Bridgeton, Glasgow

Bridgeton is a district to the east of Glasgow city centre. Historically part of Lanarkshire, it is bounded by Glasgow Green to the west, Dalmarnock to the east and south and Calton to the north-west at Abercromby Street/London Road.HistoryIt started as a small weaving village in 1705, when the third John Walkinshaw marked out a portion of his Goosefauld estate for rent. However, not much interest was shown until 1775 when Rutherglen Bridge was built over the River Clyde and the area became known as Bridge Town (or Brig Toun in Scots). A major employer was carpet manufacturer James Templeton & Co. Bridgeton used to be bounded by a village named Mile-End to the north, however this district seems to have vanished over the years, resulting in Bridgeton's boundary moving north to Crownpoint Road.Bridgeton CrossBridgeton Cross, also known as 'The Toll' is a major junction, the meeting point of London Road, Dalmarnock Road, Main Street, James Street, Olympia Street and Orr Street.The intersection is notable for the "Brigton Umbrella", a Victorian cast iron bandstand covering the centre of the Cross. The landmark structure and surrounds was renovated in the early 21st century, resulting in improved public realm areas and the complete refurbishment of the Umbrella.