The monument

The monument seen from the University of Stirling

The Wallace National Monument (generally known as the Wallace Monument) is a tower standing on the summit of Abbey Craig, a hilltop near Stirling in Scotland. It commemorates William Wallace, the 13th century Scottish hero. Image File history File linksMetadata Download high resolution version (2288x1712, 843 KB) Photo of the Wallace Monument near Stirling, Scotland. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high resolution version (2288x1712, 843 KB) Photo of the Wallace Monument near Stirling, Scotland. ... Buildings at University of Stirling, Airthrey Loch, Wallace Monument, all in Stirling, Scotland. ... Buildings at University of Stirling, Airthrey Loch, Wallace Monument, all in Stirling, Scotland. ... The University of Stirling is a campus university created in 1967, and located on the outskirts of Stirling in central Scotland. ... The Abbey Craig is the hill upon which the Wallace Monument stands, at Causewayhead, just to the north of Stirling. ... Broad St at the heart of Stirlings Old Town area (called Top of the Town by locals) on a rare snowy day Stirling Castle (Southwest aspect) The main courtyard inside Stirling Castle. ... Motto: (Latin for No one provokes me with impunity)1 Anthem: Multiple unofficial anthems Capital Edinburgh Largest city Glasgow Official language(s) English, Gaelic, Scots 2 Government Constitutional monarchy  - Queen Queen Elizabeth II  - Prime Minister of the UK Tony Blair MP  - First Minister Jack McConnell MSP Unification    - by Kenneth I... William Wallace William Wallace (c. ... (12th century - 13th century - 14th century - other centuries) As a means of recording the passage of time, the 13th century was that century which lasted from 1201 to 1300. ...

The 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. Completed in 1869, the monument is a 220 foot sandstone tower, built in the Victorian Gothic style. It stands on the Abbey Craig, a volcanic crag above Cambuskenneth Abbey, from which Wallace was said to have watched the gathering of the army of English king Edward I, just before the Battle of Stirling Bridge. A considerable majority of the people of Scotland share a Scottish national identity, usually with considerable pride in their country, its history and with the achievements of their countrymen including those who have emigrated and their descendants. ... Alternative meaning: Nineteenth Century (periodical) (18th century — 19th century — 20th century — more centuries) As a means of recording the passage of time, the 19th century was that century which lasted from 1801-1900 in the sense of the Gregorian calendar. ... Garibaldi in 1866 Garibaldi redirects here. ... 1869 (MDCCCLXIX) is a common year starting on Friday (link will take you to calendar) of the Gregorian calendar or a common year starting on Sunday of the 12-day-slower Julian calendar. ... ... The Abbey Craig, a crag with tail near The University of Stirling. ... The campanile at Cambuskenneth Abbey Cambuskenneth Abbey is a ruined Augustinian monastery located on an area of land enclosed by a meander of the River Forth near Stirling in Scotland. ... Motto: (French for God and my right) Anthem: God Save the King/Queen Capital London Largest city London Official language(s) English (de facto) Unification    - by Athelstan AD 927  Area    - Total 130,395 km² (1st in UK)   50,346 sq mi  Population    - 2005 est. ... Edward I (17 June 1239 – 7 July 1307), popularly known as Longshanks because of his 6 foot 2 inch (1. ... Combatants Kingdom of Scotland Kingdom of England Commanders Andrew Moray William Wallace Surrey Cressingham† Strength 7,000 infantry and 150 cavalry 30,000[citation needed] infantry and 750 cavalry Casualties  ? Over 7,000 killed The Battle of Stirling Bridge was one of the series of conflicts of the Wars of...

The monument is open to the general public. Visitors climb the 246 step spiral staircase to the viewing gallery inside the monument's crown, which provides expansive views of the Ochil Hills and the Forth Valley. Ochil Hills viewed from South-West of Tillicoultry The Ochil Hills [1](from the Celtic uchil - the high ground) are a range of hills in Scotland north of the Forth valley bordered by the towns of Stirling, Alloa, Kinross and Perth. ... The River Forth meanders over fertile farmlands near Stirling The River Forth, 47 km (29 miles) long, is the major river draining the eastern part of the central belt of Scotland. ...

A number of artifacts believed to belong to Wallace are on display inside the monument, including a 5 foot 4 inch-long claymore. A claymore that is a replica of one used in the film Highlander. ...

Braveheart: Cultural significance

In 1997, a statue of “William Wallace” was placed in the car park of the Wallace Monument. The statue however appeared not to resemble the historic face of Wallace; rather it seemed to be modelled after Mel Gibson's appearance as Wallace in the film Braveheart. Wallace’s shield even reads the word ‘Braveheart’.(See image[1]) William Wallace William Wallace (c. ... Mel Columcille Gerard Gibson AO (born January 3, 1956) is an Academy Award-winning American actor, director, and producer. ... Brave Heart redirects here, which may also refer to Brave Heart Lion of the Care Bear cousins. ...

William Temby^[1] claimed that Scottish people found this disturbing and that groups have protested for the removal of the statue due to its obvious lack of authenticity, and as a result of officials denying the request, the statue was defaced. "How sad is it to think that most of the world will never envision the 7-foot-tall Scotsman that can shoot lightning bolts out of his arse-but rather will recall the slightly deranged performance of Gibson instead".

References

1. ^ William Temby. "Braveheart, wrong head: the cinimazation of history", The Daily Cardinal, 2004-04-12. Retrieved on 2006-09-07.

2006 (MMVI) is a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... September 7 is the 250th day of the year (251st in leap years). ...

External links

• Undiscovered Scotland: The Wallace Monument
• InStirling's page on the monument