Glasgow Green and the People’s Palace

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People's Palace and Winter Gardens
People’s Palace and Winter Gardens

Glasgow Green is our oldest park, established in the 15th century. It’s also home to the People’s Palace (social history museum) with its magnificent Winter Gardens. Other landmarks include the Nelson Monument (1806, thus predating Nelson’s Column in London by three decades), the William Collins Fountain commemorating a 19th century Lord Provost (Mayor) and the McLennan Arch, a remnant of Assembly Rooms which were demolished in 1890. The arch has led a peripatetic existence since, landing in its current position in 1991.

Nelson Monument
William Collins Fountain
McLennan Arch

On our last visit, we had a specific object in mind. The People’s Palace was hosting the five shortlisted maquettes for a proposed statue of Mary Barbour, a social activist who led the Glasgow rent strikes in 1915. These two were my favourites  – read more and see the other maquettes on Adventures of a Retired Librarian.

Mary Barbour by Mark Longworth
Mary Barbour by Andrew Brown

When we emerged, dusk was falling. The Doulton Fountain in front of the Palace looked spectacular.

Doulton Fountain
Doulton Fountain

By this time, we were hearing the siren voice of WEST Brewery, housed in the Templeton’s building. We didn’t resist.

Templeton’s
WEST Brewery

An hour later, we re-emerged to find the Palace and fountain had taken on a ghostly appearance. Or was that just the beer? You decide!

People's Palace and Doulton Fountain
People’s Palace and Doulton Fountain
Scotland, UK , , , , ,

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  3. The photos are wonderful, as always. The thing that really struck me, though, was a park dating from the 15th century. Being from the States, that’s always a marvel to me…especially living in western Washington State, where most of our known history (except for the Native population) is from the 19th century.

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  4. I really wanted to include this when I was in Glasgow but just couldn’t fit it in within the day. I’m definitely overdue the return visit but still not sure when it might be. 🙂

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