Introduction

This evening, I am focusing on Callendar House, one of Scotland’s principal historic houses. This building sites on a site with links back to the Roman era in the 2nd century AD.

Information on Callendar House

Callendar House in Falkirk  (central Scotland) is a combined visitor attraction, museum and library. This facility is open all year round and offers free entry. The substance of the current building dates from the 19th century in style of a French Renaissance Chateau. However, the heart of the building comprises a 14th century Tower House.

A brief history of the lands and historic house

A brief history of the lands and historic house is as follows:

• 11th century: Thane of Callendar (King’s representative) builds house (not the current building) in shadow of the Roman era Antonine Wall. Tenure of family lasts until 1346.
• 1346: The lands of Callendar granted to Sir William Livingston whose family were prominent in Scottish politics for the succeeding four centuries.
• 1450-1453: A hiatus when the lands were forfeit and then restored to the Livingstones.
• 16th century: The 5th Lord Livingston was a Guardian of Mary Queen of Scots during her minority.
• 17th century: The 8th Lord Livingston was a supporter of the Royalist cause during the civil wars. Callendar House besieged by Cromwell’s troops.House returned to the Livingstones on restoration of the monarchy.
• 18th century: 4th Earl of Callendar fought on side of the Jacobites which lost Battle of Sheriffmuir. Lands were forfeited in 1720 and sold to the York Buildings Company.
• 1721-1780s: Callendar House was leased from the owner by descendants of the Earl of  Callendar.
• 1783: Estate was bought by William Forbes who owned a successful copper-smith business in London. Property remained in ownership of the Forbes family through to 1963 when property sold to Falkirk Town Council.
• 1980s: Callendar House becomes H Q of the Falkirk Museums Service and subsequently a visitor attraction.

Clearly, a site which allows visitors to connect with the chequered history of Scotland right back to Roman times. The property is situated some 26 miles west of Edinburgh and 30 miles NE of Glasgow. Falkirk is well served by public transport and roads.

More information for the tourist.

Please refer to the 800 page, Visitors’ Guide to Scotland. This provides information on the Roman period, industrial history, battles and much more. ISBN is 978-1-9161332-0-4. Also available via Kindle.