Records of the Burgh of Crosshill

The collection includes: Minutes, 1871-1891 (including minutes of meetings concerning the foundation of the burgh); Magistrates’ act books including licensing, 1874-1891 (H-CRO8/1); Fire brigade account book, 1888-1891 (H-CRO12); correspondence, 1871-1890 (H-CRO13); papers relating to the court case against Cathcart and District Railway, 1880-1887 (H-CRO14/2-6); standing orders, 1873 (H-CRO14/11); and printed bills on the advantages of staying a separate burgh and to attract the Lanarkshire portion of Crosshill, 1874, notice of municipal election 1887, accounts for the Glasgow and Crosshill Extension Bill, 1875-1876 and observations by J M Robertson on declaring Crosshill a populous place within the meaning of the 1871 Act (H-CRO14/7).

There are papers relating to the transfer of papers to Glasgow following annexation at H-SHE4/31 including correspondence, a list of the burgh's workmen and details of officials and their salaries.

Crosshill emerged as a residential south-side suburb from the 1850s. Although not then formally part of the city, the community owed its creation to Glasgow Corporation, which in 1857 had purchased the extensive farmlands of Pathhead for use as a public park.

Crosshill developed quickly and soon became a favoured residence for middle-class commuters. Victoria Road led from the city to Queen's Park Gates and by 1875 a regular tramway service was operating along the route. Although Glasgow's town councillors maintained a keen interest in the progress of the suburb they were constantly frustrated in their efforts to annex it to the city. The burden of Glasgow taxes did not appeal to Crosshill residents and in 1871 it became a self-governing police burgh.

Crosshill's distinctive civic identity came to an end in 1891 when Glasgow succeeded in persuading the inhabitants that it was in their interests to combine with the city. There was no longer the political incentive to protect county interests, while the inauguration of the Cathcart District Railway in the 1880s had drawn Crosshill closer to Glasgow.

[Source: The Glasgow Story http://www.theglasgowstory.com/story/?id=TGSDG07]

Open

Access restrictions may apply. Please contact the Archives for further information

Descriptive list available at Glasgow City Archives.

Application for reproduction should be made to the Archivist

Glasgow City Archives, H-GHL, Records of the Burgh of Govanhill

Glasgow City Archives, H-SHE4/31, Papers of the Burgh of Pollokshields East relating to the burgh's annexation