The original Merchants' House or Guild Hall and hospital was constructed from 1651 to 1659 and the Steeple was completed in 1665.
Despite its date the triple tiers and lancet windows of the
Steeple mark its style as essentially Gothic with a Renaissance
balustrade. It is an easily identifiable landmark in early
prints of the city and no doubt also served as a useful lookout for
merchants anxiously awaiting valuable cargoes from around the
globe.
Given the importance of trade in Glasgow it is not surprising
that the Merchants' House, founded in the 17th century, became an
influential body. It campaigned for the deepening of the
Clyde and was active in support of British attempts to crush the
rebellion in the American colonies in the 18th century in order to
protect the tobacco interests of its members. Later it was
instrumental in founding the Necropolis.
In the 1870s the merchants removed to a splendid new Merchants'
House at the corner of George Street and George Square,
commissioned from J. J. Burnet, which incorporates some
panels and carved stone probably salvaged from the earlier
building. The old Merchants' House was demolished to make way
for the Briggait Fish market.
Also at Victoria Bridge and the Merchant City (Back to
Listing)