STILL STANDING (A Little Bit of Old Glasgow)

In a little bit of old Glasgow that once sat by a medieval Franciscan Friary, only one building is left. Every other building that once lined this part of the High Street and other streets has gone.

Built in 1895 as a branch of the British Linen Bank, it sits alone, the statue at its roof apex watching over the surrounding desolation. The rectangle of land in which it sits has lain unused and undeveloped for a few years now; a vacant lot that became even more vacant after a recent fire and the destruction of The Old College Bar.

The area of land is bordered by Shuttle Street, High Street, College Street and George Street, and includes the small cobbled lane once called Bun's Wynd, and now named Nicholas Street.

Far too often the history of Glasgow is peppered with stories of demolition, and of the loss of stunning buildings of some considerable architectural significance. Just down from Nicholas Street, the old college buildings at the junction of College Street and High Street are a perfect example; interesting old buildings that were allowed to fall into a state of disrepair before being demolished in the 1970s.

And 'allowed' is the word. For here in Glasgow we don't appear to care much for old buildings. Rather than carry out routine regular maintenance or do what is required to save them, we instead turn our back and wait for time and the elements, or even an unfortunate fire, to get rid of them for us.

By examining old maps and photographs, we piece together how this small part of medieval Glasgow once looked, and in doing so we see first hand the many structures that have fallen by the wayside over the years.

The video ends with photos taken inside The Old College Bar in 2013.

NOTE - It is a little uncertain when exactly the old college on the High Street was demolished. It was certainly some time after 1870. The photo I've used showing the college entrance from College street is dated around 1880. If I look at maps I see that an 1876 map appears to show the college buildings still in situ. The next map I could see online dates to 1882, and the layout of the college buildings looks different, but has certain similarities. So, all in all, it is possible that the buildings were still there around 1880.