Flanked on one side by the magnificent City Chambers and on another by the Greater Glasgow and Clyde Valley Tourist Board, George Square was laid out in the 19th Century and is dominated by a 24-meter (80-foot) column, with a statue of Sir Walter Scott on top. On a sunny day, clusters of people sunbathe amidst statues of such august personages as Queen Victoria, Prince Albert, Robert Burns, James Oswald, James Watt, William Gladstone and Robert Peel. The Cenotaph war memorial is also around and the square itself saw bloodshed in 1918 when crowds rioted during a protest against the 56-hour working week. As the only large open space in the city center, it's often used as a venue for celebrations.
Dominated by the statue of John Knox, this is an old cemetery on a small hill right behind Glasgow Cathedral. Its design was based on the Pere Lachaise cemetery in Paris and the elaborate tombs are home to many obscure Glasgow Victorian dignitaries and a few famous ones. It was established in 1831 by the Merchants' House of Glasgow and several well-known local architects such as Alexander 'Greek' Thomson had a hand in the design of memorials and mausoleums. On weekdays, guides are available to show visitors around the cemetery. Excellent views of the cathedral and beyond can be enjoyed from the top of the hill.
The Southern Necropolis, though perhaps not as dramatically situated and famous as The Necropolis, can still hold its own. Set beside the River Clyde, this 19th-century cemetery dotted with twisty trees, tombstones and unkempt grass has an eerily tranquil aura to it. Clasped by ivy, many stones are almost hidden or crumbled by this centuries old embrace. Nevertheless, it gives a fascinating glimpse of how people perceived death and longed for a place of dignity for one's resting place during the Victorian era. Though it has had a long peaceful existence, there was one incident in 1954 that brought attention to this place all across the nation. A school rumor about a giant vampire created a mass hysteria among primary schoolchildren. These young brave-hearts grounded the graveyard with whatever weapons they could to hunt the monster or vampire down. Though it was just a hoax, the act of these kids was a headliner in the news. Sir Thomas Lipton is among the notable personalities interred here.
Set in the attractive Pollok Country Park, this 18th-century Palladian mansion houses the Stirling Maxwell collection of paintings. 16th and 17th-century art by El Greco, Murillo, William Blake and Goya hang in the museum, whilst 18th- and 19th-century artifacts and furniture can also be viewed. Afterward, you can wander around the beautifully tended gardens, enjoy a snack in the restaurant and browse in the gift shop.
River Clyde flows mightily through cities like Lanark, Glasgow, Bothwell and Greenock. It is the ninth longest river in United Kingdom and holds a significant position in the Shipbuilding and water trade of the British Empire. Since, Glasgow faces America and Clyde flowed through the city forming a port,Tobacco and cotton trade flourished in Glasgow during the the 18th Century. The Clyde is an address to landmarks such as the Falls of Clyde (waterfalls), Bothwell Castle, Firth of Clyde and also the New Lanark Mill Hotel and Waterhouses. After the World War II, Clyde lost her role in the Shipbuilding industry of Glasgow but she has assumed a new importance in adding to the recreational beauty of the city.
The Paisley War Memorial towers impressively over the convergence of Gilmour Street and High Street. It is not uncommon to see local war memorials in Britain, commemorating the First World War. However, the Paisley War Memorial is a little more unusual. A Medieval Knight sits astride a huge horse, and on all sides, is flanked by four soldiers, wearing solemn uniforms of the time. Unveiled in 1924, this sculpture is crafted from bronze, and is adorned with an inscription illustrating the valor of those who fought incessantly for the country. Designed and sculpted by Robert Lorimer and Meredith Willimas respectively, this moving memorial is a tribute to lives lost in the ravages of World War I. Lodged proudly on a soaring pedestal, the glorious memorial duly harbors the town of Paisley and its iconic history.