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Our first #glasgowparkoftheweek is Linn Park in the Southside. Named after the waterfall on the White Cart Water, it is the second largest park in the city at 82 hectares. The park was originally part of the lands of Hagtonhill, owned by the Maxwell family of Pollok House.
Our first stop is Linn Park House. A mansion was first built here around 1811 for the Reverend James Hall, who was later declared bankrupt. The house and estate was put up for auction on behalf of his creditors.
Field Marshall Colin Campbell, later 1st Baron Clyde, bought the estate as a summer retreat in 1820. He named the estate ‘the Lynn’ and built a new mansion. Known as the ‘Sugar’ Campbells, Colin’s family owned a West India Shipping Line.
As well as trading from Glasgow, they owned sugar plantations in the Caribbean. After the abolition of slavery on British plantations in 1833, the family received £50,000 in compensation for the loss of 1,200 enslaved African men, women and children on six plantations.
A vast sum at the time, this meant the Campbells were in the top 10 sugar planters in the UK. The Africans received nothing, and most continued to work for the Campbell’s for a nominal wage (see http://www.tdocplus.co.uk/linnpark/ for this and more on Linn Park and surrounding areas)
In 1840, the estate was purchased by John Gordon of Aitkenhead. In the 1850’s he commissioned architect Charles Wilson to extend the mansion. Wilson is better known for having prepared a masterplan for the Park district of Glasgow, which was taken forward as Park Circus.
He assisted Sir Joseph Paxton with the layout for the adjacent Kelvingrove Park (watch out for more on that later in the series!). Gordon is thought to have planted the Lime Tree avenue running through the park to commemorate the marriage of his daughter to one of the Campbells.
The mansion is now Category B-listed and was converted into four private homes in 2007, after lying derelict for some time.
Our next stop is the bridge over White Cart Water which forms part of the setting of the mansion. The bridge has been known by a variety of names over the years, including the Linn Park Bridge, Iron Bridge, White Bridge and Ha’penny Bridge.
Ha’penny Bridge has endured the longest and refers to the circular holes in the cast iron arches which resemble coins. The bridge was built around 1811-1820 and is now Category B-listed.
@HistEnvScot Statement of Special Interest explains that it is an early example of a single-span cast iron bridge in Scotland and is the oldest known complete iron bridge in Glasgow. The decorative ironwork includes Greek and gothic stylistic motifs.
No maker’s marks are evident but the design and construction suggest a renowned architect, engineer or foundry may have been responsible. Cast iron was increasingly used for bridge-building in Scotland in the 1820s-1860s, when wrought iron and then steel became popular.
We now head over to the northern area of the park, which contains the remains of Cathcart Castle. The castle was built by the first Lord Cathcart around 1450. Mary, Queen of Scots is reputed to have stayed in the castle prior to the Battle of Langside in May 1568.
The story goes that she watched the battle from the hill overlooking the castle, known as Court Knowe. The castle fell out of use soon after but wasn't demolished until 1980. Some remains are still visible. Near the castle was Cathcart House, also now demolished.
Other lost features of the park include the bandstand, which was demolished in the 1960s following a decline in its use. The park still has lots to keep people active and entertained, including an adventure playground, golf course and an equestrian centre.
Let us know what you love about Linn Park, and remember to tag us @GlasgowHeritage in photos of you out enjoying Glasgow’s parks and greenspaces! Nominate your local park to feature by using the hashtag #glasgowparkfoftheweek
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