After the 1960s, clearances of poverty-stricken inner city areas like the Gorbals and relocation to "new towns" such as East Kilbride and Cumbernauld led to population decline. It was home to the warehouses and dwellings of the merchants who shipped tobacco, sugar and tea. Well into the 19th century this area remained the city centre. Creative spaces, LGBTQ+ scene, independent and designer stores, Cocktails in stunning surrounds, summer festival atmosphere, fairy-lit Royal Exchange Square, Discover more of Glasgow's neighbourhoods and explore what makes each of them so unique! Its modern replacement was built to the south-east of the original location to aid traffic. environmental regeneration of 13 miles of the River Clyde from Glasgow city centre to Dumbarton. Lorenzo Mele, Executive Producer, Merchant City Festival, official travel guidance from the Scottish Government, Enjoy drinks from Glasgow's best bars at home, St Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art. Another listed building in the Merchant City has been earmarked for a hotel development. The audio trail, Merchant City Voices, a series of seven sound installations commissioned by Glasgow City Council, won the 2013 Scottish Design Award. Listing). Past incarnations of this striking venue include the Union Bank and judiciary courts. Glasgow was then one of the most densely populated cities in the world. The Steeple is all that remains of the old Tolbooth buildings which were demolished in 1921. There are also quite a … Prior to the Tobacco Lord era, the Cathedral Precinct around Glasgow Cathedral staged public burning of witches for heresy and bodies were removed from graves in Ramshorn Churchyard to conduct anatomy research at Glasgow University. Renowned for its world-class acoustics, the spectacular Hall also houses the Scottish Music Centre and is home to The BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra and hosts regular performances for the Scottish Chamber Orchestra. uphill. Merchant Square itself is housed in part of the Old Fruitmarket. The medieval Glasgow Cross was located on the road between High Street and Saltgait. Walk the oldest streets as part of their Merchant City Music – Past and Present tour and learn about how this part of the city has been the creative stamping ground for some of the city's finest talents. Glasgow City Heritage Trust is an independent charity and your support is crucial to ensure that our charitable work promoting the understanding, appreciation and conservation of Glasgow’s historic buildings for the benefit of the city’s communities and its visitors continues now, and in the future. Head further along Ingram Street to Candleriggs and Albion Street where you are literally spoiled for choice with the range of drinking and dining options available. The Merchant City is a district in the East end of Glasgow. History of Glasgow's Merchant City illustrated with original drawings, engravings and maps. George and his wife and children were part of a nexus of linked families that… Although the 1973 Act abolished all non-elected posts, the part played by the Lord Dean and the House in the governance of the City of Glasgow over the centuries has been recognised in that the then City of Glasgow District Council invited the Lord Dean to attend meetings of the Council in an honorary non-voting capacity, which he does regularly, thus keeping the House in touch with civic affairs. Arta sits in the heart of the Merchant City and is popular with all types of people. Renowned for its world-class acoustics, the spectacular Hall also houses the Scottish Music Centre and is home to The BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra and hosts regular performances for the Scottish Chamber Orchestra. It tells the story of an extended family living in Glasgow in the nineteenth century - the family of my 4th great uncle, Glasgow merchant George Robb (1769 - c. 1811). Following decline in the late 20th century the Merchant City has The old buildings give the area a very rustic feel. It subsequently housed a mixture of financial institutions, warehouses and some of Glasgow’s finest public buildings. Due to these circumstances, please note the information on this website is subject to significant change. Merchant City is one of Glasgow’s oldest quarters dating back to the 1750s when it was home to the warehouses of wealthy merchants who shipped tobacco, sugar and tea. Shops + Flats in historic city centre, Strathclyde: West of Scotland Architecture. Also at Victoria Bridge and the Merchant City (Back to To find out more see our Privacy Policy. Developers have submitted plans for the B-listed building on the corner of Glassford and Wilson Street. Merchant City Glasgow. The They share an entrance, in fact, as well as a pavement outside inscribed with thought provoking quotes about music, creativity, and Glasgow. Merchant City is full of designer boutiques and stylish cafés in the former warehouses of Ingram Street and the Italian Center. Other quirky shopping highlights include: A trove of vintage, second-hand and retro