Pollokshaws facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pollokshaws
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.jpg) Pollokshaws Burgh Hall |
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 Pollokshaws
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| OS grid reference | NS562614 |
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| Country | Scotland |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | GLASGOW |
| Postcode district | G43 1 |
| Dialling code | 0141 |
| Ambulance | Scottish |
| EU Parliament | Scotland |
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Pollokshaws (Scots: Powkshaws) is an area on the South side of the city of Glasgow, Scotland. It is bordered by the residential neighbourhoods of Auldhouse to the east, Eastwood and Hillpark to the south and Shawlands to the north, with the Glasgow South Western Line railway and the open lands of Pollok Country Park to the west. The White Cart Water flows through the area.
The housing stock consists of some sandstone tenement housing, modern brick tenement-style buildings, low-rise social housing and high rise/multi-storey tower blocks. Previously eight tower blocks stood in an area known as the Shawbridge Corridor; the last of these blocks was demolished in March 2016. Four other tower blocks remain, near Pollokshaws East railway station.
According to the 2001 Census, Pollokshaws had a population of 4,295. Its residents are a mixture of working class and middle class social groups, and the area also had a large South Asian community.
Contents
History
Pollokshaws was originally a village predominantly dedicated to weaving in the 17th century. A group of Flemish weavers were brought to the area in the 19th century by the landowners, the Maxwells of Pollok on account of their exceptional weaving skills.
Pollokshaws was a burgh of Renfrewshire until 1912 when it was annexed to the City of Glasgow. An industrial area, this changed in 1957 when it was proposed as the second Comprehensive Development Area in Glasgow (the first was Hutchesontown). The area was demolished and started anew. A large number of tower blocks were built in the 1960s, and later demolished between 2008 and 2016 in the Shawbridge Corridor regeneration. The areas where these blocks were will have a mix of social and private housing.
The blowdowns of the first two towers in July 2008 was filmed in detail by an American company and can be seen as part of the documentary series "The Detonators".
Sport
Pollokshaws Bowling Club was formed in 1854 and was originally across from Pollokshaws West railway station. On the club's centenary, the clubhouse and greens moved into Pollok Park rent free thanks to Sir John Stirling Maxwell.
The Pollokshaws Races, an informal horse racing event staged annually from around 1750 until 1883, took place on a racecourse to the southwest of the village, on land now occupied by Kennishead Road and Cowglen Golf Club. The races initially developed in conjunction with the local holiday, the Pollokshaws Fair, and were viewed more as an excuse for drinking and socialising rather than a serious sporting event.
Pollok F.C.'s Newlandsfield Park is in the area, adjacent to Pollokshaws East railway station.
Notable people
- Elizabeth 'Betty' Burns - Illegitimate daughter of Robert Burns is buried in the Kirk Lane Cemetery.
- John MacLean - early 20th century socialist
- Alex Norton - actor
- James Maxton - political activist
- James Tassie - 18th century gem engraver
- Frankie Boyle - comedian
Images for kids
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John Maclean's casket being removed from his Pollokshaws home in November 1923
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View over the Shawbridge area, 1983
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New apartments in the same area, 2017
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