Callendar House Falkirk

Callendar House encapsulates 600 years of Scotland's history from medieval times to the twentieth century. Great historical figures like Mary, Queen of Scots, Cromwell and Bonnie Prince Charlie have visited the house.

Now you can follow in their footsteps and discover the dramatic history which has been brought so vividly to life in the unique interpretative experience that is Callendar House.

Falkirk - at the cross-roads of Scottish History...

Since the beginning of time, the Falkirk area has been a cross-roads for travellers. In recognition of the area's strategic importance the Romans built their defensive Antonine Wall across the area, and the remains of the wall can still be seen today in the grounds of Callendar House. By the 11th century the house of the King's representative, the Thane of Callendar, nestled behind the ancient wall for protection and here the foundations were laid for the creation of Callendar House.

Callendar House - windows on history...

The first stone building on the site was a tower house built in 1345 by William de Livingston after he was gifted the estates of Callendar by King David II. The House was occupied by the Livingstons and their descendants until the death of Lady Anne in 1747.

In 1783 the House and the estate were put up for auction and although the Livingston family attempted to purchase the property, they were easily outbid by William Forbes, a copper merchant from London and a "self made man".

Today the thick stone walls of the original tower house can still be observed in the Victorian Library.

Subsequent extensions to Callendar House in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries were also incorporated into the original building, and visitors exploring the house today can still see traces of architecture spanning five centuries.


Walk through the corridors of Enlightenment...

In the 18th century Scotland became a world centre of ideas and change, which has become known as the "Scottish Enlightenment".

During these exciting years many key people of the movement visited and worked in the Falkirk area. William Forbes of Callendar House mingled with the doctors, scientists and inventors of this time and played a leading role in the rapid growth of the area. Their story is told in the Forbes's Falkirk Exhibition, in Callendar House.

Falkirk and the surrounding area played a key role in the Industrial Revolution and came to be regarded by many as the cradle of the Industrial Revolution in Scotland. With the founding of the Carron Iron Works in 1759 - the first integrated factory in Europe - Falkirk had made its mark on Scotland's industrial history.

Explore 600 years of Scottish History...