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Post by Waverley on Apr 25, 2010 12:50:22 GMT 1
Came across this wee bit of information amongst my notes when tidying up all my bits and pieces on east end history...no mention of a bell.
The Umbrella
One of Glasgow’s most famous landmarks is the “Umbrella” at Bridgeton Cross and there was a considerable amount of anxiety recently when it was rumoured that it was to be dismantled.
But the “Umbrella” which was completed in March 1875 , is still with us. Let us , therefore , take a look into the past when on March 4 , 1875 , the following report appeared in one of our leading daily newspapers.
“ The Cross Pavilion and Clock Tower which has been for some time in course of erection at Bridgeton Cross is now completed and came into use for the first time yesterday.
“ The Pavilion is a very elegant structure in cast iron. It is classical in design, freely treated, diagonal in plan and rests upon a raised floor, which is laid with encaustic tiles of an effective radiatory pattern. From this floor rise eleven ornamental columns with floriated capitals. From the central one spring ornamental spandrils to each of the ten outer columns, thus forming the support for the roof and effectually tying the whole structure together.
“ The sloping roof , which is collectionised representation of slating , overhangs and is terminated with a hold and chaste cornice. An ornamental fretwork and brackets connected to the outer columns give a richness to this portion of the design.
“ From the roof rise the Clock Tower, which has a well designed base, with panels displaying the City Arms in bold relief. The whole is surmounted by an elegant finial , and rises to a height of about 50 feet.
“ Seats are provided within the pavilion and these , with the fine drinking fountains and much to its usefulness. The four dials of the clock are to be illuminated at night and lamps are attached to the columns for the lighting of the lower portion of this handsome and convenient structure, and the interior is also illuminated from above through stained glass placed under the clock lights.
“ The whole was designed and executed by Messrs George Smith and Company, of the Sun Foundry , through Messrs T.Leadbetter and Company, the contractors.
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Post by davidhendry on Apr 26, 2010 7:50:17 GMT 1
In the first post, Charlie mentioned the bell was `discovered.` that implies it was hidden. Was it? Why? When? By whom? Maybe work records of whatever dep`t. of the council responsible for maintenance may provide a clue. Seems stupid to install a bell then silence it. Davie.
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pitbull
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Post by pitbull on Apr 26, 2010 11:12:36 GMT 1
i think that the bell should represent the same as bow bells in londons east end, hence the cockneys, we could huv any body born within the sound of the toll clock tower and call them proper brigtonian jockneys, am definateley wan of them as i,m born within the sound of the bell right enough as long as the mermaid wisnae open at that time after rangers won the league in 1956.
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pitbull
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Post by pitbull on Apr 26, 2010 11:19:19 GMT 1
i think that the bell should represent the same as bow bells in londons east end, hence the cockneys, we could huv any body born within the sound of the toll clock tower and call them proper brigtonian jockneys, am definateley wan of them as i,m born within the sound of the bell right enough as long as the mermaid wisnae open at that time if rangers won the league in 1956. but they never it was clyde so ye,d of heard the clock fae the rottenrow hospital as brigton was silenced for once . ;D ;D ;D so that makes me a brigton jockney, even though my faimily ur fae the herry ham and bernard st
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Post by Deleted on Apr 26, 2010 13:00:54 GMT 1
" any body born within the sound of the toll clock tower and call them proper brigtonian jockneys"Jackie in Rutherglen we call them Bampots . !!
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Post by Deleted on Apr 26, 2010 14:47:05 GMT 1
Didn´t find anything about a bell but some other facts,
Icon Of The Month archive
Each month, Glasgow City Heritage Trust celebrate an iconic historic building from across the city. If you have a building you would like to nominate for Icon of The Month, get in touch and tell us why it's important. This feature also appears in the monthly ion-Glasgow magazine. Iconic Glasgow- The Bridgeton Umbrella The stunning cast iron structure affectionately known as the ‘Umbrella’ at Bridgeton Cross is a famous landmark and has been a meeting place for generations of ‘Brigtonians’. It’s symbolism and setting have deteriorated over time as the community has wrestled with the difficult legacy of industrial decline. However, plans are afoot to breath new life into the area with an investment of £1.4m from Clyde Gateway, to transform Bridgeton Cross into a pedestrian-friendly, attractive and functional urban space.
