Glasgow

Glasgow, the largest town in Scotland, and the second in Great Britain, stands on both sides of the river Clyde. The greater part of it is in Lanarkshire; but it also overlaps Renfrewshire in the south-west. It is 45 miles from Edinburgh, and about 405 miles from London, which is reached by rail in 9 hours.

History. The origin of the name is unknown. The Romans had a station on the Clyde, near the site of the town, which became the seat of the bishop in the sixth century. In 1450 Bishop Tumbull obtained a charter; and the same prelate founded Glasgow University. In 1638 the Presbyterians asserted in the city the independence of their kirk. Glasgow also seems to have benefited by the invasion of Scotland by Cromwell. Two great fires consumed part of it in 1652 and 1677. It became the head-quarters of the Covenanters, and was violent in its opposition to the Act of Union. When, however, the advantages of an increased trade began to be felt the city became very loyal in its sentiments, though in 1819, and again in 1848, there were trade-riots.

Trade. Trade-guilds were organised in 1516. Bleaching and calico-printing began here earlier than in Lancashire. The dyeing of Turkey-red had its origin at Glasgow in 1785, and here also bleaching-powder was invented by Charles Tennant in 1798. These, with spinning and weaving, formed until the present century the chief industries of the place. Ship-building on a large scale was begun about 1812, when the steamer Comet began to ply between Glasgow and Greenock. The tonnage yearly made amounts to about 300,000. Something like £1,000,000 annually is taken in customs' dues. The iron industry has flourished in Glasgow since the patenting of Neilson's hot blasts in 1828.

Buildings. The cathedral, in the early Gothic style, was begun about 1200, and finished in the middle of the 15th century. Its area is 319 feet by 63. The spire, rising from a central tower, is 225 feet high. The crypt under the choir is distinguished by the splendid ornamentation of its pillars and doors. In 1854 the whole building was repaired and restored under Government supervision. There are numerous well-built modern churches, a handsome Royal Exchange, post-office, and city chambers, all of very recent date. Fine statues are to be seen in George Square and elsewhere, including figures of two Glaswegians, Lord Clyde and Sir John Moore. On the north of the Clyde is Glasgow Green; and there are three public parks in different parts of the city.

Institutions, etc. The University buildings, designed by Sir Gilbert Scott, were opened in 1870. There were upwards of 2,000 students in 1889, divided into four "nations." There are 10 professors of subjects included under arts, and 12 of medicine. Besides the usual degrees, that of Master of Surgery (C.M.) is given, and a certificate entitled Literate in Arts (L.A.) is awarded to students who have attended two sessions. The University joins with Aberdeen in sending a Member to Parliament. A Rector is elected every three years by the students. By the help of the Snell exhibitions some of them are enabled to go to Oxford after finishing their course. The Library dates from the 15th century, and receives an annual grant from the Treasury. Dr. W. Hunter in 1781 left a valuable collection of books, coins, etc., to the University. Among Glasgow men have been John Major, Bishop Burnet, Dr. R. Simson, Smollett, Adam Smith, Thomas Campbell, Lockhart, Sir W. Hamilton, and Archbishop Tait.

The Glasgow and West of Scotland Technical College, founded in 1886, has more than 2,000 students. St. Mungo's College and Anderson's College are for medical students, and there are numerous other educational establishments. The chief charitable institutions are the Royal Infirmary, the Western Infirmary, and the Victoria Infirmary.

There are three fine railway-stations: St. Enoch's, the terminus of the Glasgow and South-Western; the Central Station of the Caledonian; and the North British Station. There are also underground lines in connection with the North British and Caledonian. Thirty-one miles of tram-lines have been laid down, and transit by water is provided in the river-steamers. The Clyde is crossed by ten bridges, and a tunnel under the river at the harbour is being constructed.

Government of the City. The Provosts or Baillies were at first selected by the Bishops of Glasgow, and when the Church lands were seized by the Crown the right of choosing them was sold to two nobles. In 1636, however, Glasgow became a free royal burgh. From that time till 1833 municipal government was in the hands of the guilds. By the Burgh Reform Act the number of town councillors was fixed at 30, besides the dean of guild and the deacon-convener. The area of the burgh having widened, there are at present 48 members. Glasgow has 7 representatives in Parliament, besides the members for Govan and Partick.

The lighting of the streets is now in the hands of the Corporation. The water-supply is obtained from Loch Katrine, and flows into a reservoir 7 miles from the city and 70 acres in extent. The City Improvement Trust has spent about two million pounds within the last twenty-five years. The valuation of the city of Glasgow was estimated at £3,401,790 in 1889.