Let Glasgow Flourish
Trip Start
Feb 19, 2010
1
13
39
Trip End
Apr 05, 2010
Where I stayed
Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
Friday, March 5, 2010
Local folklore has it that the motto (entry title) comes from when St Mungo once preached a sermon that included the line "Lord, let Glasgow flourish through the preaching of thy word". The motto is appears to be a shortened version of an inscription on a bell that was made for the Tron Kirk on Trongate in 1637 and of which the steeple only remains. The full line is “Lord, let Glasgow flovrichse throvgh the preaching of thy word and praising of thy word” the motto itself in its current form came into existence in about 1699.
Glasgow in Gaelic is Glasghu which is “dear green place” and there are a heap of parks for you to stroll on as well, with the River Clyde passing through it there is even a beautiful waterfront area. So much to see, so much to do, so little time – one fully day in fact!
We started out our day at Glasgow Cathedral and Necropolis. The Necropolis is perched up on a hill overlooking the city and was established in the 1800’s as a botanic and sculpture garden to improve the morals and tastes of Glaswegians and act as an historical record of past greatness.
It was established to reflect the confidence and wealth of the Victorian era, which was brought about by the merchants. And as such it acts as a memorial for merchant patriarchs of the city and holds the remains of almost every eminent Glaswegian of its day. It does however contain many other memorials, 2 of which were of interest to us ad what originally bought us to the necropolis.
The first of which is the John Knox Monument, it is an imposing 70 foot monument that has a 12 foot state of Knox in his Geneva gown, clutching a bible in his right hand. It does of course predate the necropolis but is however found within its boundaries. And it is impressive, even those who don’t know much about John Knox can find out a bit by reading the inscription on the sides.
The second being the monument to Reverend George Marshall Middleton, for no other reason that he is a Presbyterian reverend, and a Marshall – how could we pass that up??
We wandered around the Cathedral for a bit. This cathedral is named after St Mungo – who is Glasgow’s patron saint as well as being the location of his tomb. We then headed into George Square and the City Hall. We had plans to go to the Lighthouse which is Scotland’s Centre for architecture, design and the city. It used to be the Glasgow Herald Building and is meant to be a sight to see. We did have a look at it, and it is interesting, but by no means spectacular in our opinion.
In the afternoon we headed off to the People’s Palace and Wintergarden. This is Glasgow’s Social History Museum showcasing the story of Glasgow and it’s people from 1750 to now. It was opened on the 22nd January 1898 by the Earl of Rosebery who declared the building “open to the people forever and ever”. The Winter Gardens are an attached large, Victorian glasshouse filled with tropical plants and views of Glasgow Green.
Outside is also the Doulton Fountain, which is the largest Terracotta Fountain in the world standing at 14m high. Each side of the fountain depicts a different English Territory of the time (Australia, India, South Africa, Canada) it was built (1888) and Queen Victoria is on the top surveying all that is her realm.
Behind this is “Doge’s Palace” the office block of the former Templeton’s Carpet Factory. It was designed by William Leiper who was asked to make a palace that was like the Doge’s Palace of Venice, and this is what he came up with. We didn’t like it much....but each to their own hey?
Once done here we trundled back up High Street to our flat, dumped the camera gear and then wandered into the shopping precincts of Buchanan Galleries and Princes Square. We wandered past the Willow Tea Rooms which is considered the most famous of all Glaswegian Tearooms, but didn’t end up wandering inside, though we did consider it. After lots of looking (but no buying – we are trying to keep to a minimum) we wandered back to collapse in a heap after a thoroughly enjoyable day.
And – as will be always, the best photos will be found on Nigel’s flickr
