George Square

Welcome to George Square, the undisputed center of Glasgow’s civic life and a profound repository of the city’s history. Laid out in 1781 and named in honor of King George the Third, this square was originally intended to feature…

Dominating the eastern side of the square is the Glasgow City Chambers, the headquarters of the City Council and a stunning example of Victorian civic pride. Constructed between 1883 and 1888, the building was the result of an…

Directly in front of the City Chambers stands the Cenotaph, Glasgow’s primary memorial to those who lost their lives in the Great War of 1914 to 1918. It is estimated that approximately 200,000 Glaswegians joined the armed forces…

In the very center of the square, perched atop an 80-foot (approximately 24-meter) Doric column, is the statue of Sir Walter Scott. It is the first and most dominant monument in the square, erected in 1837. …

In the southwestern corner of the square, we find the statue of James Watt. If one person can be credited with sparking the Industrial Revolution that transformed Glasgow into a global powerhouse, it is he. …

No Scottish square would be complete without a tribute to Robert Burns, the national bard. Located on the western side of the square, this statue was erected in 1877 and was famously funded by public subscription. …

As we move back toward the center, we encounter two striking equestrian statues: Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. These statues, depicting the royal couple on horseback, were erected to mark their visits to the city and to…

As our tour of George Square concludes, take one final look around this remarkable space. We have walked among the giants of science like James Watt and Thomas Graham, stood in the shadow of the literary titan Walter Scott, and…

As our tour of George Square concludes, take one final look around this remarkable space. We have walked among the giants of science like James Watt and Thomas Graham, stood in the shadow of the literary titan Walter Scott, and…