Falkirk Steeple

Clock tower in Falkirk, Scotland

55°59′56″N 3°47′06″W / 55.999°N 3.785°W / 55.999; -3.785Opened1814HeightArchitecturalclassical styleAntenna spire43 metres (141 ft)Design and constructionArchitect(s)David HamiltonDesignations

Listed Building – Category A

Official nameFalkirk Town SteepleDesignated25 October 1972Reference no.LB31178 Other informationNumber of rooms2 prison cells

The Falkirk Steeple, viewed along the High Street

The Falkirk Steeple is a landmark which dominates the skyline of Falkirk in central Scotland. The present structure on the High Street was built in 1814, and replaced an earlier steeple dating from the late 17th century, which itself replaced a still earlier structure. The Falkirk Steeple is protected as a category A listed building.^[1] A stylised image of the steeple appears on the crest of Falkirk Football Club.

History

The present steeple dates from 1814, and was designed by the architect David Hamilton in a classical style. It is 43 metres (141 ft) high, with cells on the upper floors and a clock in the third of the four stages of the building.^[1]

The steeple was damaged in 1927 when it was struck by lightning, causing the spire to be destroyed. It was subsequently replaced.^[2]

The steeple contains 2 prison cells, male lower and female upper, which were in use until the new prison was opened in the 1860s.

Old steeple

The previous steeple, which stood on the same site, was constructed in 1697 and served as the town's tolbooth and temporary gaol until the late 18th century.^[3] This was demolished after construction of an adjacent building in 1803 caused the steeple to subside.^[1]

References

^ ^a ^b ^c Historic Environment Scotland. "Falkirk Town Steeple. High Street (Category A Listed Building) (LB31178)". Retrieved 27 March 2019.
^ "Falkirk Steeple". Gazateer of Scotland. Retrieved 21 April 2020.
^ "Falkirk, High Street, Town Steeple". CANMORE. Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland.