Argyle Street is one of Glasgow’s oldest and most important thoroughfares, dating back to the 17th century when it was known as Westergait, the main road leading west from the old city gates.
When the West Port was demolished in 1751 to allow Glasgow’s expansion beyond its medieval walls, the street was renamed Argyle Street in honour of Archibald Campbell, the 3rd Duke of Argyll.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, Argyle Street developed into one of Glasgow’s principal shopping and commercial streets. Elegant Georgian and Victorian buildings appeared alongside new businesses, department stores, and hotels, reflecting the city’s rise as an industrial and mercantile powerhouse.
Parts of the famous Glasgow street were pedestrianised during the 20th century with it remaining a busy shopping hub until this day.
Here are 14 old photographs of one of Glasgow’s most famous streets.
1. Argyle Street (1973)
A snapshot of Argyle Street in the early seventies. | Urban Glasgow
2. Arnotts
You could find Arnotts on Jamaica Street and Argyle Street in Glasgow with the department store being pictured here on a busy Argyle Street back in 1977. The store closed its doors in 1994. | Ole Holbech
3. Argyle Street
A busy Argyle Street in the late 1980s in Glasgow as shoppers go along the street. Photo: ALLAN MILLIGAN
4. Argyle Street
A look along Argyle Street under the Hielenman's Umbrella captured by the British Transport Commission. | British Transport Commission