The National Wallace Monument, Scotlandbio life

Standing majestically over the town of Causwayhead and overlooking the scene of Scotland’s victory over the English at the Battle of Stirling Bridge, is the National Wallace Monument. It was from this prominent hilltop in 1297 that William Wallace watched the English army approach Stirling Bridge before leading the Scots into the battle. This 220 ft tower, in its striking location, is a grand monument to a national hero, patriot and Guardian of Scotland.

Plaque on Stirling Bridge

It may surprise some to realise that it took 564 years before the Scots decided to raise a major monument to this Scottish national hero. On the 23rd June 1861, it was raining in Stirling, not an unusual occurrence for Scotland. On this particular June day, however, the foundation stone was being laid to a monument which still stands today as a reminder of Sir William Wallace. It may also surprise us to realise that many of those who gathered in Stirling on that dreich day may well have had a pretty vague understanding about Wallace's place in Scottish history. For those who have seen the modern version of Wallace's exploits in the film "Braveheart", there is clearly an issue of how far the events in the film were embellished to make for good drama.

A tide of nationalism swept the world in the 1850's and a number of revolutions had taken place all over Europe. Expressions of Scottish nationalism were seen in the setting up of the National Association for the Vindication of Scottish Rights. Concern was being raised that some of the terms of the Act of Union were being broken. In particular, England was displaying the St. George's flag in the navy when it had been agreed that the Union Jack was to be used in all circumstances. At one point a meeting was held in Glasgow when 5000 people attended. This campaign fizzled out, however, with many seeing it as a rather minor grievance. Nevertheless, patriotic feelings had been aroused and the Wallace monument campaign gained momentum.

In 1850 the Rev Charles Rogers, chaplain of Stirling Castle, had been appointed secretary in charge of raising funds for the monument. A funding campaign was launched throughout Europe, eliciting support from many leaders, including the Italian patriot Garibaldi. Donations were pouring in from expatriate Scots on every continent, and by 1859 the sum of £3,387 had been raised. It was decided to commission the architect J T Rochead to design and build a fitting tribute. The completed monument was handed over to the Custodians on 11th September 1869, on the 572nd anniversary of Wallace’s famous victory at the Battle of Stirling Bridge. Final construction costs were in the region of £10,000.

Bronze statue of Wallace

Visitors to the Wallace Monument today leave their cars at the foot of the Abbey Craig mound. It’s a fair wee walk up to the monument, but there is a mini-bus which will take you up if you’re not up for the task. Once up at the monument itself you can really take in the beauty of the structure.

Monument base

Entrance to Monument

In the entrance foyer of the Monument itself there is a display about Sir William Wallace and the construction of the Monument. But you will probably want to head straight for the magnificent views waiting at the top of the Monument, a mere 220 feet and 246 steps above you. The Monument has four floors above the ground floor.

The first 71 steps up the narrow spiral staircase takes you to Floor 1 where you will find a display telling the story of the life of Wallace and of the Battle of Stirling Bridge. Here 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'.

Spiral staircase

Also on display is what is said to be the 700-year-old Wallace sword, some 5 feet 4 inches long. Coming face to face with such a magnificent piece of metalwork you wonder how anyone could have lifted or carried it, let alone fight with it.

The Wallace Sword

64 more steps will bring you to Floor 2 and the Hall of Heroes. Here are displayed marble statues of notable Scotsmen, the result of a worldwide appeal by the custodians in 1885. An audio-visual display pays tribute to the heroes and heroines of the twentieth century.

Marble bust in Hall of Heroes

Stain glass window in Hall of Heroes

62 steps further lead to Floor 3 and the Diorama, an illustration of the geographical layout surrounding the monument marked with important local landmarks and various historical battlefields. This is an excellent way to gain your bearings.

The final push leads you up the wind swept staircase, taking you to The Crown of the Monument with its breathtaking views, making every one of those 246 steps worthwhile. To the north you are immediately struck by the closeness of the Ochil Hills and the rugged Dumyat. East is the Forth Valley, with the river snaking away into the distance towards Edinburgh and the open sea. To the south the historic city of Stirling, dominated by its Castle. To the west are the Tossachs and Loch Lomond and, on a clear day, a far-reaching panorama of many of the southern highlands' most striking mountains. The view from the windy top also gives you a bird’s eye view of the Stirling University campus.

The Crown

The Ochil Hills

The Damyat

River Forth snaking to the sea

Stirling Castle from the Wallace Monument Crown

Stirling University Campus

Airthrey Castle - Stirling University

On returning to the foot of the monument, you can find various pathways and trails through the woodland of the Abbey Craig mound. The woodlands are home to a good mix of broadleaved trees and rich ground flora, including Dogs Mercury which covers the ground in spring (indicating an ancient woodland). Wild garlic, bluebells and abundant mosses and lichen tempt the resident Roe deer, which can be seen year-round.