From the ashes a phoenix rises. That’s the story of Easterhouse. Easterhouse a suburb of Glasgow sits six miles east of the city centre. This land once belonged to Lanarkshire. It became part of Glasgow before the Second World War.
Easterhouse began as a quiet rural area. The Bishops of Glasgow owned much of the land. They used it for hunting. They also rented it to farmers. Remnants of a medieval palace near Bishop Loch tell of this history. The palace was the Bishop of Glasgow’s hunting lodge. It was called Lochwood Castle. Later it was demolished.
Crannogs ancient artificial islands were also found in the area. One at Bishop Loch dates back to around 700 BC. Another at Lochend Loch is better preserved. These reveal clues about life millennia ago in Easterhouse.
Provan Hall a Category A listed building stands as a testament to Easterhouse’s past. It’s one of the oldest buildings in Glasgow. Built before 1460 it served as a fortified manor house for the Bishops of Glasgow. The hall may have even been visited by Mary Queen of Scots.
Blairtummock House another historic building shows the area’s evolution. Built in the 18th century it was altered and enlarged over the centuries. It’s now an early childcare training centre.
The 19th century village of Easterhouse was a farming community. People also worked in quarrying coal mining and on the Monkland Canal. It was a close-knit community known for its hospitality.
In the mid-1950s a large-scale housing project transformed Easterhouse. This was to provide better housing for Glaswegians living in poor conditions. The old village wasn’t developed with the new estate and declined. The original Easterhouse railway station was demolished. It was later replaced by a modern building. The population peaked at over 56 000 in the 1960s. It is now around 26 000.
The new Easterhouse faced challenges. There was a lack of amenities like shops sports facilities and transport links. This led to social problems and gang violence. Celebrities like Frankie Vaughan became involved in trying to improve things.
Since the 1980s there’s been regeneration. Old tenement housing is being replaced with newer homes. Private investment and better amenities are being introduced. The Easterhouse Phoenix sculpture stands as a symbol of this regeneration. It is a prominent feature on Easterhouse Road.
Easterhouse is a story of transformation. It’s a story of challenges overcome and community spirit. It’s a place where the past is interwoven with the present creating a unique and captivating story.