Georgian Architecture - Pollok House, Glasgow

Rear of Pollok House

Set within Pollok Park in Glasgow, Pollok House dates from about 1750 and is a fine example of Georgian architecture. Although it is now managed by the National Trust for Scotland, it was the ancestral home of the Maxwell family who had links to the original grounds for 700 years. Mrs Maxwell McDonald presented Pollok House to the City of Glasgow in 1966. Admission still remains free during the winter months from October to March and thereafter there is an admission charge to the upper floors of the house.

The old Servants’ Quarters in the basement now houses a shop and the lovely Kitchen Restaurant with its delicious home-baking and locally sourced food. These can be accessed at any time. The inside of the house is gracious and almost homely, although it does have a magnificent collection of art, including famous Spanish works by Goya and El Greco.

The gardens are beautifully laid out and are famous for the vast number of rhododendron species. Pollok Park itself is Glasgow’s largest country park, with plenty of woodland paths and trails, and the nearby Burrell Collection. The White Cart Water runs through the estate and is spanned by an 18^th century bridge not far from the house. On some days, visitors can even see the working Clydesdale Horses, and there is a field of Highland cattle. All within easy reach of the centre of Glasgow.

The recent BBC television series set in Georgian times, Garrow's Law, was filmed partly in and around Pollok House because of its authentic 18th century architecture and grounds.

Bridge over White Cart Water

On a visit to Pollok House, it is easy to imagine walking about the house and gardens in the gracious clothes of the 18th century!

Romy