Crossmyloof

Gazing across the expanse of Crossmyloof, can you sense the whispers of queens and the clang of blacksmiths’ hammers? Crossmyloof, a district nestled on Glasgow’s south side, holds a history as rich as a well-kneaded loaf. Crossmyloof’s story begins long before the Victorian tenements and bustling shops. Legend claims that Mary, Queen of Scots, paused here on her way to the Battle of Langside. Clutching a crucifix, she declared, “By the cross in my loof (palm), I will be there tonight!” This dramatic moment, etched in local lore, may have given Crossmyloof its unusual name. Another tale suggests a fortune teller offered to read the queen’s fate in exchange for silver, asking her to “cross her loof”. Regardless of its true origin, the name Crossmyloof has resonated through centuries. In the 19th century, Crossmyloof transformed from a quiet hamlet into a thriving hub. Neale Thomson’s bakery, established in 1847, drew workers and businesses. Remnants of this industrial past remain. The old bakery building still stands, a silent witness to the aroma of fresh bread that once filled the air. Nearby, Baker Street recalls the rows of worker’s cottages designed by Alexander “Greek” Thomson. The heart of Crossmyloof pulsed along Cathcart Place, now part of Pollokshaws Road. The Corona Bar, a local landmark, has stood on the corner since 1912, its claim of establishment in 1817 echoing the area’s long history. Look for the distinctive plaster images of a hand holding a cross above the bar’s entrances, a nod to the name Crossmyloof. Victorian expansion saw the rise of Minard Road and Waverley Gardens. For a time, the residents of Norham and Frankfort Streets overlooked open fields. These fields stretched all the way to Shawlands, before the construction of Moss-side Road and Shawlands Academy. Crossmyloof was more than just industry. It was a place where weavers cultivated prize-winning tulips and dahlias, their gardens bursting with color. It was a place where residents, lacking a teacher, formed their own educational society. They held night classes, ensuring that their children received an education. Crossmyloof also boasted Scotland’s first indoor ice rink, a social hub that entertained generations until its closure in 1986. Today, a supermarket occupies the site, a modern convenience replacing a beloved landmark. Crossmyloof continues to evolve. Yet, as you stand here, you can still sense the layers of history beneath your feet. The whispers of Mary, Queen of Scots, the industry of the bakery, the vibrant community spirit. Crossmyloof. A place where history is kneaded into the fabric of everyday life.