The Town Steeple, arguably more than any other built heritage structure, symbolises Falkirk, the town, the area and it’s people in its widest social, cultural, and economic sense of pride and belonging.
The building was erected by a local mason, Henry Taylor, and completed in 1814 at a contract price of £1660. The current Steeple, situated in the High Street, is the towns third steeple and stands at approximately 140 feet high. Falkirk’s first steeple was built in the 16th century and if you would like to know more about its history see our Steeple Education Pack.
Falkirk Town Steeple was identified as one of the ‘Priority Projects’ of the THI, and as such will benefit from funding to bring the external fabric of the Steeple into a good state of repair, in line with best conservation practice.
The £748k refurbishment work started in April 2016 and is being carried out by Glasgow based specialist conservation company Land Engineering over a 39 week period.
The specialist restoration work will include repairs to stonework, renovation work to clock faces, mechanisms and bells, refurbishment and replacement of timber sash and case windows, louvres, screens and doors, repair and decoration of timber components panels and weather vane. In addition the two original cells located in the building will also benefit from restorative work.
In August 2016 the cockerel weather vane was removed from it’s lofty perch for a much needed makeover. In September 2016 it returned to the Steeple after repairs and re-gilding were carried out.
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Key Facts
Status: On-site
Estimated Cost: £748, 000
Timescale: 39 Weeks (Estimate: April 2016-December 2016)