Glasgow Green is one of the most ancient public parks in Scotland. Over many centuries it provided a welcome escape from the crowded tenements of the old town.
In 1450 James II gave the land at Glasgow Green to the Bishop of Glasgow for public grazing. Eventually it became a public space protected by the city fathers.
The park has been used as a washing, bleaching and drying area by local people, as a rallying point for Jacobite troops in 1745, a site of public executions until 1865, and for political rallies and public festivals.
The Glasgow Humane Society, based at Glasgow Green (map reference 6), has a long history of rescuing people from the River Clyde.
View Glasgow Green on Google maps (opens in new window)
At the western end of Glasgow Green, the Greek revival Justiciary Courthouse was designed by William Stark.
Map Reference (1)
The McLennan Arch acts as a grand gateway to the park. It was originally part of the entrance to the City’s late 18th century Assembly Rooms.
Map Reference (2)
This obelisk was erected in 1806, only a year after
the battle of Trafalgar.
Map Reference (3)
The figures on the magnificent terracotta Doulton Fountain represent the world-wide dominion of Queen Victoria’s Empire.
Map Reference (4)
The multi-coloured facade of Templeton’s Carpet Factory was designed in imitation
of the Doge’s Palace in Venice.
Map Reference (5)
Explore some fascinating aspects of Glasgow life in the displays and collections of the People’s Palace and Winter Gardens.
Map Reference (7)