treasures including clothes and jewellery. Once home to Glasgow’s wealthy tobacco merchants, Merchant City has undergone a renaissance, transforming it into the cultural and Bohemian center of the city, dubbed the Greenwich Village of Glasgow. Merchant City Voices is a series of sound installations formed in collaboration between Collective Architecture and renowned Scottish author, Louise Welsh, commissioned by Glasgow City Council. Be sure to stop by at the weekend to pick up some unique Glasgow gifts at their weekly craft and design fair. MERCHANT CITY (GLASGOW) LLP - Free company information from Companies House including registered office address, filing history, accounts, annual return, officers, charges, business activity The original Merchants’ House or Guild Hall and hospital was constructed from 1651 to 1659 and the Steeple was completed in 1665. The privately owned 3-star Merchant City Inn is set in the centre of Glasgow, in a secluded street adjacent to renowned Argyle Street and 2 minutes' walk from George Square. 16. Arta. The Old Fruitmarketis al… Arta is owned by G1 Group plc, their license was granted on 31 August 2009. Trongate 103 is a place to see art, make art and enjoy being creative. Between 2003 and 2014 Clyde Waterfront was a strategic Independent men's streetwear brand located in Royal Exchange Square. 2018. 7 Nov 2020. Saved by Patricia Taylor. Why not download the Clyde Waterfront Heritage guide and visit this historic River Clyde attraction. The place is full of historical buildings and places that are sure to enchant you. From the small but perfectly formed Glasgow Police Museum (winner of the 'Best Day Out Award' at The Glasgow Awards 2019) showcasing the history of policing in Glasgow over the last 175 years, it also houses Europe's largest international police display of uniforms and insignia from around the world. Stately shopping streets and the wealthy homes of 'tobacco lairds' Glasgow Cathedral and the College (later University) further Over recent years a number of creative hubs have also sprung up to support this ever-growing community, allowing them to share innovative exhibition and workspaces. Our fantastic Mediterranean inspired venue can be found in the heart of Merchant City, Glasgow, home to our tapas restaurant, hacienda style main bar and club Canvas. In the 19th century, the area became home to Glasgow’s central fruit, vegetable and cheese markets. Bars and restaurants of all sorts can be found here and there is a lot to explore in this lovely area. Become a Friend of Glasgow City Heritage Trust. HISTORY OF THE MERCHANT CITY 1700-1830 Foreign trade began in 1450 when William Elphinstone exported cured salmon and herrings (one of the first commodities of Glasgow… The Merchant City is one of Glasgow’s oldest quarters dating back to the 1750s when it was home to the warehouses of wealthy traders. The project explores Glasgow’s involvement in the tobacco and sugar industries, and contemporary responses to the system of forced labour that it depended on - the transatlantic slave trade. The area is at its most vibrant and colourful when the streets come alive with a carnival atmosphere during the annual Merchant City Festival (July/August). Head towards High Street via Glasgow Cross to capture a photo of the Tolbooth Steeple, a 17th Century landmark that stands proudly on this junction. City Halls and the Old Fruitmarket: two wildly different music venues which stand next to each other in Glasgow’s Merchant City neighborhood. The Old Fruitmarket is also part of the City Halls complex. Leading British milliner who creates stunning hats and headpieces for all ocassions. The area is not known as the designer district for nothing with independent concept stores such as END, 18 Montrose and Walker Slater all showcasing their uniquely curated fashion and beauty brands. Enterprise, Glasgow City, Renfrewshire and West Dunbartonshire Or be wowed by the grandeur of Hutchesons City Grill. Councils. Independent record store on King Street, selling an extensive and eclectic range. Visit the Merchant City 3,187 views 8 years ago Produced by Forest of Back in conjunction with Merchant City Tourism and Marketing Co - Op and Glasgow City Marketing Bureau. And share what you love about our city's neighbourhoods using #NextStopGlasgow. been revitalised and many old buildings refurbished. In the 19th century, the area became home to Glasgow’s central fruit, vegetable and cheese markets. Nowadays it is home to a thriving bar and restaurant scene ( at least it was pre-COVID…) Well worth a visit. Start your exploration in Royal Exchange Square, one of the city's most gracious urban spaces filled with great restaurants, cafes and upmarket retailers which surround the splendid neo-classical building that now houses the Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA). The project explored Glasgow’s involvement in the tobacco and sugar industries, and the system of forced labour that it depended on – all themes which were developed in the Empire Cafe Project at the Briggait this summer. In an effort to