With Glasgow having massive Coal and Iron ore seams on its door step, the city
was well placed to benefit from the emerging steam technology which was powering
the Industrial Revolution.
In the manufacturing sector the first major industries where textile, sugar,
glass making and distillers although the textile industry was damaged due to the
out break of the American Civil war (what is it with these Americans? lol). As
with the tobacco industry when it was threatened the Glasgow entrepreneurs where
ready with plan “B &C”, ship and locomotive building.
The major hubs of these heavy industries where Clydebank, Govan and Springburn.
All along the Clyde massive ship yards sprung up and the term “Clyde Built” was
famous the world over as a trade mark of quality shipping, famous yards included
John Brown Engineering in Clydebank and Fairfield’s in Govan both now still in
operation building “Next Generation” state of the Art war ships and auxiliary
support vessels.
Up in Springburn Rail stock and Locomotives where being mass produced in plants
like St Rollox (below) and Hydepark Locomotives Works. Like the ships these
engines where exported all around the world and many are still in use today in
Africa and Asia.
St Rollox
As for the ship yards well they simply built any type of vessel from the famous
“Clyde Puffers” to the Huge Queen Mary and QE2 liners.
Glasgow was now one of the richest cities in Europe and throughout the British
Empire. More and more great buildings including Museums and Galleries where
built in the city along with a large amount of public parks. The city also had a
very good telephone network ahead of its time, it also had a water and gas
infrastructure which where the envy of many a city.
During these times Glasgow attracted immigrants from Ireland (potato famine),
Eastern Europe (including a large Jewish contingent) and Italy. All these new
citizens worked hard and contributed to the city’s wealth and Glasgow is still
welcoming people from around the globe to this day.
Glasgow was now seen as the second city of the Empire.
