learn about the History of Glasgow
The name Glasgow comes from the Gaelic word Ghlaschu, meaning dear, green place. It's Scotland largest city, but began as a small fishing community along the banks of the River Clyde. There is evidence of a prehistoric village where Glasgow is currently today, however, Glasgow wasn't founded until 550 CE with the arrival of St. Kentigern (Mungo) who established a religious community there. Glasgow was created a burgh(town) of barony in 1180 and the famous Glasgow Cathedral begins construction. In 1451, the University of Glasgow is founded at its original site in High St, making it the second oldest in Scotland and the fourth oldest in the UK. Glasgow prospered because it was well situated between the Highlands and Lowlands of Scotland as well as between Edinburgh, Scotland's capital city, yet it was not until after the union of the Scottish and English crowns (1603) that Glasgow grew significantly. A charter by James Vl makes Glasgow a Royal Burgh 1611 and in 1707 Treaty of Union with England allows increased trade with colonies. It is now the second largest city in the UK and has a population of 1,680,669 people.