A legacy of Scottish Craftsmanship The category A-listed Umbrella stands at the heart of the community in Bridgeton and since its erection in 1875 has served as a shelter at the centre of Bridgeton Cross; the major junction between a series of historically significant routes into Glasgow, and the East End industries that once dominated this part of the city. The Umbrella, designed and manufactured in Glasgow by George Smith & Co of the Sun Foundry in Kennedy Street, Townhead, is widely recognised by historians as a magnificent example of a 19th century decorative cast iron structure. Of classical design, the 50 foot open shelter is supported on cast-iron columns, elaborately ornamented and topped with a square clock tower displaying the City Arms and a weathervane. Such structures are now increasingly rare but this survives as an example of the quality of craftsmanship and manufacturing that Scotland was once renowned for across the world. Over the years it has been tended by its owners Glasgow City Council, who in recent years have installed new lighting to highlight its intricate iron detailing and have kept its clock ticking.
Buck Kelly’s Umbrella While officially and originally named Bridgeton Cross Pavilion and Clock Tower, this iconic structure has become more commonly known and referred to as the Bridgeton Umbrella. Local legend has it that resident tailor John “Buck” Kelly regularly sheltered from the rain under the structure, and a Glasgow Eastern Standard reader thus coined the local phrase: “Meet me at ‘Buck’ Kelly’s Umbrella”!
Regeneration for the Commonwealth Games and beyond. Clyde Gaterway, overseeing the current regeneration of the area, were established in 2007 as a partnership between Glasgow City Council, South Lanarkshire Council, Scottish Enterprise and the Scottish Government and charged with leading the way on achieving social, economic and physical change in a 2,000 acre area centered on the River Clyde. They will be working very closely alongside the 2014 Commonwealth Games organisation to ensure there is a real and lasting legacy for the area, including new sports facilities and housing for local people.
The Future... Detailed plans for the Umbrella have been commissioned to investigate the historical significance of the structure and assess the works required to restore it to its original glory, as the centerpiece of Bridgeton Cross. The improvements are expected to start on site in Autumn 2009 and be completed in Spring 2010.
Wider proposals for the area will see changes to the quality of the streetscape at the Cross, with the introduction of new lighting, street furniture, public art and traffic management proposals. A series of arts and heritage projects will be undertaken by pupils in local primary schools and youth groups, with their work displayed throughout the community.
135 years after its construction, the Bridgeton Umbrella stands as a reminder of the proud past of the community. But more importantly it provides a focus for the long-overdue physical, social and economic transformation of the area – a transformation that is beginning now and which will continue for many more years.
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jawbox
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Post by jawbox on Apr 26, 2010 15:06:45 GMT 1
Charlie et al,
I've just had a thought ref the bell, there must be some markings on the bell itself, normally a maker's name and a date of manufacture - is there a way to find this out?, I know bell makers are normally old established companies with records to go with it. Just thought I'd mention it in case it would be another avenue to explore.
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Post by Waverley on Apr 26, 2010 20:29:23 GMT 1
Charlie et al, I've just had a thought ref the bell, there must be some markings on the bell itself, normally a maker's name and a date of manufacture - is there a way to find this out?, I know bell makers are normally old established companies with records to go with it. Just thought I'd mention it in case it would be another avenue to explore. Jawbox that has already crossed my mind and I will be writing to the appropriate people to find out how I access the tower and check out the bell for 'craft' marks.
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pitbull
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Post by pitbull on Apr 26, 2010 23:55:39 GMT 1
" any body born within the sound of the toll clock tower and call them proper brigtonian jockneys"Jackie in Rutherglen we call them Bampots . !! aye yer no far wrang andy ;D thats how i got tae feck outta the place. so when the 8 bells toll yer gonna get yer heid kicked in ya basra.
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pitbull
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Post by pitbull on Apr 26, 2010 23:58:05 GMT 1
its just as well me and mah mates wullie mcculley and smidy and scurdy didnae find oot there wiz a bell in the umbrella barthomlomews scrappy wid huv a wee bit extra scrap or maybe even longmuirs or paki mcfarlanes/
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Post by Deleted on Apr 27, 2010 7:14:26 GMT 1
" any body born within the sound of the toll clock tower and call them proper brigtonian jockneys"Jackie in Rutherglen we call them Bampots . !! aye yer no far wrang andy ;D thats how i got tae feck outta the place. so when the 8 bells toll yer gonna get yer heid kicked in ya basra.
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Post by adaline on Apr 28, 2010 20:57:05 GMT 1
its just as well me and mah mates wullie mcculley and smidy and scurdy didnae find oot there wiz a bell in the umbrella barthomlomews scrappy wid huv a wee bit extra scrap or maybe even longmuirs or paki mcfarlanes/ My god pitbull thers a blast fae the past Paki McFarlanes. Adaline
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Post by palaisgirl on Apr 28, 2010 20:59:34 GMT 1
Just spoke to my pal, who originally comes from Brigton and she was asking her wee aunty about the bell. She says she remembers the Bell was rung at New Year, as her dad used to take the family to the Toll every New Year especially just to hear it. She said the year would be around 1938. Hopefully this opens up some more options for us to investigate.
