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Greenock then and now In a country with so many ancient treasures, Greenock is relatively
nouveau riche when it comes to history - it was only granted burgh status in 1635! - but
riche is the operative word. It can claim, among other things:
James Watt
Inventor and engineer, was born in Greenock in 1736 and maintained
lifelong associations with the town. Watt didn't quite invent steam but he was the first
to make sense of it in an engine, thereby practically single handedly launching the
Industrial Revolution. [Want to know more?]
Robert Burns
Ayrshire's ploughboy-poet not only slept here in Greenock - he ate, drank,
worked as a Customs Officer, loved many local lasses and wrote a famous poem about one in
particular. 'Highland Mary', otherwise known as Mary Campbell, died tragically young at
her home in Upper Charles Street and a memorial at Greenock cemetery marks her grave. The
Burns Trail is well documented throughout Inverclyde - indeed, the first Burns Supper was
held in Greenock in 1802. [Want
to know more?]
McLean Museum & Art Gallery
15 Kelly Street, Greenock (Mon-Sat, 1000 - 1700). One of the best small
museums in Scotland has excellent insights on local history including steam pioneer James
Watt, the sugar barons Tate & Lyle, and other industries such as shipbuilding,
rope-making, pottery and silversmithing. Small but impressive art gallery includes some
splendid Scottish masters such as Raeburn, Ramsay & Hornel.
Or pop into the James Watt Library, just round the corner in Union Street, and pick up a
'Greenock Town Trails' guide. It's a gem and so is the library, especially if you're
interested in tracing ancestors.
Other historic/cultural attractions:
The Esplanade. Scenic mile-long walkway and
cycle path has stunning views of mountains across the Clyde - or just feast your eyes on
the fabulous Victorian villas that line the way.
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Custom House Museum, Custom House Quay, built
in 1818 when the port at Greenock was trading on a global scale. It's still a working customs
& excise office but the museum has great exhibits on historical uniforms, confiscated
items - plus a computerised game that lets you play customs inspector and search for drugs on
board a ship. |
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Newark Castle, at nearby Port
Glasgow, with 15th century tower and gatehouse, now being rescued from years of neglect and
industrial encroachment. Historic prints. Landscaped gardens. |
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