The Wallace Monument was erected in the memory of William Wallace (c. 1270-1305), one of the most important Scottish historical figures. Wallace rose to prominence in 1297 when he defeated an English army at the battle of Stirling Bridge. Although it celebrated a fierce

opponent to English domination, the Wallace Monument, erected by public subscription and built from 1861 to 1869, was designed to stress the qualities that Scotland had brought to the Union of the Parliaments in 1707. Most Scottish newspapers published full descriptions of the

grandiose ceremony that took place on June, 24th 1861 to mark the laying of the foundation stone of the monument.

Glasgow Herald, June 25, 1861.

Mr Sheriff GLASSFORD said—

Sir Archibald Alison, ladies and fellow-countrymen, I have the honour to propose that we avail

ourselves of this opportunity to record a vote of thanks to the subscribers to the Wallace National Monument. They are very numerous—they are composed of every class from the highest to the lowest—they belong to every town and village of Scotland—they are scattered far and

wide through all our colonies, from the frozen north to the burning south. Widely as they are diffused, one electric spark has united them all. To them no country is so dear as Scotland—no virtue more inherent than patriotism—no patriot through all ages more worthy of regard