Crosshill, Glasgow facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Crosshill
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 Dixon Halls, once the main hall for Crosshill and Govanhill |
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 Crosshill
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| OS grid reference | NS590619 |
| Council area | |
| Lieutenancy area |
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| Country | Scotland |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | GLASGOW |
| Postcode district | G42 8 |
| Dialling code | 0141 |
| Police | Strathclyde |
| Fire | Strathclyde |
| Ambulance | Scottish |
| EU Parliament | Scotland |
| UK Parliament |
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| Scottish Parliament | |
Crosshill is a lively area located in the city of Glasgow, Scotland. You can find it south of the famous River Clyde. For a short time, from 1871 to 1891, Crosshill was its own independent town, called a police burgh. This meant it had its own local government and police. However, in 1891, it became part of the larger City of Glasgow.
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History of Crosshill
Crosshill was once part of a bigger area called the County of Renfrew. It had a brief period as an independent "police burgh" from 1871 until 1891. During this time, it managed its own local affairs. Then, it joined Glasgow.
Crosshill and Govanhill, which is just north of it, are very close. They share many things like postcodes and local services. Because of this, people often think of them as one big district. However, in the past, they were separate places. Crosshill also shares borders with Queen's Park and Mount Florida to the south. To the west is Strathbungo, and to the east is Polmadie. The area is home to Holyrood Secondary School and the historic former football stadium, Cathkin Park.
What's in a Name? The Etymology of Crosshill
The word "etymology" means the study of where words come from. The name Crosshill has an interesting past. It used to be written as "Corsehill" or "Corshill." On older maps, you might see it as "Corsehill," which means "Gorse hill." Gorse is a type of prickly bush with yellow flowers. So, the name might have changed over time from "Gorse hill" to "Crosshill."
However, there's another idea! A book from 1902, The Origin and History of Glasgow Streets, says that Crosshill got its name from an old cross. This cross was about ten feet tall and had a carving of Christ entering Jerusalem. It stood on a hill, which was then called the Cross Hill. This monument was sadly removed around the late 1700s. It's possible that even if the name started as "Corse Hill," the presence of this cross made people start calling it "Cross Hill."
Amazing Buildings and Art
Crosshill has some really cool buildings and art to see.
Crosshill Avenue Sheltered Housing
On Crosshill Avenue, you'll find some unique red brick and red-tiled cottages. They look different from the usual sandstone houses around them. These homes were designed by an architect named Ronald Bradbury and built after 1948. They were even given a special award, a Festival of Britain Medal, in 1951!
Victorian Architecture in Crosshill
The Victorian era (when Queen Victoria ruled) was a time when many beautiful buildings were made. Crosshill has some great examples.
Balmoral Crescent
Balmoral Crescent, located on Queen's Drive, offers a fantastic view of Queen's Park. It's one of Glasgow's most special examples of Victorian design. The architect, William McNicol Whyte, designed this curved row of houses around 1886. Look closely at the eastern corner, and you'll see a statue of a female figure. She holds a shield and once held a sword, like a guardian of Crosshill. There's also a carved picture of the architect himself on one of the windows!
Dixon Halls
Dixon Halls is a grand building that was given to the towns by William Smith Dixon. He owned the Govan Iron Works. This Scottish Baronial-style building was finished in 1879. It was designed by Frank Stirrat, who won a competition to create it. The building was actually split in half by the border between Crosshill and Govanhill. This meant each town had its own courtrooms and offices with separate entrances! Soon after it opened, it was renamed Dixon Halls.
Queen's Park United Presbyterian Church
This church was designed by a very famous Scottish architect, Alexander "Greek" Thomson, between 1869 and 1879. It was one of only three churches he ever built. Sadly, the church was badly damaged during World War II by bombs on March 24, 1943. It was so damaged that it had to be pulled down.
Cool Archaeological Finds
"Archaeology" is the study of human history through digging up old things.
First Hampden Park Stadium Site
The public gardens called Kingsley Gardens and the nearby Hampden Bowling Club are thought to be the original site of the first Hampden Park Stadium. This was a very important football stadium! Archaeology Scotland and local people from the Bowling Club and Community Gardens plan to dig in parts of Crosshill. They believe the first stadium once stood there. This dig is supported by Historic Environment Scotland and was planned for June 2021.
First Hampden Park Mural
If you travel on the Cathcart Circle Line railway, you'll see a special mural on the wall of the Hampden Bowling Club. This mural celebrates a famous football game where Scotland beat England 5-1 at the site of Glasgow's first Hampden Park! The mural was painted by a Glasgow artist named Ashley Rawson. You can also see it from Cathcart Road nearby.
How Crosshill is Governed
Crosshill is part of the Southside Central ward for the Glasgow City Council. This means it's part of a specific area that elects people to help run the city. It's also within the Glasgow Southside (Scottish Parliament constituency) for the Scottish Parliament. The person representing this area is called an MSP. For the UK Parliament, Crosshill is in the Glasgow South (UK Parliament constituency). The person representing this area is called an MP. Local people can also get involved through the Crosshill and Govanhill Community Council.
Getting Around: Transport
The area has its own train station, Crosshill railway station. It's part of the Cathcart Circle Lines, which makes it easy to travel around Glasgow by train.
Famous People from Crosshill
Some notable people have lived or were born in Crosshill:
- John Buchan (1875 - 1940): He was a famous author, best known for his exciting novel, The Thirty-Nine Steps. This book has been made into movies many times! John Buchan lived at 34 Queen Mary Avenue. This house was the home for the minister of the John Knox Free Church. The house is now a special "listed building" and has a plaque to show its connection to Buchan.
- Hannah Frank (1908 – 2008): A talented artist and sculptor.
- Ashley Rawson: An artist and illustrator, known for the Hampden Park mural.
