IN the centre of Scotland's largest city lies a historical hub with a proudly beating heart. From the nucleus that is Glasgow Cross, five key streets stretch outwards across the city: High Street, Gallowgate, London Road, Saltmarket and Trongate.
Standing proudly at the southeastern corner of the intersection, the short-but-mighty Mercat Cross featured on a January 1947 cover of The Scots Magazine. As the name (Scots for "market") suggests, structures like this were erected in the early medieval period to designate areas where markets and public meetings were held.
It may be a surprise to learn that this image, captured a mere two years after the end of the Second World War, does not show an authentic medieval structure at all. The original Mercat Cross was pulled down in 1659, and in 1930 this impressive replica was built.
Being just 17 years old at the time of this photo, Mercat Cross would not have been able to frequent the well-loved watering holes that frame the cross, such as The Tolbooth. Perhaps the Val D'Oro would have been more its scene.
Denne historien er fra July 2024-utgaven av The Scots Magazine.
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Denne historien er fra July 2024-utgaven av The Scots Magazine.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
The Bliss Of A Bothy
After a strenuous walk, a mountain shelter can offer all you need
The Long Way Round
When you can only just see the stepping stones under a river in spate, it's time to re-think the route, as two Highland adventurers found out
The New Oyster Cult
A community is helping to restore the once rich biodiversity of Loch Craignish, one species at a time
A Poet's Sanctuary
Hidden on a hilltop, writer Dominic Cooper is inspired by the wild, stormy winters of the Ardnamurchan peninsula
A Rural Housing Crisis
Across Scotland, locals are being priced out and crowded out - but communities are now working hard to address the issue
A Historic Centre
Glasgow's Mercat Cross may not be as old as it appears but it's still seen many changes, along with an ebb and flow in prosperity
A Bird With A Brain
Jim's encounters with the raven in several northern countries have only increased his respect for its intellect and ingenuity
The Warrior King
On the 750th anniversary of his birth, Robert The Bruce's legacy as cultural keystone and historical enigma continues to fascinate
All Going Swimmingly
From Tutti Frutti to Shetland, Monarch Of The Glen to Granite Harbour, Dawn Steele's heart will always be in Scotland - and the sea
Following The Coos
The latest charity art trail aims to a-moos-e and delight visitors to Perth and Kinross this summer
