"First known as Dumbarton Road, then it changed to Wester Gate, and previous to assuming the patronymic of Archibald, Duke of Argyle, it was called Anderston Walk. In May, 1761, the corpse of Argyle, who had met his death in England, lay in state, while en route to the ducal burying-place at Kilmun, in the Black Bull Hotel, then known as the Highland Society's House, in this street, which but a short time previously had been named in his honour."placeholder image
"First known as Dumbarton Road, then it changed to Wester Gate, and previous to assuming the patronymic of Archibald, Duke of Argyle, it was called Anderston Walk. In May, 1761, the corpse of Argyle, who had met his death in England, lay in state, while en route to the ducal burying-place at Kilmun, in the Black Bull Hotel, then known as the Highland Society's House, in this street, which but a short time previously had been named in his honour." | Glasgowist

Streets of Glasgow: 10 great Glasgow streets and the fascinating history behind their names

Callum McCormack
By Callum McCormack

News Features Writer

Published 23rd Oct 2026, 12:57 BST

A look at the origins behind 10 great Glasgow streets

Published in 1902, The Origin and History of Glasgow Streets by Hugh Macintosh is a place-by-place guide to the city and its streets.

We took a look through the book and found some fascinating reasons behind the names of some of Glasgow’s most famous streets.

Keep reading to find 10 great Glasgow streets and the historic meaning behind their names.

"Opened 1793, is formed on the site of Henry Glassford of Dougalston's garden. The Shawfield Mansion was its southern boundary, the eastern wing of which is still there, though considerably altered; and the writer remembers seeing, previous to the last alteration, the hooks in the wall whereon had hung the old garden gate. Since the foregoing was written, the remaining remnant of the old mansion has been swept away, the site having been acquired for a bank."

9. Glassford Street

"Opened 1793, is formed on the site of Henry Glassford of Dougalston's garden. The Shawfield Mansion was its southern boundary, the eastern wing of which is still there, though considerably altered; and the writer remembers seeing, previous to the last alteration, the hooks in the wall whereon had hung the old garden gate. Since the foregoing was written, the remaining remnant of the old mansion has been swept away, the site having been acquired for a bank." | Google Maps

"Campbell of Blythswood's estate, near Renfrew, was called Renfield, and on his residential property he bestowed the name of his much more valuable Glasgow holding; but to make amends he named two of his new streets in the city Renfield and Renfrew respectively."

10. Renfrew Street

"Campbell of Blythswood's estate, near Renfrew, was called Renfield, and on his residential property he bestowed the name of his much more valuable Glasgow holding; but to make amends he named two of his new streets in the city Renfield and Renfrew respectively." | Getty Images

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