Shawfield

An industrial district on the south bank of the River Clyde, opposite Dalmarnock, Shawfield is traditionally regarded as part of Rutherglen, but is split between Glasgow City and South Lanarkshire Council Areas. The area is separated from Rutherglen and neighbouring Toryglen by the West Coast Main Line railway and the M74 motorway.

Shawfield House dates from 1710, built for Daniel Campbell (1671 - 1753), but was sacked by rioters in 1725 who objected to his support for a tax that raised the price of whisky. Bonnie Prince Charlie stayed here during the winter of 1745-46 and is said to have met his mistress, Clementina Walkinshaw (1720 - 1802) here. The house was demolished in 1793. Coal mines, clay pits and associated brickworks developed on its policies by the early 19th C. Shawfield Chemical Works was established here in 1810 to make soap and later converted to produce potassium chromate. It went on to become one of the largest chromate producers in the world with more than 70% of the UK's production of chromic acid, chromic oxide pigment, sodium and potassium chromate and dichromate. In 1899, Keir Hardie (1856 - 1915) exposed the unhealthy conditions and long working hours in the plant. The Works continued in operation until 1967 but toxic waste from the plant continues to blight the area to the present day. T.B Seath & Co Shipbuilders was established here in 1856 and operated until 1902, specialising in iron-hulled yachts and small steamboats.

Shawfield Stadium is used for greyhound racing, while the Shawfield Dalmarnock Smartbridge was installed in 2014 to permit pedestrians to cross the river.


Use the tabs on the right of this page to see other parts of this entry arrow

If you have found this information useful please consider making
a donation to help maintain and improve this resource. More info...

By using our site you agree to accept cookies, which help us serve you better