Early Origins

Glasgow (“dear green place”) dates back to the stone ages with evidence of fishing communities on the banks of the River Clyde. Celtic druids later inhabited the area and probably traded with the Romans. However until St Kentigern or Mungo (meaning “dear one”) of the 6th century founded a Christian church on the site where Glasgow Cathedral now stands, little of its history is known.

Middle Ages

The importance of the settlement grew and by the 12th century had probably around 1,500 inhabitants. The economy was enhanced by the Bishop who secured a “burgh” status for the town. This meant it was more autonomous and able to hold markets and engage in foreign trade. The Cathedral was built, a public park opened and the University of Glasgow founded. Glasgow was well on the way to economic prosperity.

City Growth – 16th to 18th Centuries

Roman Catholicism was renounced in favour of Protestantism in 1560 resulting in the reduction of the church in Glasgow. City merchants and craftsmen filled the vacuum and ultimately the city became self-governing. The city was second only to Edinburgh by 1670 and a century later its population reached approximately 60,000. Transatlantic trade also began around this time and it had become a major port by the 18th century firstly for tobacco from America and later with sugar from the Caribbean with sugar.

Second City of the Empire – 19th Century

The industrial revolution allowed the city to become strong in many areas of manufacturing from soap-making to textiles. Cheap labour was also in plentiful supply with Irish, Italian, Jewish and Eastern European immigrants. When cotton and tobacco industry declined, the city concentrated more heavy types such as shipbuilding and engineering. The city was one of the wealthiest in Europe, many grand buildings were constructed and it became the second city (after London) of the British Empire.

Industrial Decline - 20th Century

Most of this century was characterised by economic decline and depression. The industries that had been the backbone of its successes were either no longer in demand such as shipbuilding or couldn’t compete with overseas competition such as textiles.

This resulted in unemployment and economic downturn that worsened social problems such as housing shortages. The rush to provide enough housing in post war Glasgow resulted in the production of high-rise flats in the 60’s and 70’s in place of the stone tenement blocks. History hasn’t looked on this policy favourably with the consensus that communities too were destroyed in the process.

Cultural Renaissance & Regeneration

By the 1980’s Glasgow had a serious image problem, considered violent and dirty it wasn’t attracting visitors or investors and needed to re-invent itself. Advertising campaigns to address its image, redevelopment of the Clyde corridor with an exhibition centre, showcase events and most importantly Glasgow’s European City of Culture in 1990 marked the beginning of the city’s successful turnaround. The label of city of culture was seized whole heartedly by the city and used as a catalyst for urban regeneration with galleries, theatres, auditoriums being built or redeveloped and putting Glasgow firmly back on the map. Economic regeneration came hand in hand, with the city also becoming a centre of finance and service as well as a popular tourist destination.