Bridgeton

Bridgeton Pavilion

The Cross Pavilion and Clock Tower, which has been for some time in the course of erection at Bridgeton Cross, is now completed and came into use for the first time yesterday.  The Pavilion is a very elegant structure in cast-iron.  It is classical in design, freely treated, decagonal in plan, and rests upon a raised floor, which is laid with enthusiastic tiles of an effective radiating pattern.  From this floor rises eleven ornamental columns, with floriated capitals.  From the centre one spring ornamental spandrels to each of the outer ten columns, thus forming the support of the roof and effectually tying the whole structure together.  The sloping roof which is a conventionalised representation of slating, overhangs, and is terminated with a bold and chaste cornice.  An ornamental fretwork and brackets connected to the outer columns give richness to this portion of the design.  From the roof rises the Clock Tower, which has a well designed base, with panels displaying the City Arms in bold relief.  The whole is surmounted by an elegant finial, and rises to a height of about 50 feet.  Seats are provided within the Pavilion, and these, with two fine drinking fountains, add much to its usefulness.  The four dials of the clock are to be illuminated at night, and lamps attached to the columns for the lighting of the lower portion of this handsome and convenient structure, and the interior is also illuminated from above, through stained glass placed under the clock lights. The whole was designed and erected by Messrs George Smith & Co., of the Sun Foundry, through Messrs T. Leadbetter & Co., the contractors.’

Glasgow Herald, Thursday 4th March 1875

 

‘At Glasgow Sheriff Criminal Court today George Horace Gardiner, a native of London, who was arrested at Liverpool, was sentenced to twelve months imprisonment by Sheriff Guthrie, for breaking into the jeweller’s shop of Andrew Allison at 123 Canning Street (London Road), Bridgeton on 7th May, and stealing jewellery valued at £450, including gold and silver watches, and gold rings, bracelets and scarf pins. It was stated that he was a seaman on an Atlantic liner, and was tempted to commit the crime by a passenger, who got half the spoil. The other man, who had a kit of burgling tools, had escaped.’

Evening Telegraph, Thursday 1st July 1897

 

‘A little boy named Owen Sherry met with a shocking accident by fire yesterday morning in the house occupied by his parents at 87 Adelphi Street (Poplin Street), Bridgeton. It seems that in the temporary absence of his mother the poor boy’s clothes were somehow ignited, and before any person arrived to render assistance in such a case, he was severely burned, principally about the body. A doctor was soon in attendance, ordered the removal of the little sufferer to the Royal Infirmary.’

Dundee Courier, Tuesday 27th September 1887



 

 


3 thoughts on “Bridgeton

  1. Karen Creighton

    looking for any reports on (family history of) a Great Aunt Isobel Williamson said to have died as a young child in n accident where her dress caught fire? Bridgeton Area circa 1900 Thanks

    Reply
  2. donna

    I remember the wooden benches but not the drinking wells.. and when was it raised on a platform.. I cant see photos of it anywhere.. but great bit of info there.

    Reply
  3. David Crawford

    I was facinated to read that the,(what we now call The Umbrella at The Toll)actually had seats,and water fountains,for drinking.Can anyone tell me why there are no seat under The Umbrella,after such a high profile,and may I say costly upgrade.I know there are marble seats scattered around TheToll,but that is of no use when raining.If the original plans stipulated that seats were to be installed,all those years ago,why did they not be installed after the revamp?.Don’t tell me it was down to cost cutting,as seats were installed,but at a disadvantaged site.

    Reply

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