eradicate the inconvenient remnants of medieval Glasgow, new thoroughfares cut across the central 'merchant city' area. Through a fairy-lit lane, you’ll also discover Virginia Court, a little courtyard which is occupied by a small but quirky selection of bars. Image: Merchant Square The City Hallsis Glasgow's oldest purpose-built performance space, having entertained patrons since 1841. The town's tron was placed on the steeple of the town house in the 1550s. Bridgegate, Saltmarket and the High Street were the main streets in medieval Glasgow. Just round the corner is The Polo Lounge, which has won the coveted 'Best Gay Bar' award on a number of occasions. Merchant City is an area within Glasgow. Dating back to the 1800s and a working produce market until the 1970s, the venue has retained its period charm and regularly hosts a variety of events including jazz, rock and pop concerts, club nights and ceilidhs. Its modern replacement was built to the south-east of the original location to aid traffic. If you have any photos/stories from this pub, please […] expanded west and south. Merchant City is one of Glasgow’s oldest quarters dating back to the 1750s when it was home to the warehouses of wealthy merchants who shipped tobacco, sugar and tea. The Briggait is a beautiful Grade A listed venue, built in 1873 that has been transformed by the Wasps Trust and Wasps Artists' Studios into a home for visual artists and cultural organisations. The trading communities were clustered near the river with This historic and fascinating part of the city is also home to a selection of great visitor attractions. Another great way to discover some of this neighbourhood’s venues is on a Glasgow Music City Tour. Try Ingram Wynd for Scottish flavours, KoolBa for top-notch, award-winning curries and The 13th Note and Mono for tasty vegan food. Merchant Square itself is housed in part of the Old Fruitmarket. While snugly situated right next door is The Riding Rooms, where you can expect to see all manner of quirky thrills on the stage throughout the week – from risqué comedy to burlesque shows. area was largely rebuilt in the late 19th century as the city The Merchant City is a district in the East end of Glasgow, Scotland. Housed in a glorious Grade-A listed building the venue has three floors of decadent dining options. The Merchant City is a district in the East end of Glasgow. The Merchant City in Glasgow dates back to the 1750s and is one of the oldest areas of Glasgow. This site uses cookies. History. Glasgow has a thriving LGBTQ+ scene, with much of it concentrated in the heart of the Merchant City. The Merchant City also has a dark history with many sordid tales to unveil. DM Hall presents rare 18 room boutique hotel development opportunity in Glasgow’s Merchant City at offers over £1.33m. Miller Street is a popular haunt with the award-winning Paesano Pizza, rated ninth out of Europe's top 50 pizza restaurants in 2019 by Big Seven Travel and easily identified by the queue of eager weekend patrons; as well as the uber-stylish Spanish Butcher – a carnivore’s dream! In the 1950s, the population of the City of Glasgow area peaked at 1,089,000. The town's tron was placed on the steeple of the town house in the 1550s. Glasgow City Council has appointed a multidisciplinary team of local and international consultants to prepare for the next phase of our City Centre District Regeneration Frameworks (DRFs). Interestingly the name Merchant City was only coined in the twentieth century: in its original heyday the area was known as Trongate. Glasgow history hotspot: The Briggait's story from fish to the arts 0 comment LONG before its stylish reinvention as a home for visual artists and cultural organisations, The Briggait was buzzing with activity of a different kind – it was the city’s biggest fishmarket. Why not download the Clyde Waterfront Heritage guide and … The area is a magnet for creative talent with independent, artist-run galleries such as The Modern Institute and Transmission. And be sure to look out for the beautiful lamp posts featuring Glasgow's coat of arms – visit the coat of arms' digital map to find out where else across the city to spot them. Once the home of many wealthy tobacco lairds, this historic area has been devloped and many old buildings refurbished. Head further into Merchant City along Ingram Street, the exclusive fashion boulevard featuring Armani, Ralph Lauren, Mulberry, and Cruise to drop just a few famous names! The Festival is a centre-piece of the city’s cultural calendar and presents some of the best Scottish and international art and entertainment and great family activities too. The medieval Glasgow Cross was located on the road between High Street and Saltgait. partnership comprising the Scottish Government, Scottish Merchant Square meanwhile, is an undercover courtyard and former merchant’s market which is now home to a further great selection of bars and restaurants. Merchant City really comes alive at night and whether it’s comedy, classical music or cabaret you’ll find something you’re sure to enjoy. You’ll also find the Gin Spa – be perfectly pampered with botanical oils and then enjoy a delicious G&T! Having enjoyed a renaissance in recent years, it is now full of cool bars, restaurants, boutiques and galleries. 