Coordinates: 55°50′13″N 4°15′43″W / 55.837°N 4.262°W
Govanhill (Bhrae na Ghobhain in Gaelic) is a district in the Scottish city of Glasgow. It is situated south of the River Clyde between the Gorbals, Mount Florida and Queens Park. The council ward has boundaries of Dixon Avenue and Dixon Road to the South, Victoria Road to the West, Butterbiggins Road to the North, and Aikenhead Road to the East.
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History
The history of the area is linked to the Dixon family. A prominent ironmaster, William Dixon opened blast furnaces to the south of Govanhill which became known as 'Dixons Blazes'. The area itself was formed in 1877 and the main avenue that runs the length of it is called Dixon Avenue. Some of the local streets were name after the daughters of William Dixon Jnr; Allison Street, Daisy Street, and Annette Street. The ward has a population of approx. 8,500. Successive waves of immigrants from Ireland, Pakistan and more recently Poland and Slovakia have given the area a rich multicultural identity[1]. Govanhill perhaps remains the most well preserved example in Glasgow of a Victorian era tenemental suburb.
Govanhill is home to one of Glasgow's original Carnegie libraries, deftly designed in the Edwardian Baroque style by James Robert Rhind. The library is situated at the junction of Langside Road and Calder Street.
Recent years
In recent years however the area has earned a reputation as a run-down location with high levels of crime[2]. In 2008 Govanhill was tagged 'Scotland's murder capital'[3].
However, Govanhill is home to a thriving creative arts community spearheaded by Dance Factory Dance Studios in Calder Street, with South Side Studios and Calder Street Studios both home to visual artists
Govanhill Baths
The baths were designed by A B McDonald and opened in 1917 after the architect's death. They contained hot baths in the upper storey and three swimming pools on the ground floor. There was a seating gallery around one of the pools for spectators attending events such as galas. There was also a wash-house or "steamie" at the rear of the building, which was converted to a launderette in 1971.
After the council closed the baths, the campaign to save Govanhill Baths began in December January 2001 which culminated in an occupation of the building from March 17th until August 7th 2001 when Sheriff’s Officers accompanied by police removed the protesters and boarded up the pool. Since then, a growing community has continued campaigning for the redevelopment and reopening of the facilities to the Govanhill and surrounding communities. The Govanhill Baths Community Trust organise fundraising events, sends out regular newlettes and runs the highly popular Govanhill Baths Open days when members of the public are show round the building for free.
Trivia
Notable current and former residents include psychiatrist and author R.D. Laing, born on Ardbeg Street in 1927.
Brian Francis Connolly (aka McManus), lead singer with popular 1970's glam-rock band The Sweet, was born in Govanhill on 5 October 1945.
Govanhill was featured as the backdrop to the film 'small faces' in 1996[4].
References
- ^ http://www.sundayherald.com/international/shinternational/display.var.1429092.0.glasgow_set_for_multifaith_storytelling.php
- ^ http://www.theherald.co.uk/features/features/display.var.2417332.0.govanhill_living_in_ground_zero.php
- ^ http://www.sundaymail.co.uk/news/scottish-news/2008/08/24/govanhill-declared-scotland-s-murder-capital-78057-20709019/
- ^ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0114474/
External links
- Govanhill Baths Community Trust
- http://www.cnag-glaschu.co.uk/AboutUs.php
- http://www.dancefactory.co.uk
- Southside Festival
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