Records of the Burgh of Pollokshields

The collection includes: documents relating to the formation and proposed extension of the burgh, 1876-1888 (H-SHI1); minutes, 1876-1891 (H-SHI2); legal records 1877-1890 (H-SHI3); letter books, 1877-1892 (H-SHI4); Dean of Guild Court records, including minutes, 1884-1891, register of petitions, 1887-1891, and petitions, 1885-1891 (H-SHI5); Police court papers, 1888-1891 (H-SHI6); account book 1889-1891 (H-SHI7); registrar's returns 1887-1891 (H-SHI8); Medical Officer’s monthly reports, 1889-1891 (H-SHI9); and standing orders 1877 (H-SHI11).

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, details of officials and their salaries and an inventory of documents.

Pollokshields was conceived in 1849 when Sir John Maxwell of Pollok, 8th baronet (1791-1865), commissioned architect David Rhind (1801-1883) to draw up plans for the development of the Shields part of his estate. The proposed suburb was designed to accommodate middle-class Glaswegians seeking quality housing beyond the boundaries of the congested city. Rhind's scheme divided Pollokshields into two distinct zones. While the eastern district consisted of terraces and tenements, the west consisted entirely of villas. Shields Road separated the two areas.

Despite the spaciousness of its tenements, the eastern district came to be far more densely built-up. By 1881 the west had 2,104 inhabitants compared with the east's 4,360, although the west covered more than twice the territory. The west was also exclusively residential, which meant that the east came to be the focus of social activity, accommodating shops, schools, churches and community buildings.

Fear of Glasgow domination, especially the burden of city taxes, induced the westerners to seek formal, self-governing status. In 1876 their community became an independent police burgh with an elected council. However, Pollokshields home rule was short-lived. The promise of generous taxation concessions eventually induced the burgh to amalgamate with Glasgow in 1891.

[Source: The Glasgow Story http://www.theglasgowstory.com/story/?id=TGSDG11]

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