1 The ‘Merchant City’ located west of the High Street was at first residential, containing some fine eighteenth-century mansions built by the ‘Tobacco Lords’. Stop for a cocktail at The Corinthian Club and marvel at its elaborate interiors dating back to 1842. Read about the history of the Merchant's Steeple, a historic landmark in Glasgow's merchant city. The Merchant City remains one of the most beautiful quarters of the city and includes the City Halls, Glasgow's oldest purpose built performance space, the Britannia Panopticon, the world’s oldest surviving music hall, and the Gallery of Modern Art, an elegant 18th-century neo-classical building, which now houses work by global, contemporary artists. Austin-Smith-Lord will lead the team, in partnership with Rotterdam based urbanists Studio for New Realities, WAVEparticle and will also draw upon the expertise of Urban Movement and Civic Engineers. Merchant City really comes alive at night and whether it’s comedy, classical music or cabaret you’ll find something you’re sure to enjoy. This blog grew out my research into my family's history. Merchant City boutique hotel. Discover the history of Glasgow's Merchant City with the Clyde Waterfront Heritage Guide. The hidden gem in this neighbourhood is the Britannia Panopticon – dating back to the 1850s, it’s officially the world’s oldest surviving music hall. It is in the heart of Glasgow’s famous Merchant City district, with magnificent shopping streets, and offering countless restaurants, bars, designer boutiques and theatres. The Tron Steeple, as it became known, still stands in Glasgow Cross, one of the few remaining pre-Victorian buildings in Glasgow. 13 Walls Street, Glasgow. Delmonicas is one of the city’s longest established gay bars and is guaranteed to have a busy and bustling crowd on almost any night of the week. G1 1PA. Brutti Compadres has a Mediterranean inspired menu including a great selection of tasting plates while Cup Tearooms by day is a stylish café serving delicious afternoon teas then by night is transformed into Gin 71, a cool venue for craft gins and homemade tonics. In addition, the boundaries of the city were changed twice during the late-twentieth century, making direct comparisons difficult. Its purpose was to promote the economic, social and The Tron Theatre has been a familiar landmark in Glasgow's Merchant City for centuries and a popular cultural venue for over twenty years presenting outstanding contemporary theatrical work loved by young and old. The Glasgow Evening Times reports on a number of objections being lodged against the scheme, including the Merchant City Townscape Initiative and the Merchant City Community Council. Originally built as a residence for Glasgow’s Tobacco Merchants in the 18th Century, The Merchant City Inn is a privately owned three star hotel in the City Centre of Glasgow. COVID-19: We encourage everyone to stay home and stay safe, Glasgow will be here to welcome you when you can visit again. Tel: 0141 552 2101. Wander north on High Street, the oldest and one of the most historically significant streets in the city, and you will discover Cathedral Precinct with the stunning medieval Glasgow Cathedral, St Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art and Provand’s Lordship – the oldest house in Glasgow. For laid-back, traditional pubs, favourites include Babbity Bowster with its great beer garden perfect for the summer months, Blackfriars for real ales and live music and Rab Ha’s for top quality, warming pub grub and a cosy fire. Keep up to date with the official travel guidance from the Scottish Government. A guided tour is a must to learn about its colourful and quirky history and some of the famous names who starred there. There really is so much to discover and explore in this fascinating neighbourhood. contrasted with appalling over-crowding in unhealthy tenements. It’s home to a number of creative organisations including The Glasgow Print Studio, Street Level Photoworks and the fascinatingly quirky Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre. Merchant City is full of designer boutiques and stylish cafés in the former warehouses of Ingram Street and the Italian Center. By continuing to browse you are agreeing to our use of cookies. All that shopping is bound to work up an appetite and the Merchant City has an abundance of great spots. Glasgow City Glasgow Map Glasgow Scotland Scotland Travel Edinburgh Old World Maps Old Maps The Second City. Merchant City, Glasgow. Situated in a secluded street close to Argyle Street, our three star Glasgow hotel offers 40 contemporary and stylish bedrooms equipped with essential in-room amenities. The City Halls is Glasgow's oldest purpose-built performance space, having entertained patrons since 1841. A post shared by Benny Barrett (@thefabulousnomad). 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