Medieval Glasgow, Scotland

Introduction

In 2025 Glasgow celebrated it's 850th anniversary. This afternoon I am dipping into the early years with information on still extant sites from the medieval times.

Information on Medieval Glasgow 

This report covers the period roughly spanning the years 1119 to 1492. This was a period during which Glasgow’s medieval ecclesiastical centre, based on the Cathedral, played an important role in the economic development of the town. Although much of the medieval town lies under Victorian architecture, there are visible remains which provide hints to the past, as illustrated below.   

WEST PORT This was the western entrance to the medieval burgh. Image below shows view from the head of Argyle Street towards Trongate.   

West Port, Glasgow, Scotland

 NEW VENNEL This was an alley providing access to Bridgegate which was a busy residential and business area. 

New Vennel, Glasgow, Scotland

 TRONGATE A wide street the name of which is derived from the town’s tron or wooden weighing beam used to regulate weights and measures.  

 

Trongate, Glasgow

THE TRON KIRK STEEPLE  This steeple dates from 1593 and later 1636 when re-built. The adjacent church was destroyed by fire leaving the steeple isolated.   

 

Tron Kirk Steeple 

TOLBOOTH AND STEEPLE Here is the crossing place where Trongate, High Street, Saltmaket and the Gallowgate meet. This junction was an important administrative centre and marketplace. Subsequently the centre of administration and business moved westwards leaving the only link with the past, Glasgow Cross, isolated. In the past a large tolbooth building was attached to the steeple but this was removed in 1924. 

Glasgow Cross

SALTMARKET In medieval times salt was a very important and valuable commodity. The Saltmarket, along with Trongate, Gallowgate and the High Street were at the heart of the commercial centre of medieval Glasgow. 

Saltmarket, Glasgow 

 Saltmarket, Glasgow  

 A fascinating short tour in a relatively compact area.

Visiting

Glasgow can be accessed via rail, road and air. There is accommodation to suit all budgets from luxury 5 star through to hostels.

More information

For more information on Glasgow and Scotland in general please refer Visitors’ Guide to Scotland, ISBN 978-1-9161332-0-4. This book is also available via Kindle.

 

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