The Glasgow Fair has been an important public event for centuries and many of its activities took place near the western end of Glasgow Green. It was inaugurated in the late twelfth century and traditionally began on 7 July, but in time the start was changed to Fair Monday which was fixed as the second Monday in July.

The fair was originally an important market and included sales of horses and cattle and the engagement of servants. In the nineteenth century it began to attract amusements including theatres, circuses and drinking booths; later in the century it changed again and Fair Monday became the start of Fair Fortnight when many Glasgow people went on holiday, often going `Doon the watter`.

This article is based on the guidebook "The Glasgow Guide".

Summer in Glasgow and two heavy horses haul a group of people around the Green.