The National Wallace Monument is a tower standing on the shoulder of the Abbey Craig, a hilltop overlooking Stirling in Scotland. It commemorates Sir William Wallace, a 13th-century Scottish hero.
We all should remember Sir William Wallace from the 1995 movie Braveheart. What's interesting about Mr. Wallace, he looks very much like Mr. Pizarro. Never mind 200 year difference and the same helmet, for the technology was stagnant they say. Very Mel Gibson-like, right?
The National Wallace MonumentThe tower was constructed following a fundraising campaign, which accompanied a resurgence of Scottish national identity in the 19th century. In addition to public subscription, it was partially funded by contributions from a number of foreign donors, including Italian national leader Giuseppe Garibaldi. The foundation stone was laid in 1861 by the Duke of Atholl in his role as Grand Master Mason of Scotland with a short speech given by Sir Archibald Alison.
The Construction?Ceremony of Laying the Foundation-Stone of the Wallace Monument on the Abbey Craig, Stirling. Illustration for the Illustrated Times, 13 July 1861.
The image of the incomplete monument was taken by pioneer Stirling photographer Alexander Crowe of 33 Murray Place. Although small, it clearly shows three workmen near the top of the tower, the builder’s hut beneath and the rail for carting the stone to the top of the Craig. When the money for the construction ran out, the tower sat incomplete for years, with a thatch covering provided by Hillhead Farm, Cambusbarron.
The National Wallace Monument in Stirling nearing the end of its construction in 1868/69.
KD: Just figured it was a cool looking structure to share. 550 years after the death of William Wallace, they decided to dedicate this 220 foot "monument" to the hero. Looks like your average monument...
We all should remember Sir William Wallace from the 1995 movie Braveheart. What's interesting about Mr. Wallace, he looks very much like Mr. Pizarro. Never mind 200 year difference and the same helmet, for the technology was stagnant they say. Very Mel Gibson-like, right?
The National Wallace Monument
- It was completed in 1869 to the designs of architect John Thomas Rochead at a cost of £18,000, the monument is a 67-metre (220 ft) sandstone tower, built in the Victorian Gothic style.
- Wallace Monument - Wikipedia
The Construction?
The image of the incomplete monument was taken by pioneer Stirling photographer Alexander Crowe of 33 Murray Place. Although small, it clearly shows three workmen near the top of the tower, the builder’s hut beneath and the rail for carting the stone to the top of the Craig. When the money for the construction ran out, the tower sat incomplete for years, with a thatch covering provided by Hillhead Farm, Cambusbarron.
- In 1865 with the continuing embarrassment of an unfinished structure, it was proposed that the project should stop and the materials be sold at auction. A further fund raising campaign secured the completion. This rare photograph is from the estate of the late Henry Robb, solicitor, ornithologist and Friend of the Smith.
- Reminiscent of the Washington Monument.
- Wallace Monument - The Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum
KD: Just figured it was a cool looking structure to share. 550 years after the death of William Wallace, they decided to dedicate this 220 foot "monument" to the hero. Looks like your average monument...
