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A Brief History of Broomielaw Quay

 

The Broomielaw Quay has been the harbour of Glasgow since the end of the 17th Century and historically in 1812 saw the first European commercial steamer service depart in the form of the world famous Henry Bell’s Comet.

In 1884 Clutha Ferries ran a half hourly service between Victoria Bridge and Whiteinch stopping at the Broomielaw Quay on their journey.  The Clutha Ferries operated until 1903 with many of the passengers being workers commuting daily to the various shipyards, engineering workshops and docks.

Image - Broomielaw 1868  Image - Broomielaw 1880 Image - Broomielaw 1901 
Broomielaw 1868
Broomielaw 1880
 Broomielaw 1901



The opening of the subway underground in 1896 and the introduction of the tram system in 1901 saw the demise of the popular ferry transport system.

The Broomielaw Quay was the traditional departure point for Clyde & Irish steamer services throughout the early part of the 20th Century, allowing families to enjoy trips ‘doon the watter’ to the various holiday seaside resorts.