Pictures of Stirling Bridge, Wallace Monument

Stirling is the most strategic place in Scotland. From there one could reach Edinburgh easily as well as block or overtake the route to the Highlands. It's no wonder most key battles in Scottish history took place at Stirling or near Stirling.

One of the best known battles linked to Stirling is the one at Stirling Bridge at the end of the 12th century, when William Wallace defeated the English army. Wallace foresaw the advantage of the old and narrow Stirling Bridge and drew the English onto it. The outcome was to be expected.

That Stirling Bridge no longer exists, however its feet were discovered in the Forth. Near the discovery spot a new bridge was erected, a stone one this time to remind of what has been the glorious Battle of Stirling.

William Wallace's figure is very linked to Stirling. He was the one to lead the Scots to victory in the battle from Stirling Bridge. Most people have seen the movie Braveheart, many decided to visit Scotland because of that movie, however, the romanced image if William Wallace is far from being historically accurate. He was a brutal man in brutal times, he killed and tortured people and in time developed an appetite for blood. However, his objective, that of making Scotland free is undeniable. He was indeed a patriot and the first Scottish national hero.

Other inaccuracies in Braveheart were that Wallace never met Robert the Bruce hence the latter never betrayed him at Falkirk. Another major inaccuracies of the movie was that William Wallace never met nor had an affair with Isabelle of France, Edward II's wife. All in all the movie does suffer a lot from historic inaccuracies but at the same time it presents a very real moment in Scottish history.

I was fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of a small battle reenactment at Stirling Bridge The actors are not professional, however they participate to all major similar reenactments including the one from Bannockburn. The old Stirling Bridge erected to replace the wooden bridge in the times of William Wallace. From near Stirling, the Wallace National Monument and Stirling Castle The distance between the two on a map is deceitful. Make sure you follow directions if you plan to go to the Monument. A close up of Stirling Castle.

The Wallace National Monument was erected in the Victorian era. It commemorates the figure of William Wallace, Guardian of Scotland. On a beautiful day the view is spectacular: the Forth and Strling Castle on the Castle Rock.