Falkirk

Falkirk, a parliamentary borough of Stirlingshire, is situated on a slope overlooking the Carse of Falkirk, and near the canal that connects the Forth with the Clyde. It is connected by railway with Edinburgh and Glasgow, from each of which it is little more than 20 miles distant. The church, rebuilt in 1810, contains some ancient monuments, and the town possesses the usual public buildings. There are no important manufactures, but the market is well supplied, and the three cattle fairs or "trysts" rank among the chief in Scotland. The Carron and other iron-works are in the neighbourhood. In conjunction with Lanark, Hamilton, Airdrie, and Linlithgow, Falkirk sends one member to Parliament. Two great battles have been fought here. In 1298 Edward I. defeated Wallace, and in 1746 the Young Pretender routed the forces of the Crown.