Callendar House is on the east side of Falkirk, with much of the Town now built around the estate, built from the 1400s for the Livingston's, enlarged from the 1660s.

The House is normally open to visitors 10am – 5pm Wednesday to Monday free of charge. Postcode: FK1 1YR.

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The image top is of the front of Callendar House.

The second image is of the remains of the Antonine Wall at the rear of the House.

The House is now used as a Museum covering the history of Falkirk and the House from the 1000s to 1900s.

You can view the Old Kitchen and taste food made from recipes from hundreds of years back, then upstairs there is a vast museum covering the early wars, the evolution of Falkirk, industrial revolution, sport, and an art gallery.

On the east side of the house is a kids play area and boating pond.

On the west side is a kids play area with a snacks kiosk.

Callendar House History

140s - The Romans built the Antonine Wall across central Scotland, passing through the area where Falkirk and Callander Estate are today.

1100s - the Callendar family owned Callendar Estate with their house known as Thanes Hall, said to be a large wooden building. Nothing can be seen of Thanes Hall today.

1300s - Sir Patrick Callendar had the estate taken from him after supporting Edward Balliol in his battles with Robert the Bruce.

1345 - Callendar Estate was awarded to Sir William Livingston by King David II, son of Robert the Bruce. Sir William was married to Christian Callander, daughter of Sir Patrick.

1400s - the Livingston's built a Tower House close to Thanes Hall.

1600s - James, 8th Lord Livingston, fought on the King's side during the Civil Wars.

1641 - James was created 1st Earl of Callendar by Charles I.

1651 - Callendar House was besieged by Cromwell's army with James forced into hiding.

1660 - James returned to Callendar House following the Restoration of the Stuart Kings in 1660. He then set about building a large Mansion around the original Tower House in Continental Classical style.

1688 - the Jacobite Rebellions began over the Catholic Stuart Kings being removed from power.

1715 - James Livingston, 4th Earl of Callendar, was forced into exile abroad after backing the Jacobite's in their failed quest to have the Stuart's returned to the Throne.

Callendar Estate was then sold to the York Buildings Company.

1724 - Callendar House was leased back to the Earl's daughter, Lady Anne Livingston.

1746 January - Lady Anne invited the Jacobite Bonnie Prince Charlie to stay at Callendar House before the Battle of Falkirk Muir.

1746 April - the Jacobite defeat at the Battle of Culloden led to Lady Anne's husband, the Earl of Kilmarnock, being beheaded for treason.

1747 - Lady Anne's death led to her son James Hay, living at Callendar House until his death in 1778.

1783 - Callendar House and Estate were sold at Auction to the Aberdeen coppersmith William Forbes.

Forbes and his descendants changed the house considerably, with the most notable being the French Chateau style roofs.

1963 - Callendar House was purchased along with some of the Estate by Falkirk Burgh Council.

The Council now run the House and Estate as tourist attractions with the House holding a large Museum covering the history of the House, Falkirk Town, Industrial Revolution, and the Area, free of charge.

The Estate is open to the public with Walks, Boating Pond, Kids Play, and Snack Kiosk.

1990 - an archaeological dig uncovered the foundations of a large wooden building, radio-carbon dated to the 900s. This is thought to be the remains of Thanes Hall, around 80ft long by 25ft wide, standing on land known as Palace Hill, a short distance northeast of Callendar House.