(1864-70,
Sir George Gilbert Scott; 1887, J. Oldrid Scott)
Sir George Gilbert Scott designed the university`s Main
Buildings and he planned a lead-covered spire for the tower but died
before it was completed. His son then took over the work and he designed
this more open structure which has an observation platform giving superb
views.
This is one of Glasgow`s most important landmarks as it is 85m (278 feet)
high and is easily spotted from most parts of the city. Above the main
doorway (which is decorated with carved thistles) are two shields: one
has a bull for Bishop Turnbull and the date 1451; the other has three
shells (for the Marquis of Montrose, who was the Chancellor in 1870) and
the date 1870. Farther above, a plaque carries the university`s badge
(which is essentially the elements of the city`s coat of arms with a mace,
an open book and the university`s motto Via, Veritas, Vita (`The
Way, the Truth, the Life`). It is possible to climb the tower, weather
permitting.
Inside the tower`s main door is a passageway with a wonderful series of
Gothic archways which give this space the feel of an extremely ancient
institution. On the right is a marble plaque (from the Blackfriars` churchyard
in the High Street) dedicated to Thomas Reid (1720-96), Professor of Moral
Philosophy in the Old College from 1764 to 1796. On the other side
of the passageway is a sandstone plaque on which is the university`s badge
and the words University of Glasgow Founded 1451. This was brought here
from High Street where the Old College was sited. After the university
moved from there to Gilmorehill this plaque was erected on the old site
and in the 1990s it was saved when the land became a huge car park. The
passageway narrows at the end (where there is a doorway) and at the base
of the pillars on either side are brass plaques commemorating the laying
of two foundation stones on 8 October 1868. That on the left was laid
by Alexandra, Princess of Wales and that on the right by Edward, Prince
of Wales.
This article is based
on the guidebook "The
Glasgow Guide".
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