Question: Can you picture Glasgow merchant Robert Boyd standing right here? It was 1742. He had just purchased Windy Edge. Boyd renamed it Mount Vernon. He honored Admiral Edward Vernon. The Admiral was famous for his expedition against the Spanish Main.
Mount Vernon is now a residential area. It sits in the east end of Glasgow. The area is generally affluent and suburban. Mount Vernon is part of the Shettleston ward.
Let’s delve into Mount Vernon’s past. George Buchanan bought the land in 1758. He extended the existing house. Buchanan remodeled it into a country mansion. Buchanan’s family had extensive interests in tobacco. They were part of the “Virginia Dons.” They imported tobacco from Virginia. Glasgow merchants made fortunes in this business.
George Buchanan built a town mansion. It was at the head of Virginia Street. The mansion was one of the most splendid in Glasgow. It was called the “Virginia Mansion.” The Union Bank now occupies the site. In Buchanan’s day, the house stood on the outskirts of the city.
Sadly, Buchanan didn’t enjoy his properties for long. He died in 1762 at age thirty-four. His portrait is in Drumpellier House. Mount Vernon House was west of Mount Vernon Avenue. It was demolished in the early 20th century.
Mount Vernon has a rich history. The Buchanan family shaped much of it. They left legacies to Glasgow through the Virginia trade. Andrew Buchanan of Gartacharan had two sons. Alexander and George. George pushed his fortunes in Glasgow. He is represented by the Buchanans of Drumpellier. Also represented by Auchintorlie and Craigend.
George Buchanan was a staunch Covenanter. He fought at Bothwell Bridge. A reward was set on his head. He married Mary Maxwell. They had four sons and one daughter. The four sons founded the Buchanan Society in 1725. It is the oldest charitable society in Glasgow.
The Mount Vernon Community Hall is in Mount Vernon Park. It has served the community since 1971. Volunteers run the hall. It is a registered charity. Regular community events take place here. The Centre Playgroup is also based there.
Mount Vernon Bowling and Tennis Club was established in the 1890s. It is on Central Grove. Kenmuir Mount Vernon Church is on London Road. It merged with Carmyle’s congregation in the 2010s.
Mount Vernon Park offers various attractions. These include a play park. There is also a MUGA pitch. Football pitches are available. Visitors can explore the woodland nature trail.
Mount Vernon North railway station once served this area. It operated on the Glasgow, Bothwell, Hamilton and Coatbridge Railway. The station closed in 1955.
Notable people were born in Mount Vernon. John Barrowman and Sir John William McNee. Celebrities like Elaine C. Smith and Cameron McKenna live here.
Mount Vernon has evolved. It transformed from Windy Edge. It became a country estate. It is now a thriving residential area. The echoes of merchants and admirals linger. Their impact shaped this community. They have left an enduring mark on Glasgow’s story.