the Crown. A number of artifacts believed to have belonged to Wallace are on display inside the monument.

The Hall of Arms, which is on the first floor, shows how the Battle of Stirling Bridge was fought and won, with an illuminated map showing exactly where the events of 11 September 1297 took place. It also features a film depicting Wallace and Andrew de Moray in conversation after the encounter.

Created by the Edinburgh sculptor David Watson Stevenson, the original solid bronze Victorian statue of Wallace stands on the corner of the monument. Photo Credit1 Photo Credit2
Created by the Edinburgh sculptor David Watson Stevenson, the original solid bronze Victorian statue of Wallace stands on the corner of the monument. Photo Credit1 Photo Credit2

On the second floor is The Hall of Heroes, which tells the story of how Wallace was acclaimed as Scotland’s first national hero. The centerpiece in this gallery is the Wallace Sword, a 1.63-metre (5 ft, 4 in) long sword weighing almost three kilograms, which struck fear into the hearts of Wallace’s enemies.

Surrounding the sword are series of marble busts of famous Scots: writers, explorers, inventors, and statesmen. They include Robert the Bruce, Sir Walter Scott, David Livingstone, Robert Burns, and James Watt. On the third floor, visitors can discover the story behind the building of this Victorian masterpiece, now recognized as a national landmark.

The stunning 67-meter tower attracts more than 100,000 visitors every year. Photo Credit
The stunning 67-meter tower attracts more than 100,000 visitors every year. Photo Credit

 

Tom Church’s statue “Freedom“. Photo Credit

After suffering defeat at the Battle of Falkirk in 1298, Wallace was betrayed and captured. Seven years later, in 1305, he was hanged, drawn and quartered in London, and has since become a symbol for Scotland and Freedom.

Read another story from us: Dating back to the 1200s, the Aberdour Castle is one of the oldest standing castles in Scotland

In 1996, Tom Church carved a statue of Wallace called “Freedom”, which was inspired by the film Braveheart. It has the face of Mel Gibson, the actor who played William Wallace in the film.

David Goran

David Goran is one of the authors writing for The Vintage News