Queen's Park, Glasgow

Situated on the south side of the city of Glasgow, in Scotland, Queen's Park ("Pairc na Banrighin" in Gaelic) lies approximately two miles from the city centre, and can refer both to the park itself, the adjacent residential district, or the football team Queen's Park F.C.

The park was developed in the late 19th century in response to the increasing population density of Glasgow in general, and the South Side in particular, with the growth of tenement housing supplying the increased demand for middle-class homes. Victorian Glasgow took the provision of open spaces extremely seriously, with the result that parks such as Queen's Park sprang up across the city.

The park was acquired in 1857 and was designed by the world renowned Sir Joseph Paxton, also responsible for noted public parks in London, Liverpool, Birkenhead and the grounds of the Spa Buildings at Scarborough. The park was dedicated to the memory of Mary, Queen of Scots and not Queen Victoria, a common misconception given the proximity to Victoria Road and that the park was created during her reign. [cite web | title = Queen's Park | author = Glasgow City Council | url = http://www.glasgow.gov.uk/en/Residents/Parks_Outdoors/Parks_gardens/queenspark.htm | accessdate = 2008-05-09]

Today the park is still thriving, used by many thousands of people annually, and remains a focal point for the people of the South Side of Glasgow, and beyond.

From various points of the park, it is possible to view the full expanse of Glasgow in a given direction. The most comprehensive viewpoint is marked by a flagpole, and affords views of tens of miles to the north, east and south. In good visibility this view encompasses the Campsie Fells and Ben Lomond. [cite web | title = Queen's Park | author = Glasgow City Council | url = http://www.glasgow.gov.uk/en/Residents/Parks_Outdoors/Parks_gardens/queenspark.htm | accessdate = 2008-05-09]

The residential area came to national attention in 1984 when Patrick Magee, the Brighton Bomber was arrested along with other members of an IRA Active Service Unit. [cite web | title = Patrick Magee convicted of IRA terrorist attack | author = Gareth Parry | url = http://www.guardian.co.uk/fromthearchive/story/0,,1235581,00.html | publisher = "The Guardian" | date = 10 June, 1986 | accessdate = 2007-04-30]

Archaeology

An earthwork runs over the top of the hill in the park enclosing an area approximately 120 metres by 100 metres. Excavations in 1951 revealed 14th century pottery. By comparison with similar archaeological sites in the area, it is suggested by E J Talbot that this was a Norman ringwork earth and timber castle.

External links

* [http://www.southsidehappenings.co.uk Life in the Southside of Glasgow]
* [http://www.shawlands-strathbungo.org Shawlands and Strathbungo Community Council]
* [http://www.glasgow.gov.uk/en/Residents/Parks_Outdoors/Parks_gardens/queenspark.htm Glasgow City Council Queen's Park information page]