History Of Glasgow In Scotland
Stevan Hogg
been rich and varied.
Originally a small salmon-fishing village at a crossing point on the
River Clyde, Glasgow has been shaped by Battles, World Wide Trade and
Heavy Industry to become a truly International City.
Finnieston Crane
Founded by a Christian missionary (St Mungo), Glasgow became a major
religious centre. Mungo's original church was destroyed by the wars
which swept the country in the years after his death. Today's
Cathedral dates from the 12th Century and has been added to in the
years which followed.
Provand's Lordship, the oldest house in Glasgow was built over 500
years ago for the Lord of Provan, an official of the Cathedral. The
house still welcomes visitors today to view its proud history.
In 1451 Glasgow became a University City. Glasgow University was
originally built in the High Street area of the city, but was moved to
its present site in Glasgow's West end in 1870.
Glasgow has also been the site of many battles. Bishop's Castle once
stood on the site now occupied by Glasgow's Royal Infirmary. Here, in
1300, William Wallace (of "Braveheart" fame) with 300 men defeated an
army of 1000 English Knights who had taken possession of the castle
under the English Bishop of Durham.
Two centuries later the castle was again the scene of battle when two
opposing forces fought for control of the Crown of Scotland then in
the possession of the baby, Mary Queen of Scots.
Due to its location on the west of the country, Glasgow was well
positioned to send shipping to the West Indies and America.
By the 18th century many merchants had acquired great wealth by
importing sugar, rum and tobacco.
Thus were born the Tobacco Lords who built fabulous mansions in the
city.
However, life was very different for the city's poor. By the 19th
century the influx of people looking for employment spawned the
emergence of tenement accommodation. The poorest families were forced
to live in "single ends", one roomed homes where the entire family,
often including
Glasgow University
grandparents, would live together. An example is displayed at The
People's Palace. Many families had to share common lavatories and wash
facilities.
However, the struggle for survival generated a common bond between the
tenement dwellers and a great sense of community spirit, kindness and
sharing dominated everyday life.
The existence of vast deposits of coal and iron ore in the Glasgow
area shaped the next two centuries of Glasgow's history.
With the coming of the Industrial Revolution, aided by
technological advances designed by Clydeside inventors such as James
Watt, Heavy Industry in the shape of Railway Locomotives and
Shipbuilding flourished.
Locomotives were exported throughout the world. "Clyde-Built" became
synonymous with quality and reliability. The launch of the three
"Queens" - luxury passenger liners - was the pinnacle of Glasgow's
shipbuilding achievement. (Many of the original shipping models are on
display in the beautiful "Clyde Room" at the Transport Museum)
Sadly, the changing pattern of industry means that the Clyde no longer
employs the vast throngs of workers in the shipbuilding trades,
although there are notable exceptions. The proud "Clyde-Built"
traditions are still in evidence among the workforces of Kvaerner
Govan and Yarrows, to name but two of Clydeside's remaining
shipbuilding yards.
Over recent years the city has been the focus of International
attention.
In 1988 Glasgow's Garden Festival was a spectacular success.
1990 saw the city adorned as the European City of Culture and in 1999
Glasgow hosted the Festival of Architecture and Design .
Today the city beckons tourists from all over the world. Glasgow's art
treasures are world renowned and most of the city's museums and art
galleries offer free entrance to view their treasures. The city boasts
a fine Concert Hall, International Conference Centre, Science Centre,
Sports Arena and shops rivalling the best in the land.
All this combined with Glasgow's unique friendliness and hospitality
makes the city a favourite destination for visitors from all nations.
http://www.geocities.com/scottishphotos
.
John Mullen
news:6adfc5fd.04060...@posting.google.com...
(snip)
> All this combined with Glasgow's unique friendliness and hospitality
> makes the city a favourite destination for visitors from all nations.
As long as they are not of the wrong sectarian persuasion. Or, god forbid
it, *nglish...
John