|
|
Glasgow (UK)
Glasgow"s history stretches back almost two thousand years and has been
rich and varied. Originally a small salmon-fishing village at a crossing point
on the River Clyde, Glasgow has been shaped by Battles, World Wide Trade and
Heavy Industry to become a truly International City.
Founded by a Christian missionary (St Mungo), Glasgow became a major
religious centre. Mungo"s original church was destroyed by the wars which swept
the country in the years after his death. Today"s Cathedral dates from the 12th
Century and has been added to in the years which followed.
Provand"s Lordship, the oldest house in Glasgow was built over 500 years
ago for the Lord of Provan, an official of the Cathedral. The house still
welcomes visitors today to view its proud history.
In 1451 Glasgow became a University City. Glasgow University was originally
built in the High Street area of the city, but was moved to its present site in
Glasgow"s West end in 1870.
Glasgow has also been the site of many battles. Bishop"s Castle once stood
on the site now occupied by Glasgow"s Royal Infirmary. Here, in 1300, William
Wallace (of "Braveheart" fame) with 300 men defeated an army of 1000 English
Knights who had taken possession of the castle under the English Bishop of
Durham.
Two centuries later the castle was again the scene of battle when two
opposing forces fought for control of the Crown of Scotland then in the
possession of the baby, Mary Queen of Scots.
Due to its location on the west of the country, Glasgow was well positioned
to send shipping to the West Indies and America. By the 18th century many
merchants had acquired great wealth by importing sugar, rum and tobacco. Thus
were born the Tobacco Lords who built fabulous mansions (大厦)in the city.
However, life was very different for the city"s poor. By the 19th century
the influx (流入)of people looking for employment spawned the emergence of
tenement (房屋)accommodation. The poorest families were forced to live in "single
ends", one roomed homes where the entire family, often including grandparents,
would live together. An example is displayed at The People"s Palace. Many
families had to share common lavatories and wash facilities.
However, the struggle for survival generated a common bond between the
tenement dwellers and a great sense of community spirit, kindness and sharing
dominated everyday life.
The existence of vast deposits of coal and iron ore (矿石)in the Glasgow area
shaped the next two centuries of Glasgow"s history.
With the coming of the Industrial Revolution, aided by technological
advances designed by Clydeside inventors such as James Watt, Heavy Industry in
the shape of Railway Locomotives and Shipbuilding flourished.
Locomotives were exported throughout the world. "Clyde-Built" became
synonymous (同义的)with quality and reliability. The launch of the three "Queens" -
luxury passenger liners - was the pinnacle (顶点)of Glasgow"s shipbuilding
achievement. (Many of the original shipping models are on display in the
beautiful "Clyde Room" at the Transport Museum)
Sadly, the changing pattern of industry means that the Clyde no longer
employs the vast throngs of workers in the shipbuilding trades, although there
are notable exceptions. The proud "Clyde-Built" traditions are still in evidence
among the workforces of Kvaerner Govan and Yarrows, to name but two of
Clydeside"s remaining shipbuilding yards.
Today the city beckons tourists from all over the world. Glasgow"s art
treasures are world renowned and most of the city"s museums and art galleries
offer free entrance to view their treasures. The city boasts a fine Concert
Hall, International Conference Centre, Science Centre, Sports Arena and shops
rivalling the best in the land.
All this combined with Glasgow"s unique friendliness and hospitality makes
the city a favourite destination for visitors from all nations. |
|
发表于 2016-7-9 23:18:39