As one of the most well-recognized figures from Scottish history, it’s fitting that William Wallace has been commemorated in an incredibly profound way in the National Wallace Monument. Better known as the Wallace Monument, the structure is located on a hilltop overlooking Stirling in Scotland and was built to honor the 13th-century Scottish hero. Like other monuments that celebrate notable figures for a region or country, the Wallace Monument showcases what it can mean to highlight the history of a region in a way that engages both residents and visitors.
The History, Legend and Legacy of William Wallace
William Wallace has become one of the most revered figures in the history of Scotland. He defeated an English army at the Battle of Stirling Bridge in September 1297 after which he was appointed Guardian of Scotland. He served Scotland in that role until his defeat at the Battle of Falkirk and death at the hands of the English in 1305.
His part in the history of Scotland has been recognized through the centuries, which includes the details of his life being captured in the epic poem, The Wallace. That notoriety fueled the creation of the Wallace Monument which was completed in 1869. It was built very close to the site of his victory at Stirling Bridge.
The Wallace Monument is one of more than 20 Wallace Monuments which are located throughout Scotland, including the Wallace Monument at Dryburgh (1814) and Thomas Hamilton’s Wallace tower in Ayr (1833). The Wallace Sword, which supposedly belonged to Wallace, resides in the Wallace Monument.
The architect of the Wallace Monument took the traditional design of a Scottish tower house castle, complete with an external stair turret, and stretched it vertically. Then he added to the top a stone crown spire, the view from which overlooks the site of Wallace’s famous victory at Stirling Bridge. This history informs many of the experiences that visitors can have within and on their way to the monument.
Experiencing the Wallace Monument
The Visitor Reception Building is the first place visitors stop on their trip to the Wallace Monument, which is where they can purchase tickets. From there, they proceed along The Wallace Way, which features woodcarving sculptures that take visitors on a journey through time to learn about the history of the region, from the ice age through to the building of the Monument.
The Wallace Monument itself contains numerous levels showcasing a variety of history about Wallace and of Scotland. The Hall of Arms tells the story of William Wallace with words and pictures and also displays the Wallace Sword. The Hall of Heroes features busts of Scottish heroes from Robert the Bruce to Robert Burns. The Royal Chamber explains how the Battle of Stirling Bridge was fought and also features an interactive experience that allows visitors to create their own Coat of Arms.
The view from the Crown Spire at the top of the monument provides visitors with a 360-degree view all the way across Scotland’s heartland. The panoramic view stretches out towards Loch Lomond, The Pentland Hills, Fife, and The Firth of Forth. At the bottom of the monument, the Keeper’s Lodge is where visitors can find an ideal resting place. Directly outside these doors is the Wallace Statue, set into a corner of the monument. The statue has become an icon of its own and is featured in numerous promotions. Added in 1887, it is a bronze sculpture over 13ft tall and weighs around 3 tons.
This statue and the monument itself are the embodiment of Scotland’s National Hero. Celebrating that legacy in such a palpabale manner has had a profound economic and cultural impact on the entire region.
Events, Icons and More
Since the monument is entirely reliant on income from donations and admission fees, these charges are of critical importance to the monument. Price details for School Groups and Educational Visits along with Annual memberships are also available.
Two separate gift shops also provide the monument with a key source of revenue. The Gift Shop in the Visitor Reception Building has a wide range of Scottish crafts and souvenirs – including jewelry, pottery, and clothing items. The main Gift Shop is located in the Wallace Monument itself, and it also features distinctive gifts, ranging from glassware to jewelry to toys and games for children. Limited-edition replicas of Wallace’s famous battle swords are items for sales that are exclusive to the monument. Additionally, Legends Coffee House provides the site an additional means of revenue and gives visitors a place to grab food, drinks or snacks.
The special events and actor performances that take place throughout the year at the Wallace Monument are also a source of revenue, although talks that range from celebrating 10,000 years of history in the region to highlighting Scotland’s heroines ties into something much bigger. This impact on the culture extends to the many ways that the Wallace statue is used in icons across the complex and beyond.
The Wallace Monument is also a popular stop on private tours, generating a great deal of economic activity for regional businesses. How that popularity has directly and indirectly influenced the culture and helped positively impact the economy of the area has come to showcase what it can mean when a monument becomes a landmark that means something to everyone.
The Legacy of Scotland
The National Wallace Monument has become one of Scotland’s most celebrated landmarks, attracting more than 100,000 visitors every year. In celebrating someone who has been described as a hero of Scotland and a true patriot, the monument represents what it can mean to celebrate a legacy to have a profound impact on a city and country in the present and future.
