Tolbooth Steeple
The Tolbooth Steeple stands in the middle of Glasgow Cross, a seven-stage stone tower built between 1626 and 1634 and topped by an open crown spire. It is the only surviving fragment of Glasgow's old Tolbooth, the medieval town's council house and jail, and one of the city's oldest landmarks.
Photos
Θεόδωρος Γιαννακογεώργος
History
The steeple was designed by John Boyd, described as architect and Master of Works, and originally stood at the west end of the Tolbooth building. The rest of the Tolbooth was demolished in 1921, leaving the tower marooned on its own island in the traffic. It is a Category A listed building. Its listing record notes it was de-scheduled as a monument in 1998.
What to look at
Stand back on the pavement to take in the full height. The tower rises in seven stages to a corbelled parapet with corner turrets, from which flying buttresses support an open crown spire, finished with a gilded weathervane. The crown form echoes Glasgow Cathedral and Edinburgh's St Giles'.
Seeing it
The tower is not open inside, so this is a ten-minute stop on a walk rather than a visit in itself. Combine it with the Merchant City to the west, a walk up High Street to the Cathedral and Necropolis, or Glasgow Green to the south. Kozi Cafe and Through the House are right beside it for a coffee. Look up at dusk when the stonework is lit and the weathervane catches the last of the light.
Highlights
- Built 1626 to 1634
- Designed by John Boyd
- Open crown spire with gilded weathervane
- Category A listed
Good to know
- The steeple stands on a traffic island, so cross at the lights.
- It is viewed from outside only.
Frequently asked questions
Nearby
Sources: portal.historicenvironment.scot