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Post by Waverley on Apr 28, 2010 21:07:36 GMT 1
carol I was at a meeting today as the guest of another local group and we discussed this in much detail. I have some great news re our involvement.
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Post by palaisgirl on Apr 28, 2010 21:15:20 GMT 1
Great stuff cant wait to hear it. I will be glad when this mystery is solved.
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Post by Waverley on Apr 28, 2010 22:05:52 GMT 1
Great stuff cant wait to hear it. I will be glad when this mystery is solved. Sorry Carol let me explain there was nothing positive on the bell other than it will be put back into use in the future and it will ring at least once a day at a time yet to be decided. We are going to have further talks with some other local residents with a definite input to the historic trails that we spoke about with Audrey at our last meeting. The VC thing is looking like a goer and we will be asked to put in an input. ;D
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Post by Waverley on May 21, 2010 20:40:41 GMT 1
The old Toll is looking good thesedays isn't it... ;D
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Beth
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Post by Beth on May 21, 2010 20:57:39 GMT 1
Brilliant Charlie, but the calendar with the snow on it was brilliant.
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Beth
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Post by Beth on May 21, 2010 20:58:53 GMT 1
Should have added the buildings have cleaned up magnificently. The stones and architecture in the old buildings are wonderful
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mcgoo
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Post by mcgoo on May 21, 2010 21:00:50 GMT 1
Wow - you just beat me to it! we made our way to sunny ole Brigton earlier this week to see for ourselves. heres a close up of the top.. e-mailed these to my old class mate (retired company director) - who said were brillian, and reminded him so much of his happy days in Bridgeton http:/ sorry having probs with my photobucket
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Post by palaisgirl on May 21, 2010 21:08:12 GMT 1
Its looking brilliant, just wish we could see the bell. Its a lovely feature and a great landmark for Bridgeton.
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mcgoo
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Post by mcgoo on May 21, 2010 21:10:00 GMT 1
we felt like tourists walking about with borrowed camera, as havent been there for manys a year.. heres the other I sent him.. when I get me a digi camera of my own- will take some more later on.. ]
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Beth
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Post by Beth on May 21, 2010 21:29:57 GMT 1
This is not the place I remember. How beautiful it looks, especially on a sunny day. Charles Bronson, jist as well ye ur deid. Great foties
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Post by Waverley on May 21, 2010 21:42:29 GMT 1
I am glad to say that the Glesga Keelies , GEISHA and our other sister group The Thistle & Poppy Society have been involved in discussions re the renovation of the Toll and will be further involved in the months that lie ahead watch these pages for a really big announcement within the next few weeks re a special memorial to be erected at the Toll. Brigton Will Be Brigton.
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Gibbsy
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Post by Gibbsy on May 23, 2010 14:10:37 GMT 1
The old Toll is looking good thesedays isn't it... ;D Charlie I drive past the toll regularly when I take Gill to her work, even going down dalmarnock rd onto kings drive then back up past templetons/london rd. I think the toll/umbrella will look amazing when its all finished. When I was young the memory I have of the cross is quite dark (the umbrella/tenements etc). When the work is finished it looks as if the whole area ( brigton cross) will look quite light
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Beth
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Post by Beth on May 23, 2010 14:56:42 GMT 1
Yes Gibbsy, my memories are dark, but remember that was before the buildings were all cleaned up. My memories are of all that beautiful stonework covered in soot and grime, The umbrella did not look too clean either
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Post by adaline on May 23, 2010 15:52:59 GMT 1
I've not been down past the toll for a while.....looking good though.
Adaline
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Post by davidhendry on Jun 12, 2010 9:04:27 GMT 1
It`s fantastic! mcgoo, in your fotie, on the right hand side of the roof, is whit looks like wan o ma dugs. That makes it even nicer!!! Davie.
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Post by Waverley on Jun 23, 2010 14:06:28 GMT 1
Well folks I was at a meeting yesterday and was reliably informed that the bell inside the clock tower is working and was rung for the first time in living memory a couple of weeks ago. It was operating for a couple of hours and went literally unnoticed by the many Brigtonians who happened to pass by that afternoon. It seems the bell is has a very quiet peel which can only be heard if you are within forty or fifty yards of the Umbrella...due mainly to the fact that the clock tower is literally enclosed and the actual noise is retained within the tower. It now seems that there are plans to reintroduce the bell during the daylight hours and on special occasions as they have now fitted a modern device onto it to ring it whenever it merits it.
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Post by daisy on Jun 24, 2010 14:11:52 GMT 1
If you find out when its being rung for the first time we could have a wee keelies gathering at the umberella to mark the occasion.
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