GLASGOW HERALDIC VISITS
Saturday 13 August 2016
Tour of Heraldry in Glasgow University, Kelvingrove Art Galleries, Glasgow Cathedral, Provand’s Lordship, and the Burrell Collection
Guide: Gordon Casely
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Glasgow University Chapel and Tower:
Glasgow University was founded in 1451, being the second oldest after St Andrews, but moved from its original site near the Cathedral in the 19th century. Website:
http://www.gla.ac.uk/
Chapel: There is a large range of heraldry within, of both Principals and Chancellors, as well as The Lion & Unicorn Staircase outside, from original Glasgow University buildings in city centre.
University Tower: Stone-carved arms of University founder Bishop William Turnbull, and of Bishop Andrew Muirhead; and substantial views over Glasgow City as far south as the Renfrewshire hills.
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Kelvingrove Art Galleries:
Initially we shall walk round exterior to view extensive sandstone carvings of arms of Royal Burghs, other Burghs, Cities and Counties on the exterior. There is little of heraldic interest inside, beyond a maquette upstairs of King Robert I showing Bruce heraldry. However the Galleries rightly boast of the largest and most eclectic art and ethnographical collection in Scotland. Don’t miss the restored WWII Spitfire hanging high among the paintings. Only Glasgow could do this!
Website: http://www.glasgowlife.org.uk/museums/kelvingrove/
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Early lunch available in garden restaurant, or basement cafe, or main floor coffee shop. Well-stocked shop and ample toilet facilities. Disabled access throughout. |
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Glasgow Cathedral: This is the undoubted jewel of Glasgow architecture, dating from the twelfth century. The origin of the city was around the Cathedral of St Mungo, sometimes called St Kentigern. It is the most complete expression of Gothic architecture we have in Scotland. There is a substantial amount of heraldry in stone, wood, and glass. Website:
http://www.glasgowcathedral.org.uk/
Provand’s Lordship:
Provand's Lordship is a medieval house built in 1471, and has for many years been the oldest house in Glasgow. Originally part of St Nicholas's Hospital, built by Andrew Muirhead, Bishop of Glasgow, one of only four surviving medieval buildings in Glasgow, the Cathedral being the oldest. Muirhead’s arms are visible on the exterior. Provand's Lordship was likely to have been used as temporary housing for clergy and support staff for the Cathedral. The house was later occupied by the Prebendary of Barlanark (and possibly also was shared with the priest of St Nicholas’s Hospital and Chapel).
The medieval buildings surrounding the Cathedral and Hospital were demolished between 1700-1900, with only Provand’s Lordship surviving. The house is furnished with a collection of 17th century Scottish furniture from the collection of Sir William Burrell. There is much heraldry in the interior, principally on furniture. Website:
http://www.glasgowlife.org.uk/museums/provands-lordship/
Only ground floor accessible for those finding stairs difficult. |
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Burrell Collection, in Pollok Park: Sir William Burrell hailed from Glasgow, made his fortune in shipping, and settled at Hutton Castle, in the Borders, where he amassed a large and important collection, which he left to the city of his birth. There is a substantial collection of stained glass, heraldry haphazardly throughout, and armorials in a reconstructed room from Hutton Castle.
Website:
http://www.glasgowlife.org.uk/museums/burrell-collection/
Refreshments available in cafeteria. Well-stocked shop and ample toilet facilities. Disabled access throughout. |
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Pollok House: There is an option of visiting nearby Pollok House, which is a Palladian mansion designed by Adam, and home of the Stirling-Maxwells of Pollok. Excellent family mementoes inside, including some family heraldry.
Website:
http://www.nts.org.uk/Property/Pollok-House/
Good tea room. |
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The cost of the Tour is £10. Entry to all places on the tour is included. If you want to visit Pollok House (administered by the National Trust for Scotland), there is a entrance fee
(£6.50), but entry is free to members of NTS and of
affiliated overseas organisations. |
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