Clyde Waterfront Heritage

Graving docks in Govan, image courtesy of Culture & Sport Glasgow.Mitchell Library

About the River Clyde

History of the River Clyde

Image copyright the Frances Firth Collection

From the earliest times, the River Clyde has brought wealth into the city of Glasgow and the surrounding area.


World War 2

The Clydebank Blitz, image courtesy of West Dunbartonshire Council

Clydebank was hit hard by bombs during the Second World War. However the vital shipbuilding industries largely escaped.


International trade

The Merchant City, image courtesy of Cilture & Sport Glasgow/Mitchell Library

Tobacco lords and sugar merchants made their fortunes here duing the 19th Century. Now the area is a vibrants arts and shopping quarter.


Shipbuilding on the Clyde

Building the Queen Mary, image courtesy of Culture & Sport Glasgow/Mitchell Library

During the heyday of shipbuilding on Clydeside thousands of ships were built here, with an impact on shipping around the globe.


Geography of the Clyde

Aerial view of The Clyde today

Explore the geography of the river from the heart of the city and downstream to Dumbarton.


Early Christian settlements

Detail of Govan Old Parish Church

Both Glasgow and Govan can trace their history back to the dark ages and the early Christians who settled in the area and built churches.


Second city of the Empire

Glasgow's Winter Gardens 1910, image courtesy of Glasgow City Council

Glasgow has a long and successful heritage as a centre of commerce, all based around the ports on the River Clyde.


The steam engine

Tug pulling steamship, image courtesy of Glasgow Culture & Sport/Mitchell Library

In the 19th century Glasgow's success as a city of trade took on a new dimension as the steam engine took centre stage.


Clyde Bridges

South Portland Suspension Bridge

From the first bridge over the river, back in the 13th Century, to the recently completed Clyde Arc and new Squiggly Bridge, explore the history of the Clyde Bridges.