To the east of Stirling is an imposing monument to William Wallace. He was born near Paisley. In 1297 he was outlawed by English armies after he killed the English Sheriff of Lanark. In return for being outlawed, Wallace burned Lanark, then led the Scottish army to victory against the English as the battle of Stirling Bridge.
The tower is 220' high 236 steps to the top where you can enjoy a panoramic view that takes in the Forth Bridges to the east and Ben Lomond on the west. It is said that William Wallace stood atop the hill and watched the gathering of the army of King Edward I of England before Stirling Bridge. He won the battle here, but lost the battle at Falkirk.William Wallace was charged with treason, even though he wasn't English and was brutally executed.
This monument was completed in 1869 as a result of many private donations. Inside the monument are many artifacts believed to be from Wallace. One includes his sword which is 5'4" long and weighs 3kg (2.2lbs = 1kg). We could have purchased a replica for 199.99 pounds but decided against it.
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| I should take a picture of Doug AFTER we walk to the top and complete the 236 steps. |
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| What is fashion? Warmth in Scotland! |
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| Beautiful views all the way to the top. |
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| Wee steps with my UGGS. Luckily we never passed anyone going or coming. |
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| The first room to rest after 50 steps. THE ARMS ROOM. |
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| THE HERO ROOM. Everyone here from warriors to poets to kings to religious leaders. |
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| This is William Wallace's sword all 5' 4". |
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