Glasgow Bridge/Jamaica Bridge

March 15, 2010

This tranquil scene of the Broomielaw quayside viewed across the river from the Bridge Hotel was captured by Thomas Annan in 1865 and, judging from the absence of people, it was probably taken early on a Sunday morning. Glasgow Bridge is on the right and the steamers Vesta (left) and Eagle are moored beside the […]

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Charing Cross

March 12, 2010

This view of Charing Cross, taken no later than 1910, shows the Grand Hotel on the left and part of the magnificent Charing Cross Mansions in the centre, designed in the French style by Sir. John J. Burnet who trained in Paris. The curving Mansion frontage connects St. George’s Road on the left with the […]

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Glasgow’s Early History

March 6, 2010

It is most likely that Glasgow began as a small settlement or series of settlements along the banks of the Clyde near places where the river was easily forded. Canoes have been found that date these settlements back to the Stone Age. The Clyde valley was probably densely wooded in those times. The Roman Empire […]

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Sauchiehall Street

March 2, 2010

Sauchiehall Street is a name unique to Glasgow and yet known well beyond the city limits. It’s a long street by Glasgow standards and was renowned for its department stores, hotels, cinemas, restaurants and tearooms as well as art galleries and a range of smaller businesses. Much of the street is situated on a hillside […]

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Jamaica Bridge Scenes filmed in 1901

March 2, 2010

There is so much of interest in the short film below, made in 1901, and now in the archives of the British Film Institute. Most of the scenes are recorded at the north end of Jamaica Bridge, also known as Glasgow Bridge, with the camera looking towards the corner of Jamaica Street and the Broomielaw. […]

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Jamaica Street

February 27, 2010

Before there was a Jamaica Street there was open countryside, then a cart track, and around 1730 a bottle works was started up close to the river. Jamaica Street was opened in 1763 at a time when the rum and sugar trade with the island of Jamaica in the West Indies was flourishing. Some of […]

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Union Street

February 25, 2010

There is plenty of action in this 1920’s downtown scene at the intersection of Argyle Street with the junction of Jamaica Street and Union Street. Tramcars are clattering across the intersection in both directions and a woman is racing across the path of approaching car 571. The passengers seated in the open balconies of these […]

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Argyle Street

February 25, 2010

In this busy scene we are looking east along Argyle Street, across the junction with Union Street on the left and Jamaica Street on the right. Judging from the crowds, it is probably a Saturday. Robert Simpson’s clothing store is holding a summer sale, with posters advertising bargains in silks, dress goods and mantles. Several […]

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Glasgow Cathedral and the Royal Infirmary

February 23, 2010

This photograph taken from Castle Street shows Glasgow Cathedral, also known as St. Mungo’s Cathedral, and the original Royal Infirmary building, designed by Robert and James Adam. Parts of the Cathedral date back to the 13th century and it is considered to be Glasgow’s oldest building. The Cathedral and Royal Infirmary beyond are shown to […]

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Glasgow

February 22, 2010

Glasgow’s history is immensely rich and varied.  It spans centuries and great things have been accomplished by its ardent and skillful population.  The city has achieved distinction in the arts and sciences, in medicine, economics and engineering.  Its people are creative, hard working and entrepreneurial and they built an industrial and trading powerhouse.   The names […]

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