Aerial photograph of Glasgow Green
History of Glasgow Green
Glasgow's oldest park is close to the city's historic centre and stretches from the Saltmarket at the High Court, across to the Calton and Bridgeton districts and is bordered by the River Clyde to the south.
Its history can be traced back to 1450 when James II granted the Green to Bishop William Turnbull for use as common grazing ground and this was the Green's main use until the nineteenth century.
Due to its proximity to the River Clyde, women of the East End of the city used the area, including the local wash-house and drying green, for washing and bleaching linen.
The present layout was created between 1817 and 1826 when much of the land which was subject to frequent flooding was levelled and drained and the Camlachie and Molendinar burns channelled underground.
Most of the work was carried out by unemployed weavers, made redundant by the introduction of power looms. The Molendinar Burn is traditionally believed to be where St. Mungo baptised Christian converts in the sixth century.
Despite a bye-law introduced in 1819 prohibiting sporting and leisure pursuits, golf, tennis, swimming and of course, football were all popular pastimes.
Glasgow Fair
Probably the most important leisure activity associated with the Green is the Glasgow Fair, which was established in the 12th century and from the early 1800s held on the Green near the present High Court building. The fair originally included sales of horses, cattle and the hiring of servants. In the 19th century it began to attract amusements such as theatres, circuses and drinking booths.
The area has long been associated with the people's struggle for reforms and justice. As at Speaker's Corner in London's Hyde Park, the Green became the place to listen to religious and political speakers debating such causes as electoral reform, trade union rightsand women's suffrage. Public executions took place on the Green up until 1865.
Local Landmarks
People's Palace and Winter Gardens
McLellan Arch
Doulton Fountain
James Martin Fountain
Templeton's Carpet Factory
Nelson's Monument
Collins Fountain
High Court of the Justiciary
Over the years Glasgow Green has seen off threats to its existence from proposed coal-mines, railways and motorways to remain a vibrant public space at the heart of the city.
Find out more about Glasgow Green.