Falkirk
Falkirk
was once noted as a collecting-place, or tryst for cattle,
brought to Stenhousemuir, about three miles to the north-west,
along the numerous drove roads
radiating from all parts of the Highlands.
Two
battles were fought near Falkirk, in 1298 and 1746, in the
former of which Wallace was defeated, while in the latter
Prince Charles Edward was victorious. The Prince spent the
night in a bootmaker’s shop opposite the new Falkirk
Steeple. In the High Street is the Cross Keys Inn,
visited by Burns. In the private grounds of the fine mansion
of Callendar house, east of the town, are some well-preserved
portions of the Antonine, or Roman Wall. Mary, Queen of Scots
visited the house on several occasions between 1562 and 1567,
and Prince Charles Edward was also here.To the west of Falkirk
is the fort known as Rough Castle.
