River Clyde Glasgow
Clyde shipbuilding came to the fore during the early 20th century, with massive output during the First and Second World Wars. This was followed by decline set during the 1960s, however shipbuilding yards remain open at Govan, Scotstoun and Greenock. Now the Clyde is experiencing massive regeneration, finding a new identity as a recreational, residential and business area.
- The Cunard shipping line was founded in Glasgow and the liners Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth, QE2 and the Royal Yacht Britannia were all built on the River Clyde at Clydebank.
- Geenock-born James Watt invented the separate condenser after a walk along the river on Glasgow Green in 1765, an invention which made the steam engine economically viable.
- The Waverley, the world's last ocean-going paddle steamer was built in 1947 by A & J Inglis on the River Clyde in Glasgow. It remains on the Clyde today, where countless passengers continue to enjoy a trip ‘doon the watter’.
- Billy Connolly, the comedian and actor, was born in Partick in Glasgow in 1942 and worked in a Clyde shipyard before taking to the stage.
- The Clyde tunnel took seven years to build. Work began in July 1957 and the first tunnel opened in July 1963. It is 21 feet below the river surface and approximately seven football pitches long.
- It is not known when the River Clyde was first navigated, but steamboat traffic began with the launch in 1812, of the Comet, which ran between Glasgow and Greenock.
- Construction of the Kingston Bridge over the Clyde started in 1967. It was opened in 1970 and today more than 150,000 vehicles cross the bridge daily.
The Clyde Waterfront Heritage website contains detailed information about the history and heritage of this fascinating river, including places to visit.
For ideas for use in the classroom, visit Clyde Waterfront Education.