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Completed in 1869 after eight years' construction, the 220
feet (67m) high Wallace Monument sits prominently on the Abbey
Craig two miles north-east of the town centre. This Victorian
Gothic tower was opened to commemorate Scotland's greatest
freedom fighter, Sir William Wallace (1267-1305). It was funded
by public subscription, and donations poured in from expatriate
Scots around the world. Support came from many European leaders.
In 1296, Edward I of England invaded Scotland and the Scottish
Wars of Independence began. William Wallace began a guerrilla
campaign against the English and became known as the hammer
and scourge of the English. On 11th September, 1297, the Scots
defeated the English army at the Battle of Stirling Bridge.
After defeat at the Battle of Falkirk in 1298, Wallace was
betrayed and captured. He was hanged, drawn and quartered
in London in 1305, and has since become a symbol for Scotland
and Freedom.
The monument is on the Abbey Craig, a rocky crag from which
Wallace watched the English army gather on the South side
of Stirling Bridge.
There are 246 steps that take you to the the top of the tower
and there are three chambers where you can stop off during
your climb. Take your time and catch your breath while you
look at Wallace's famous double-handed broadsword, meet Wallace
and learn of his struggle to free Scotland from English rule.
In the Scottish Hall of Heroes you will meet other great
Scots sculpted in marble. 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 where you will learn about the history of the surrounding
landscape. On the viewing platform above you will witness
one of the finest views in Scotland, 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.
A minibus service is available from the visitor centre car
park beside the Sword Hotel, to take you up to the top of
the Abbey Craig if you don't feel like walking up the path
through the Craig's woodland.
If you decide not to climb the Wallace Monument, you will
still be rewarded with a panoramic view from the base but
the view from the top is breathtaking.
While you are up on the Abbey Craig, it's worth taking time
to explore the semi-natural woodlands. Keep to the footpaths
and do not venture near the edge of the cliffs.
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