Anderston
| Anderston is a well-known district in the Scottish city of Glasgow. It is situated on the north bank of the River Clyde and extends to the western fringes of the city centre. It was an independent Burgh of Barony from 1824 until it was incorporated into the city of Glasgow in 1846.
The lands of Stobcross had belonged to the Anderson family since the 16th century and here they built their mansion, Stobcross House. Tradition has it that the name came from a wooden cross or ‘stob’ which marked the spot where a branch road left the main Glasgow to Dumbarton highway. Stobcross House was demolished in 1875 to make way for Queen’s Dock. Anderston was originally a small village which was planned and laid out for development in 1725 by James Anderson of Stobcross House on his land. It was named Anderson Town in his honour, later becoming Anderston. It began close to the Gushet farm, which became Anderston Cross and today is the site of the Kingston Bridge which carries the M8 motorway. Ownership of the area changed in 1735 when it was taken over by John Orr. In those days Anderston had bleachfields down by the river and Mains St. consisted of weavers cottages along both sides. As business and trade increased so did the size of Anderston. Finnieston, a nearby village was established in 1768 and soon a busy community was growing up. From its origins as a weaver's village, the area became an industrial centre with the growth of Glasgow's cotton industry. Other industries included engineering, brewing and glassmaking. This led to a large Irish immigrant population moving to the area, and they formed a key part in the character of the area. Thomas Lipton opened his first shop in Stobcross Street. Anderston is home to the Finnieston Crane, a prominent Glasgow landmark. Built in 1932 and standing 175 feet in height, its purpose was to install boilers and engines in ships. The area was much changed by the building of the Clydeside Expressway and Kingston Bridge in the 1960s. Today Anderston is home to a number of international hotels. Notable Anderstonians include Sir Thomas Lipton, Billy Connolly, Michael Martin, the Scottish actor Roddy McMillan and writer/actor Tony Roper. |
Up to North of the River Clyde |