Gallus Glasgow X: Glasgow Cross
I couldn’t think of anything beginning with X so here’s a plausible “cheat”, if you like to call it that (though I bet a lot of other bloggers are having to do the same thing). X, in this case, does not represent a kiss – a Glasgow kiss is something you definitely want to avoid! It’s a headbutt. No, I’m going to talk about Glasgow Cross.
This was the heart of the medieval city, the meeting place of five roads: High Street, Gallowgate, London Road, the Saltmarket and the Trongate. Those roads are all still there, but Glasgow’s centre has moved west over the centuries and the only true remnant of the Cross’s former glory is the Tolbooth Steeple. Today, this sits alone on a traffic island, but when it was built in the 1620s it was part of a more extensive building. The Tolbooth had several uses, including as the seat of the Council until 1814 and, less pleasantly, as a place of public execution (hence Gallowgate. And gallus – remember that third definition I didn’t really want to talk about?) The rest of the Tolbooth was demolished in 1921.
Across the road, the Mercat (Market) Cross with its heraldic unicorn looks just as ancient but was only constructed in 1929/30.
Nearing the end! Tomorrow, in Y, we visit a place that generations of Glasgow weans and their parents have had cause to be grateful to.
The Glasgow Gallivanter 
I think the Glasgow Cross works fine for the letter X. I had to be creative with that letter, too. I like the clock tower and the unicorn. I’m wondering what they do with the Mercat Cross. It has a door, so something must go in it.
LikeLike
The original would have been a prison. I think this replica is mainly decorative these days.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh my goodness, lol. The glasgow kiss…I see stars just thinking of it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice creativity with X! I love the unicorn 🙂
LikeLike
He seems to be a popular feature….
LikeLike
Good save!
LikeLike
Bingo!
LikeLike
I almost ended up using “x” as a prohibitory sign for the word “forbidden” 😉 We’re almost done with the challenge! 😀
LikeLike
Almost! One more hurdle….
LikeLike
The unicorn is actually a beautiful art deco sculpture. I’m happy they kept the Tolbooth. When I hear how much history a place has, I always wish I could go back in time and see it in action for one day… not a gallows day!
You can find me here:
ClarabelleRant
LikeLike
No, best to avoid the gallows day!
LikeLike
I love the expression “Glasgow kiss”! But, you’re right, I don’t want one. Hard to believe that unicorn was only constructed in 1939–it looks much older.
LikeLike
Yes, you would think the whole structure was older – in fact, many people don’t realise it’s a copy of the original.
LikeLike
I think you’ve done just fine with X, Anabel! I’ll remember not to agree to a Glasgow kiss. 🙂
LikeLike
Unfortunately it’s not usually offered before administration! But I’m sure you’ll be in no danger.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think it is more than a plausible cheat – it’s a legitimate use for X!
– Sarah (and Choppy) –
Travels with Choppy
LikeLike
Aw thank you – best I could think of!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Brilliant handling of the letter X! I thought about doing something with a cross, but it didn’t really inspire me. This was really clever.
LikeLike
Thanks Nadine! Only two to go – tomorrow’s was easy for me but Z was trickier.
LikeLike