“Farm of Newlands and Merrylee” could be seen advertised in the Glasgow Herald in 1820. Today we are standing in Merrylee. It is a neighbourhood in Glasgow south of the River Clyde.
Merrylee’s story is deeply rooted in Glasgow’s history. It reflects the city’s growth and its people’s struggles. Until the late 19th century, this land was mostly agricultural.
Merrylee House was built in 1855. It was home to Thomas Hill a Glasgow businessman. He kept records of property ownership.
In 1952, Merrylee became a focal point of controversy. The Glasgow Corporation tried to sell council houses here. This sparked protests. People were angry because of the long housing waiting lists.
The “Dawn Cine Group” captured this struggle in a film. It was entitled “Let Glasgow Flourish”. The film showed the housing crisis and the protests in Merrylee. It contrasted the Glasgow Corporation Housing Department’s view. The film showed overcrowded homes and poverty. It also showed shipyard workers and protest marches.
The 1996 film “Small Faces” also used Merrylee as a filming location.
In the 21st century, Merrylee has seen many changes. Buildings were recladded. A new school campus was built on the old football pitches. This is Merrylee Primary. Luxury flats were built on the old Newlands Lawn Tennis Club car park.
The northern part of Giffnock is also called Merrylee Park. It is a separate area from Glasgow’s Merrylee.
The Glasgow Corporation built the Merrylee Housing Scheme after the war. The first phase was built in 1951 and 1952. The houses were similar to pre-war council housing. Later phases included three and four-story flats.
St Gabriel’s Roman Catholic Church was built in 1955. Thomas Smith Cordiner designed it. He was a popular architect for the Archdiocese. The church was built during a time of new housing developments. Many people were moving from inner-city areas.
Merrylee Farm was next to Merrylee House. Sir John Maxwell leased it to tenants. Alexander Walker won prizes for his flowers grown in the gardens of Merrylee House. He was Thomas Hill’s gardener.
Merrylee’s story is one of change and resilience. It reflects Glasgow’s history. It also shows the spirit of its community.