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The town developed in the central Forth Valley region of the county in the Scottish lowlands. Pictish people lived here long before the Romans arrived in 82 AD. The Roman general Aricola built a line of forts between the Clyde and Forth Rivers to protect the armies of soldiers and maintain tribal peace amongst the Picts. In 140AD, the Romans constructed Antonines’s Wall, an excavated ditch and earthen wall, which served as fortification.
After the Romans left, St. Modan constructed a church here in 700AD. Falkirk translated means “speckled church. “ Different coloured stones comprised the building, creating a unique appearance. Malcolm Canmore constructed a newer church in 1090 for the Saxons. The Malcolms acquired the Callendar estate in 1150, which later passed to the Levings. The Levings name eventually evolved into Livingston.
The family lost everything after the Jacobite Rebellion.in 1715. William Wallace fought in the Battle of Falkirk in 1298, but lost to the English. The nobles conspired against James III in Falkirk in 1488, which led to a battle at Blackness. Falkirk acquired Burgh of Regality status in 1646 while under the rule of Lord Livingston. The community had a cutlery business by 1695. Bonnie Prince Charlie, and his army of Highlanders, defeated the English in Falkirk in 1746.
Agriculture was a major industry during this time and tenant farmers began raising cattle and sheep. An iron foundry developed in 1760, which eventually constructed 12 furnaces. A chemical works factory, distilleries and tanneries developed in Falkirk, along with a lumber yard. In 1822, the canal linking the River Forth with the River Clyde opened. The individual who surveyed the land for the canal was none other than Daniel Defoe, author of the famous novel “Robinson Crusoe.” Industry, trade and the population grew with the arrival of the railway in 1840.
Activities and Attractions
Guests see one of the most unsual modern day technological advances when visiting the Falkirk Wheel. The mechanical transport system connects the upper Union Canal with the lower Forth and Clyde Canal via rotating gondolas. Boats enter the upper or lower gondola, each containing 300 tons of water. The gondolas switch places within minutes, as they rotate around a central cylinder. Once locked back into place, the boats exit the gondola into the opposite canal. The structure operates similar to a massive bike pedal and stands 115 feet (35 metres) high.
A visitor’s centre explains the construction and function of the Falkirk Wheel, which opened in 2002. Guests embark on boat trips through the visitor’s centre, providing the opportunity of travelling on the wheel and taking an hour long scenic excursion along the loch. A paved path runs along the outside of the canal and through the countryside for walking or cycling.
Travelling west of the Falkirk Wheel and into the country, guests encounter primitive technology at the Rough Castle and Antonine Wall. Constructed by Romans in approximately 140AD, the wall spanned 37 miles (60 km), protecting the stone structures of the forts behind it. The remaining sections of wall stand 15 feet (4.3metres) wide and 12 feet (3.6metres) tall, covered in grass. A ditch follows the length of the wall on the north side and measures 12 feet (3.6 metres) deep, and in some places, 40 feet (12 metres) wide. Additionally between the north side of the wall and the forest lie a series of strategically placed linear pits. During Roman times, each pit contained a sharpened spike. Soldiers covered the entire defence system with foliage. Some believed the site once held a castle belonging to King Arthur.
Visit the home of the Lord of Falkirk and the Livingston family at the Callendar House. This massive elegant estate resembles a French chateau in architecture and design. Guests entering the grand manor house see all the spectacular décor and furnishings one would expect of a fine palace. Additionally, the home featues the history of the location, along with artefacts collected over centuries. Exhibits include everything from Roman armour to Victorian mechanical animations. Callendar House employees dress in typical period costumes. Enter the 1825 kitchen and watch cooks preparing a typical feast. The mansion/museum explores Falkirk’s religious past and the turbulent years of war.
Places to Stay and Dining
Falkirk has many fine, modern hotels that lie in the central part of the town. Most offer en suite rooms, neutrally decorated and furnished, having all the necessary conveniences required for a pleasant holiday stay, or a business conference.
The Priory Restaurant in Falkirk offers three course meals at extremely affordable prices. Main dishes include breaded king prawns with salad and fries, or chicken curry with madras sauce and rice. Delicious homemade desserts include caramel apple pie with vanilla custard and white chocolate fudge cake.
Accommodation in Falkirk
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