Edit Partick's past
Partick was a Police burgh from 1852 until 1912 when it was incorporated into the city. Although Partick remained a village until the middle of the 18th century, it is an ancient place. The Kings of Strathclyde had a residence there, and in 1136 David I (1124-53) granted the lands of Perdyc to the see of Glasgow. The Bishops of Glasgow had a country seat in Partick.
It was later the site of Partick Castle, a country home of George Hutcheson (demolished 1836). It is thought the name comes from the Brythonic "Peartoc" (cf. Welsh perth, 'bush or thicket'), adopted into Scottish Gaelic as "Peart(h)aig", giving modern Gaelic "Pearraig" or "Partaig" (the latter form in use on signage at Partick station).
Partick is the area of the city most connected with the Highlands, and several Gaelic agencies, such as the Gaelic Books Council are based here.
It is historically divided into three social areas; south of Dumbarton Road (working-class), north of Dumbarton Road (aspiring classes) and the Partick Hill grand villas (location of shipyard owners).
Being within the sphere of influence of the University of Glasgow and neighbouring Glasgow's salubrious 'West-End' it has a high student population.
Traditional industries for the area were shipbuilding and the huge Meadowside Granary (recently demolished to make way for the new Glasgow Harbour residential development) employed many residents also. The main street in Partick is Dumbarton Road.
Partick is home to the West of Scotland Cricket Club's Hamilton Crescent ground, which was the site of the first ever international football match (between Scotland and England) on November 30, 1872. It finished 0-0.
Partick Thistle Football Club was formed in the area in 1876, but left to play in the Maryhill area of Glasgow in 1909.
Jill Ferguson comments
The once Burgh of Partick (1852 - 1912) has clearly come a long way from its roots and its past history, just sad that it has lost so many of its iconic buildings, and symbols - the most recent being the demolition of the old Partick Auction House see: http://glasgowresidents.wordpress.com/local-development-issues/stop-tesco-owning-partick/ for more information.Partick to me as a recent dweller within it has changed for the worse, and is still being developed, with every piece of land within it at a premium. The value of its land and new private housing is sadly taking over - - - The community feel that still remains isn't quite as apparent due to so many residents who are not par-taking within it, using local shops, interacting within their locality, or appreciating what they have - ie "use it or lose it."
So many shops have come and gone, and not for the better - it's whole feel has been shaped around the property market, estate agents are cropping up, yet more bookies, charity shops and tanning parlours - - - - Partick has lost over the years many of its quality shops - including its only fishmonger ; "Vics Tools" ; "Brantano Shoeware" ; "Kirkwood Fashions" ; "Textyle World" ; "Howard Bedding" ; and other long standing shops. . .
Many of the newer shops are at the higher end of the market, and are proof that the cost of rents have clearly been forced up by the upmarket private housing developments being built, combined with the initial boom in the price of housing generally. The positive side of Particks continual development is its thriving variety of cafes, and restaurants. some Pubs have also upped their game, and been refurbished.
The struggle with holding onto the remaining "Dear Green Space" : Thornwood Park, partially lost to developers, after a long fight - and eventual compromise for new play equipment. Now, the re-development of Mansefield Park - - - - a project which does not even have the full funding sourced, yet the first phase is well underway.
Also, there was the demolition and loss of the much recognised and historic Granary buildings on Meadowside Quay, now replaced by the monolithic eyesores in Glasgows Harbourside Development. Not without their problems either, with cladding blown off them, and a life span of just 25 years given by TV presenter - Muriel Gray! The hype surrounding their sales in the early stages of their building has died, along with their value, prices and demand. People have finally realised the cost of renting them was as high as buying - in the long term, and the rents aren't worth what they were being charged. . . .
Partick Station another very much over-budget, behind schedule project npt without its problems. But - hopefully once it is complete the benefits will be felt by all who pass through it. However those who have seen the colour scheme of custard coloured yellow, with the pale blue I'm sure will feel that the choice of colours could of been in better taste, and panache.
Overall Partick is a high demand area to live within, and locals who are more community spirited, get to know local shop keepers, pub staff, community members, and shop keepers will all say the same that the friendly vibes given off make Partick what it is today. That along with the familiarity of the horn which sounds from B.A.E. Systems shipyard in Govan, accross the Clyde. And, the less than attractive, but recognised smells from the sewers at Shieldhall, or the bread makers "Rank Hovis" at Kelvingrove ( depending on which way the wind blows!)
However a bone of contention - Glasgows Harbourside Flats and it's initial failure to integrate them within Partick sooner, despite the removal of the railway embankment, major work on the clydeside expressway and new link up with Partick Station.
My fear is all this may of come too late - and finding ways to encourage custom to local traders from Glasgow Harbour tenants and flat owners is the key to preventing further gentrification and alienation of the higher end of the market property owners.
Lets just hope that Partick and its people continue to thrive, and the overdevelopment, as well as the divide between rich and poor does not continue to distroy Particks fabric and foundations.
Article has many good points and the onus is on the Partick old and new residents to paticipate with the community, not just shopping, drinking and dining but by joining in with the local groups, community councils tenants associations, neighbourhood watches, and bowling,tennis,and cricket clubs and the numerous special interest clubs in the area to keep up the community spirit of Partick
Very good article. Partick is now divided by the expressway into old Partick and the Glasgow Harbour Clydesiders, who only make occasional forays into Partick for food, drink and entertainment. They have no interest in local issues or clubs or community groups and they stay in their designer box flats with their computer toys and large screen tvs and complain about the shipyard horns and building noise. They are not becoming part of the local community as they cannnot park their cars in Partick and there is no traffic infrastructure to get them home without getting a taxi or walking.
I was born in Partick at 79 Sandyford Street in 1942 the tenement backed on to the then cleansing Department, my cousin lived in Gilbert Street and they went to the School that is there. I went back to have a look some years ago but it had all gone, I know you have to move on but I had happy memories of it hearing the ships horn as it made it's way down from the Broomilaw.I also liked to go across on the little ferry that went across to govan, I must be getting old with my memories.
Does anyone have old photagraphs of the old garage at 21 Vine St (used to be naddels garage and workshop) my email is owen.reilly2@ntlworld.com