New Book Brings Medieval Glasgow To Life
This week saw the launch of a new book - A Tale of Two Towns - that tells the story of the birth of Glasgow through the medieval era (1100 - 1650). The book, edited by Neil Baxter, is the first comprehensive history of Glasgow's first 500 years to be published for nearly a century.
A Tale of Two Towns was produced as part of Glasgow's Local History and Archaeology Strategy, which aims to realise the economic, social and environmental potential of the City's rich local history and archaeology resource. It is recognised that local history has a vital role in developing local civic pride and a sense of identity, and that Glasgow has a long history and a rich cultural heritage but is not always seen as a historic city.
The new book, trail guides and educational initiatives are helping to give local people and visitors a new understanding of how Glasgow was formed and to explore its development as a pilgrimage centre, a focus for trade and a great industrial city.
This historical legacy, alongside the city's archaeological assets, is being used to further develop Glasgow's tourist potential. The legacy also provides opportunities for lifelong learning, by increasing understanding and awareness of the City's local history and archaeology, and promotes the development of skills in local history and archaeology through, research and project work.
Bailie Catherine McMaster said: "This wonderful book is the first fully illustrated, popular publication to explore medieval Glasgow. A Tale of Two Towns traces the history of our city from its origins, looking at Glasgow's place in Scotland during the era, and the influence of the church, the law and trade and trade on the growth of Glasgow. This is a story worth telling and a history worthy of celebration."