Glasgow's 850th Anniversary

Introduction

This year, 2025, is being celebrated at the 850th anniversary of Glasgow's founding. The founding date of 1175 records the year in which the city was granted burgh status by King William 1st of Scotland (1143-1214).The burgh status strongly points to the city already having achieved a certain commercial standing by then. A burgh entitled a town/city to hold markets and engage in trade.


 More information on Glasgow's history 

It is very likely that Glasgow has a history stretching back well into the first millennium.There are a number of pointers to this,viz:

  • The name Glasgow is derived from the Brittonic glas-cau which translates as 'green hollow'. Brittonic is linked to modern-day Welsh and appears to have been the default language of mainland Britain until arrival of the Gaels (to Scotland) around the 5th century and Anglo-Saxons (to England) around the 6th century.
  • There is archaeological evidence of dug-out canoes and similar boats and a Crannog both of which which could date back 2000 years. At this time Glasgow may have been a fishing village on the River Clyde.

Foundations of Dumbuck Crannog (Iron-Age) in the River Clyde near Dumbarton


 Dug-out boat at Riverside Museum

 

It is worth mentioning that for a brief period (c.AD 160-180) what is now Glasgow was part of the Roman Empire. This was during the time the Antonine Wall formed the northern frontier of the Roman Empire.Today a vestige of the Antonine Wall can be seen at the outer suburb of Bearsden.

 Bearsden Roman Baths

 

This morning I visited as small display recording Glasgow's history at the Couper Institute (library) in Cathcart. Relevant images are set out below. 

Old photograph recording Mary Queen of Scots at the Battle of Langside in 1568. (Her side lost.) 

 

Group picture taken at Holmwood House with Britain's former Prime Minister, Lloyd George (2nd from right in front row)


 Going out 1920s-1990s

 

Pipe Factory (smoking pipes)

 

 Protest stories from 18th century onwards

 

Police truncheon from days past. Only about 3pct of British police are armed.


 A range of artefacts from 2200 BC onwards.

 


 More information on Glasgow


 People's Palace et al 


 Tenement life

 


More information for the tourist

The publication, Visitors’ Guide Scotland includes sections on towns and cities. There is a wide range of further information including the Highlands, and much more. ISBN is 978-1-9161332-0-4. This book is also available via Kindle. 

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