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Glasgow Scotland

INTRODUCTION

In Glasgow, Scotland's largest city, you'll find less remnants of medieval influence than in most of the country. Glasgow boasts relics from the Industrial Revolution, which brought the city great wealth and many modern buildings that have been constructed in recent years. One of England's largest financial districts, Glasgow is the focal point for commerce, business, media, industry, and transportation in Scotland?. There are also four universities within 10 miles of center city.

With a population of more than 2 million residents, Glasgow, the “Dear Green Place“, is not only the largest city in Scotland (larger than the capital of Edinburgh), it is one of the largest in the United Kingdom, and one of the most influential financial centers in Europe. If you're visiting to learn about scottish history, you may want to go to a different place. This modern city lacks the olden day feel of many other Scotland sights.

HISTORY

Local inhabitation has been traced back thousands of years, but the City of Glasgow was not founded until the 6th century. While Roman occupation had established outposts in the region, it was a Christian church, built on the site of the current Glasgow Cathedral, that began the migration to what would one day be the most visited city in Scotland.

By the turn of the first millennium, the city had established permanent stone buildings, most notably the stone cathedral consecrated in 1136. The cathedral would enjoy continued expansion over the following centuries and is now a popular historic landmark.

Life in the young community centered around farming and agriculture.

In 1150, Glasgow held its first annual fair.

During the middle of the 14th century, tragedy enveloped Glasgow. The Black Death devastated the city.

The University of Glasgow was founded in the mid 15th century, accepting its first students in 1451. The university operated out of unused buildings associated with the massive cathedral. By the end of the following century, it occupied its own buildings on its present site.

The 16th century also saw an increase in trade, and merchants began to shape the city’s future. The city’s fortunate location allowed for tremendous trade opportunities as a mediator, or middle ground shipping port between all of England and the majority of Scotland to the north.

Easy access to both coasts allowed Glasgow to develop strong trade relations with continental Europe, the Americas and the Caribbean. Tobacco, cotton and sugar were imported from the western colonies and exported throughout Europe.

As the shipping industry grew and larger vessels were required, Glasgow became an important ship building center. By the 1800s, the construction of ocean worthy ships in Glasgow became one of the dominant economic forces in Scotland.

An increase in construction demanded an increase in raw materials, and supporting industries began to pop up throughout the Glasgow region. Mining for coal and iron began to attract attention, and Glasgow became known as the nation’s industrial center.

The resulting economic fortunes allowed Glasgow to support growing industries such as cotton and textile production. The increase in disposable income lead the wealthy to dramatically change the Glasgow landscape. Massive and complicated building projects were undertaken and many monuments were unveiled. The financial reinvestment in the region led to the granting of the official city status in 1893. The City of Glasgow grew so much that it became one of the wealthiest and most desirable residential locations in the United Kingdom.

When Glasgow became one of the wealthiest cities in the world, it also became one of the most modern. Public transportation paved the way for a changing city, and carried Glasgow into the 20th century. Many of the most popular public sites, not to mention historic Victorian architecture, were developed during this prosperous era.

Glasgow suffered, as did much of the world, during the recession following World War One, and again during the Great Depression years of the 1930s. Tough times would not begin to turn around until the Second World War brought much needed financial respite in the way of ship building and military production. Unfortunately, German bombing left thousands homeless.

Making things worse, low post-war industrial and manufacturing production costs in continental Europe left the city in an economic downturn. By the mid 20th century, several companies had closed and unemployment soared. Modern shipping methods further dampened Glasgow’s economic potential.

In an effort to revitalize the city, several major construction projects began. New housing and high rise buildings were developed, and new roadways were constructed.

In spite of these efforts, several industries continued to suffer through the end of the century, and many businesses closed. Unemployment rates climbed.

With the arrival of the new millennium, however, Glasgow began to bounce back with a strong financial district based around the FTSE Stock Exchange. Modern Glasgow enjoys important and strong technology, manufacturing and production (chemical, textile, etc) sectors. New prosperity has also led to a strong interest in expressive arts, such as supporting both traditional and contemporary music scenes. Modern Glasgow has become so strong that it has even been selected as the site of the 2012 Summer Olympic Games.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Natives of Glasgow speak with the Glaswegian dialect, which is sometimes virtually impossible to understand, as the words often change meaning. Still, the Glaswegian dialect does paint the city with a rich, cultural hertiage for visitors.

ATTRACTIONS

Bothwell Castle - Overlooking the River Clyde you will find this impressive castle. The largest 13th Century stone castle in Scotland. Part of the original castle is still standing and worth the visit.

Glasgow Cathedral - An increible sight and wonderful reminder of medieval Scotland, this incredible cathedral will transport you in an instant back to the medieval era

Fossil Grove - situated in the wonderfully beautiful Victoria Park the fossil trees and surrounding rocks are the leftovers of an ancient forest, more than 330 million years old.

There are plenty more things to see and do in Glasgow.

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