Finding a mock-Greek Temple hidden in the woods in Falkirk

We took a trip to Callendar Park a week or two ago, and while there spotted on google that there was a mausoleum in the woods !

We had only been there once before and had no idea that there was a mausoleum there. On seeing it on the map, we actually had no idea what to expect, so just made our way towards it via the paths in the woods.

The paths easily took us there, and as we got closer to it, we found a walled enclosure. The enclosure was fairly large, such that you could not see the mausoleum from outside the walls.

On entering the gate, we found the area to be pretty overgrown, and this large tree had come down right across the path.

It only took 1 minute to get from the gate to the mausoleum. I was quite shocked at the building. I simply wasnt expecting to find such a beautiful greek temple in the woods in Falkirk, in central Scotland ! It was a shame about the graffiti though.

Based on all the crap that was around, it was clear that it was not being looked after and unfortunately the local youths have clearly been coming here to drink, smoke and show-off their 'art skills'.

An inspection of the main door led to us finding this greek inscribed panel.

I wanted to find out more about the mausoleum and the inscription, and found the following:

The Forbes family mausoleum was built at great expense to the family, for around £110,000 in today’s money. It was designed like an ancient Greek temple with some later Roman architectural flourishes, by Archibald Elliot a well-known architect of the time, who was commissioned and built the mausoleum in 1816. The sandstone it is made of was quarried locally in Brightons just like the stone for Falkirk’s steeple. There is a Greek inscription on the mausoleum which translates as “Mortals; possessions are mortal, and all things pass by us; if not, at any rate we pass them by.” The remains of twenty one members of the Forbes family lie here, including William “Copperbottom” Forbes who was placed here in 1816, a year after his death.

Source: Our Stories Website accessed on 05/08/24 - link here, which gives credit to "Research conducted by Great Place volunteers, text by Diane Cherry for the Falkirk Explored app, as part of the Callendar Park walking trail.".

I was entirely taken by the building and the location. I loved it, but my wife found it creepy - so we didnt stay long and headed back to Callander House, which is the main attraction in the Park.

I have to say, I really enjoyed this trip. We had no idea the mausoleum was there, and so it was a total surprise. And even when we did find out there was one there (thanks to google) I was excepting something entirely smaller and less grand - I love discoveries like this.

I want to go back, and would love to see inside, but I guess thats nots possible. Anyway - if you like Greek temples and you are ever in Falkirk - then its the place to go !!!!

Highly recommended.

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