Mercat (market) crosses similar to this one are found all over Scotland to mark places where markets authorised by the monarch or local laird were held. This is actually a copy of one which had previously stood here up to 1659. The new cross was paid for by Dr and Mrs William Black and its inauguration in 1930 was a day of great celebration.
Surprisingly, despite the name, this is not in the shape of a cross but an octagonal tower with a heraldic unicorn holding a shield high above it. On the west side there is a plaque which states this is The Mercat Cross of Glasgow, built in the year of grace 1929. Above this is Glasgow's coat of arms with its motto, Let Glasgow Flourish.
The Mercat Cross was designed by Edith Burnet Hughes and the architect was Sir John James Burnet (1857-1938).
I really enjoyed seeing it at close quarters yesterday; this is really a beautiful part of the city which I find more interesting every time I go there! read more