Callendar House
 
Falkirk Council
 
Callendar Park, Falkirk, FK1 1YR
 
01324 503 770
01324 503 771

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...   Callendar House has many stories to tell and secrets to share. Enjoy a tour of one of Scotland's finest country houses. Marvel at the magnificent painted ceiling of the Cromwell Stair and gaze at the impressive Morning Room and Drawing Room.   See history brought to life in interpretative areas within the house. Experience for the first time in Scotland trained staff in period costume and surroundings, re-creating the daily routines of the past. Within the House there are four such areas. The 1825 Kitchen with its open fire and roasting spit sees the kitchen staff going about their daily tasks of cleaning and cooking. They may even let you taste some of their cooking from authentic recipes of the time.   On the second floor of the House, as part of the Forbes's Falkirk Exhibition, are the Printer's and Clockmaker's workshops. Watch and learn more about the importance of these trades to life in early 19th century Scotland, and visit the General Store where textiles, spices, candles and sweets were sold.

Explore the Georgian Garden in the grounds of the house, tended with loving care by the head gardener, growing traditional plants from the Georgian Period.

'William Forbes's Falkirk' also includes a major state-of-the-art exhibition which will take you on a journey through time from the days of the Jacobites to the advent of the railways. A wide range of interactive displays, touch-screen computers, working models, reconstructions, original archives and artefacts allows visitors to experience first hand the elements that shaped this dramatic period.

The 'Story of Callendar' on the ground floor traces the story of the House and its occupants from the 11th century to the modern day and the part they played in shaping our nation's history.   Housed in the magnificent oak-panelled Victorian Library, the History Research Centre contains a wealth of archive material on Falkirk and the surrounding area's extraordinary heritage.   A fascinating range of temporary exhibitions is staged throughout the year in the galleries on the ground and first floors. Details of forthcoming exhibitions are available from the Museum Shop and local tourist information centres or you can visit our website.   Take tea in the Teashop at the Stables where the culinary heritage demonstrated in the kitchen at Callendar House is reflected in the menus. A unique setting, charmingly decorated in Georgian style, the Teashop offers excellent fare, serving delicious teas, coffees, home baking, snacks and lunches.

Visit our well stocked Museum Shop for inspirational gifts, such as traditional books and toys for children, miniature clocks, crystal and prints. If you have a sweet tooth why not try some of our hand-made confectionery and preserves. For that unique gift, the shop stocks a replica range from old foundry patterns including Carron Ironworks. Traditionally made by the museum service, the range includes umbrella stands, pot stands, plaques, jewellery, candle holders and napkin rings.     Open: Mon-Sat, 10am-5pm (All year round). Sun, 2-5pm (April-September).   Prices: See website.   Travel Directions: Falkirk is less than half an hour from Glasgow and Edinburgh. From Glasgow take the M80, then the M876 and exit at J1. From Edinburgh take the M9 and exit at J5.