Port Glasgow
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Port Glasgow (Port Ghlaschu in Scottish Gaelic) is the second largest town in the Inverclyde region of Scotland, located adjacent to neighbouring Greenock.
The town grew from the central area of the present town and thus many of the towns historic buildings are found here. Port Glasgow expanded up the steep hills to open fields where areas such as Boglestone and Devol where founded. This area has subsequently become known as upper Port Glasgow and most of the towns population occupies these areas.
History
Port Glasgow was originally a small village known as Newark. From this site trade ships from France and the low countries were unloaded here and the cargo transferred to Glasgow on smaller boats. In 1667, the town council of Glasgow purchased land for the construction of a harbour and breakwater. This became Glasgow's first deep-water port and the town of Newark became known as Port Glasgow. After 1693, the grid-iron street layout which still forms much of the town centre today, was laid out.
Port Glasgow became a burgh in 1833, but, around this time, the River Clyde up to Glasgow was deepened and new road and rail links meant that the town was no longer needed much as a port. However, the shipbuilding industry took over as the main source of employment and prosperity.
The Comet was built in the town in 1812 and was the first commercial steam vessel in Europe. A replica of the Comet and a plaque commerating the actual site of construction are situated in Port Glasgow town centre. Port Glasgow has been responsible for about a quarter of the total tonnage of ships launched on the Clyde. however like the rest of Inverclyde this industry has all but gone and only Fergusons shipyard remains in the town today.
Newark Castle is situated next to the Clyde and dates to around 1484. It was home to the Maxwell Family and is possibly the origin of the name of Newark for the town. The Maxwell family never lived in the castle after 1694 and by 1800 the castle was surrounded by shipyards, today only Fergusons shipyard is next to it and an open park area and waterfront walkway is on the other side. The castle is now a visitor attraction owned by Historic Scotland.
Areas of Port Glasgow
Bardrainney Boglestone Bogston Broadfield Devol Gibshill Lilybank Mid Auchinleck Park Farm Parkhill Slaemuir Springhill Woodhall
External links
The Local Community Website (http://www.portglasgowonline.com)