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George Square is the central square in the Scottish city of Glasgow. Named after King George III, George Square was laid out in 1781, part of the nascent innovative Georgian central grid plan that initially spanned from Stockwell Street east to Buchanan Street, which reflected the growing rational influence of the Scottish Enlightenment, along with the similar development of Edinburgh’s New Town. This masterplan was largely the work of the notable contemporary architects James and Robert Adam. For the first few years however it was little more than a muddy hollow, filled with dirty water and used for slaughtering horses. Between 1787 and the 1820s, the square was eventually opened up and lined with Georgian townhouses at its east and west ends, as well as hotels. By 1850 the surrounding area had become a centre for mercantile activity, with the Merchants House moving to the square in 1877, and the square itself, which had been developed into a private garden for the surrounding townhouses, became an established public space, after frequent disturbances and pulling down of railings by a disgruntled mob.
GPS travel destinations: 55° 51′ 40.18″ N, 4° 15′ 0.65″ W

July 6th, 2008 | Tags: buchanan street, city of glasgow, contemporary architects, george square, georgian townhouses, king george iii, muddy hollow, scottish city, scottish enlightenment | Category: Europe | Subscribe to comments | Leave a comment | Trackback URL