Steeple

Completed in 1814 according to designs by David Hamilton of Glasgow, the Steeple is the iconic landmark of the town. 140ft tall, it has four stages – the bottom being severe Florentine; the second Greek Doric; the third or clock chamber Italianate; and the belfry Ionic. It was constructed to house the town’s bell and clock, as well as containing temporary lockups. The design was a reflection of civic pride. The original Steeple on the site was erected in 1697 and was the first building to be owned by the Stentmasters – the precursor of the town council. An exhibition on the history of the Steeple can be found in the Howgate Shopping Centre nearby from mid-September.

Today the ground floor is the only area open to the public and functions as the Box Office for Falkirk Community Trust. Over this weekend there will be opportunities to inspect the two prison cells (lockups) usual closed to the public. These retain their original reinforced doors and traces of the iron cladding of both the ceilings and the floors. People had escaped from the previous tolbooth, but this was not going to happen here!

To enable it to open to the public, work on the building has been supported by the Falkirk Townscape Heritage Initiative with further work to be undertaken in future years.

Open courtesy of Falkirk Council & Falkirk Community Trust

Please note: access is to the first and second floors of the building only, by a small spiral staircase. Visitors must be able to ascend and descend the stairs. We reserve the right to refuse access in reasonable circumstances.

No wheelchair access. Parking in town centre.

Over this weekend there will be opportunities to inspect the two prison cells (lockups) usual closed to the public. These retain their original reinforced doors and traces of the iron cladding of both the ceilings and the floors. People had escaped from the previous tolbooth, but this was not going to happen here!

To enable it to open to the public, work on the building has been supported by the Falkirk Townscape Heritage Initiative with further work to be undertaken in future years. Open courtesy of Falkirk Council & Falkirk Community Trust

Please note: access is to the first and second floors of the building only, by a small spiral staircase. Visitors must be able to ascend and descend the stairs. We reserve the right to refuse access in reasonable circumstances.

No wheelchair access. Parking in town centre.

STEEPLE TOURS

SATURDAY & SUNDAY EVERY 15 MINUTES

MEET OUTSIDE THE STEEPLE

FREE TICKETED EVENT - BOOKING ESSENTIAL

Tickets from the Steeple Box Office (01324) 506850.

Further events to be taking place in the High Street to mark the 200th anniversary of the Steeple.