Trinity Church

A walk through the history of the town inevitably starts at the old parish church. The town of Falkirk owes its name to the church, which is believed to date back to the 7th century. However, the oldest part of the existing building is the base of the tower, which is 15th century. The prominent steeple of 1738 was designed by William Adam. The medieval church was demolished in 1810 and on 8th September 1811 the present one was opened. The plans had been prepared by Gillespie Graham giving an auditorium church. Externally, the angles are emphasised by square pseudo-towers with crenellated tops, the gables surmounted by a matching crow-stepping. The cost of the building was nearly £5000.

In 1892 a two-storey hall by R R Anderson was added to the south side of the tower.

Since the late 13th century the graveyard has attracted international visitors, including Cromwell’s troops. Robert Burns also made the pilgrimage, for here are the monuments to Sir John de Graeme and Sir John Stewart of Bonkhill, killed in the 1298 Battle of Falkirk. The de Graeme tomb was covered with a cast iron canopy made by the Falkirk Iron Company in 1860. Here too are the graves of Colonel Robert Munro, young Glengarry, and other victims of the Jacobite battle of 1746.

More soldiers are commemorated on the war memorial that forms the entrance from the hall; and this is now joined by the memorial from the Erskine Church.

Open courtesy of the Kirk Session of Falkirk Trinity.

Wheelchair access to ground floor only. Limited parking to side of church for elderly/disabled. Further parking in town centre.

GUIDED HISTORY WALKS

SAT: NOON, 2PM & 4PM

SUN: 2PM & 4PM

MEET AT FALKIRK TRINITY CHURCH

FREE NON-TICKETED

To connect the buildings that are open, and those that are not, a series of guided walks of the town centre has been arranged. Each is to be conducted by a local historian leaving from Falkirk Trinity Church (until recently known as Falkirk Old & St Modan’s Church). From here the early history of the town will be explored, starting with the graves of the officers from two battles. There are also two 17th century monuments remaining on the High Street. The town’s growth can be seen in the street plan and its social history is reflected in the grand and not so grand facades.

Trinity Church - open courtesy of the Kirk Session of Falkirk Trinity.

Wheelchair access to ground floor only. Limited parking to side of church for elderly/disabled. Further parking in town centre.