THE original plans for the build of the Wallace Monument are to be showcased in a digitised format as part of Stirling’s 900th anniversary celebrations.
The celebrations coincide with the city preparing to mark the 155th year since the Wallace Monument’s grand opening on 11 September 1869.
From Friday, a digitised version of the drawings from renowned Victorian architect, John Thomas Rochead, will be on public display for the first time at The Keeper’s Lodge, located on the Monument’s ground floor. They are a replica of the fragile originals, preserved in Stirling Council’s archives.
The idea for a monument to William Wallace was first conceived in Stirling in 1850 and construction work began with the laying of a foundation stone, which overlooked Scotland’s historic heartland, in 1861.
Originally funded by public subscription, over the last 12 months the National Wallace Monument has welcomed 133,871 visitors from all over the world – one of its busiest years on record.
Stirling Council leader, councillor Chris Kane, said, “This is a great year for Stirling, with our 900 celebrations in full swing and our much loved National Wallace Monument continuing to attract impressive visitor numbers from both home and abroad.
“Stirling is an ambitious, forward thinking city and, of course, we also cherish our world-class heritage offering.
“I know residents and visitors will also enjoy the opportunity to study the fascinating architectural drawings of the Monument.
“Rochead’s plans were submitted as part of a competition and his design was chosen from 106 entrants. The National Wallace Monument is not only a wonderful tribute to one of Scotland’s greatest patriots, William Wallace, but to the design brilliance of Rochead himself.”
