Ramshorn Theatre

Standing here on Ingram Street, we are confronted by one of Glasgow’s most striking architectural transformations: the Ramshorn Theatre. Originally built in 1824 as St. …

Let us examine the exterior of the building. Thomas Rickman was an architect who believed that the Gothic style was the highest expression of British character. …

The graveyard surrounding the Ramshorn is as important as the building itself. This is a quiet, shadowed space in the heart of the busy city, a 'God's Acre' that contains some of Glasgow's most significant historical figures. …

In the 1980s, the Ramshorn underwent a dramatic transformation. As the congregation dwindled, the building was acquired by the University of Strathclyde and converted into a theatre and drama center. …

Beneath the main floor of the theatre lies the crypt, a space of even greater mystery and history. In the early nineteenth century, it was common for wealthy families to be buried in the vaults beneath the church. …

To truly appreciate the Ramshorn, one must understand its position on Ingram Street. In the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, this was the 'Bond Street of the North.' It was the primary artery of the Merchant City,…

Finally, let us look at the modern additions to the Ramshorn’s grounds. In the small courtyard and along the railings, you will often find modern sculptures and art installations. …

As we conclude our tour of the Ramshorn Theatre, we leave behind a building that is a true survivor. From its beginnings as a prestigious parish church for the Tobacco Lords to its current life as a vibrant university theatre, it…