Did you know that Plantation in Glasgow has ties to the West Indies? This area has a rich history. It even involves sugar and cotton plantations. Let’s dive into the story of Plantation.
Plantation is south of the River Clyde. It was once part of the Burgh of Govan. Today, it is where major roads meet. The M8 joins the M77 and M74 here. But its story goes back much further.
In 1783, John Robertson bought the Craigiehall estate. It was made up of three smaller properties. Robertson was a cashier in the Glasgow Arms Bank. His brothers owned plantations in the West Indies. He renamed the estate Plantation. This may have been to remember those plantations.
The Robertson family was quite influential. They were involved in various businesses. These included ironworks and banking. Robertson Street is named after them.
In 1793, John Mair bought Plantation. Mair was a merchant. He developed the buildings and gardens. He made Plantation a beautiful residence. Mair’s story is interesting. He was a mason who survived a fall from Paisley steeple. He had the stone that saved him placed in his garden.
William MacLean acquired Plantation in 1829. He was a dyer and manufacturer. MacLean was also a Glasgow Baillie. The Maclean family became known as The Macleans of Plantation. MacLean Street is named after William MacLean. His mansion stood where MacLean Street met Craigiehall Street.
Over the years, Plantation changed. The railway bisected the estate. Shipbuilding yards cut it off from the river. Tenement housing was built. The house was demolished around 1900.
Some street names still reflect Plantation’s history. These include MacLean Street, Mair Street, and Craigiehall Street. Plantation Quay was part of the Glasgow Garden Festival in 1988. It is now part of the Glasgow Science Centre.
Today, Plantation is a busy area. But it holds memories of its past. From West Indies plantations to Glasgow merchants, its story is woven into the city’s fabric. As we move on, remember the layers of history beneath our feet. Plantation’s story is a reminder of Glasgow’s diverse and complex past.