Falkirk

Falkirk was of great strategic importance during the Roman Empire , when, at the behest of Emperor Antonin, the Romans erected the Antonin shaft between the bays of the Firth of Forth and the Firth of Clyde (that is, between the east and west coasts). During archaeological excavations in the Falkirk area, much evidence was found of the former Roman rule.

The name of the city comes from the name of the church, founded in the early Middle Ages by Christian missionaries. In Gaelic, it was called Egglesbrech - that is, the colorful church - or Fawkirk in Scottish . A small settlement was formed around the church, from which the city subsequently grew.

The surroundings of Falkirk became the site of two major battles.

• The first battle of Falkirk took place on June 21, 1298 , during one of the wars for the independence of Scotland and ended in the complete defeat of the Scottish army of William Wallace by the army of the English king Edward Long- footed .
• The second battle of Falkirk dates back to January 17, 1746 . On this day, the Jacobites , who had earlier besieged Stirling Castle , under the leadership of Prince Charles Edward Stuart attacked General Henry Hawley , who, with eight troops, advanced to aid the besieged government troops and stopped on the way in Falkirk. Due to the suddenness of the attack, the soldiers of General Hawley could not give due resistance and lost about 300 people killed.

In 1600, when Falkirk was given the status of a burg, that is, a city with self-government, the active building of stone houses on the street, which is now called High Street, began.

In the 18th century , with the development of the iron and foundry industry and the beginning of the construction of the Fort-Clyde canal connecting the bays (ended in 1790 ), Falkirk became the cradle of the industrial revolution of Scotland. Built in 1822, the Union Canal provided communication with Edinburgh , and in addition, rail connections developed rapidly in the region. At the same time, a brick factory belonging to the Howie family began work in the city.

Large refinery.

In the city there is a football club " Falkirk ".

On the outskirts of the city in the park Helix installed The Kelpies sculpture, which represents two equestrian figures made of stainless steel. The sculpture was made by master from Glasgow Andy Scott. The height of each figure is 10-story building (30 meters), weight - 400 tons. Kelpie means the name of a mythical Scottish creature - a resident of a reservoir that is able to transform into an animal or person, most often - into a black horse, possessing tremendous power. The figures of Kelpi's horses were created from sketches that Andy Scott drew from life - two heavy horses of the Kledesdal breed. Address of attraction: Suite 1A, The Falkirk Stadium, 4 Stadium Way.

• Article on the city on Undiscoveredscotland.co.uk
• Horseheads greet Scottish sailors