Stirling

Wallace Monument

When the Question of creating a national monument to the achievement of William Wallace was first discussed in the early 1800's, it seemed that it was destined to be built in Edinburgh, the capital city.

However Glasgow strongly contended the right, and plans were made to erect it on Glasgow Green, which had the first monument to Lord Nelson (1806). Many other Scottish towns discussed the proposal, but after due deliberation, it was decided that only Stirling could be home to the National Wallace Monument.

The decision to build the National Wallace Monument was taken at a great meeting in the Kings Park of Stirling in 1856, and it was agreed that a Gothic tower on the Abbey Craig, designed by John T Rochead and overlooking the site of Wallace's victory was the best option.

The foundation stone was laid on Bannockburn day 1861, and 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.

Money was collected from Scots world-wide for the project, which in turn inspired the setting up of the Wallace statues in Baltimore in the United States and Ballaret in Australian goldfields.