Conservapedia - User contributions [en]

Sir John Betjeman

2007-04-27T13:56:55Z

Ulysses54:

'''Sir John Betjeman''' was an English poet who was born in [[Melchester]] in 1907. He became Poet Laureate in 1972 and died at St Maugans, [[Cornwall]] in 1984. He once said that the biggest influence on his poetry was the work of [[William Topaz McGonagall]].

University of Glasgow

2007-04-27T13:12:43Z

Ulysses54: /* Famous Alumni */

'''The University of Glasgow''' was founded in 1451, in [[Glasgow]], [[Scotland]]. It is a renowned centre for teaching and research, being one of the ancient universities of Scotland, the fourth oldest in the English-speaking world and amongst the largest and most prestigious in the United Kingdom. The University has recently risen to 81st place in the Times World University Rankings.[3]

The University's main campus is on Gilmorehill in the West End of Glasgow, although it also has buildings elsewhere in the city and jointly operates the Crichton Campus in [[Dumfries]] with other institutions, although it plans to end its involvement due to funding problems.

=== Famous Alumni ===

* [[David Hume]] (philosopher)
* [[Adam Smith]] (philosopher and economist)
* [[James Watt]] (engineer)
* [[Lord Kelvin]] (physicist)
* Sir John Boyd-Orr (economist)
* Sir [[Joseph Lister]] (surgeon and pioneer in antisepsis)
* [[Sir Cameron King]] (philanthropist)
* [[John Logie Baird]] (engineer and inventor)
* [[John Knox]] ([[Protestant]] reformer)
* [[Gordon Bowie]] (politician, engineer and cricketer)
* [[Kenneth McKellar]] (tenor)

[[Category:Scottish Universities and Colleges]]

Paisley

2007-04-27T12:49:44Z

Ulysses54: /* History */

'''Paisley''', the "Pearl of Scotland", is a town and former burgh located in the west central lowlands of Scotland approximately eight miles west-south-west of [[Glasgow]]. It is the administrative centre of the Renfrewshire council area. Straddling the River Cart, the settlement occupies the low land to the north of the Gleniffer Braes.

In 1163 an abbey was founded at Paisley around which a settlement soon grew. The town became famous during the 18th and 19th centuries for the production of cloth, especially cotton with the distinctive Paisley Pattern which was, however, originally not Scottish but a Babylonian design based on a stylized form of the acanthus leaf. It may therefore have been known to the Israelites in Babylonian exile.

The common slang term for a person from Paisley is a Buddie.

==History==
Paisley has monastic origins, due to a site near a waterfall, where a chapel is said to have been established by the 7th century Irish monk, [[Saint Mirin]]. It may have been a major religious centre of the [[Kingdom of Strathclyde]], along with [[Glasgow]] and [[Govan]]. Though Paisley lacks contemporary documentation. A [[Cluniac]] priory was established in 1163 by [[Walter Fitz Alan]] (d. 1177), [[High Steward of Scotland]]. In 1245 this was raised to the status of an Abbey. The restored [[Abbey]] and adjacent 'Place' (palace), constructed out of part of the medieval claustral buildings, survive as a [[Church of Scotland]] parish church. One of [[Scotland]]'s major religious houses, [[Paisley Abbey]] was much favoured by the [[Bruce]] and [[Stewart]] royal families. It is generaly accepted that [[William Wallace]] the great hero of Scottish independence who inspired the film [[Braveheart]] was educated here and King [[Robert III]] (1390-1406) was buried in the Abbey. His tomb has not survived, but that of Princess [[Marjorie Bruce]] (1296-1316), ancestress of the Stewarts is one of [[Scotland]]'s few royal monuments to survive the [[Reformation]].

Paisley coalesced under [[James II of Scotland|James II's]] wish that the lands should become a single regality and, as a result, markets, trading and commerce began to flourish. In 1488 the town's status was raised by [[James IV of Scotland|James IV]] to [[Burgh of barony]].

Many trades sprang up, the first school was established in 1577 by the Town Council. By the mid-nineteenth century weaving had become the town's main industry. Paisley is still very well-known for the Paisley Shawl and its distinctive [[Paisley (Design)|Paisley Pattern]] which originated around this time.

Through its weaving fraternity, Paisley gained notoriety as being a literate and somewhat radical town, although it could be argued in a fiercely positive direction. By this time there was a real mixture of religious opinions and healthy drink-fuelled debate raged at night amongst the weavers, poets, merchants, masons and others. The poet [[Robert Tannahill]] lived in this setting, working as a weaver. The weavers of Paisley were also active in the [[Radical War]] of 1820.

== Famous Residents - Past and Present ==

* [[Kenneth McKellar]] - tenor
* [[Tom Conti]] - actor
* [[John Byrne]] - painter and playwright
* [[Gordon Bowie]] - engineer and cricketer
* [[Paul McGillion]] - actor (''Stargate: Atlantis'')
* [[Gerard Butler]] - actor
* [[David Tennant]] - actor (''Doctor Who'')
* [[Alexander Wilson]] - ornithologist and poet
* Reverend [[James Witherspoon]] - signatory of the American [[Declaration of Independence]]

[[Category:Scottish Towns and Cities]]

[[Category:United Kingdom]]

Paisley

2007-04-27T12:48:49Z

Ulysses54:

'''Paisley''', the "Pearl of Scotland", is a town and former burgh located in the west central lowlands of Scotland approximately eight miles west-south-west of [[Glasgow]]. It is the administrative centre of the Renfrewshire council area. Straddling the River Cart, the settlement occupies the low land to the north of the Gleniffer Braes.

In 1163 an abbey was founded at Paisley around which a settlement soon grew. The town became famous during the 18th and 19th centuries for the production of cloth, especially cotton with the distinctive Paisley Pattern which was, however, originally not Scottish but a Babylonian design based on a stylized form of the acanthus leaf. It may therefore have been known to the Israelites in Babylonian exile.

The common slang term for a person from Paisley is a Buddie.

==History==
Paisley has monastic origins, due to a site near a waterfall, where a chapel is said to have been established by the 7th century (?) Irish monk, [[Saint Mirin]]. It may have been a major religious centre of the [[Kingdom of Strathclyde]], along with [[Glasgow]] and [[Govan]]. Though Paisley lacks contemporary documentation. A [[Cluniac]] priory was established in 1163 by [[Walter Fitz Alan]] (d. 1177), [[High Steward of Scotland]]. In 1245 this was raised to the status of an Abbey. The restored [[Abbey]] and adjacent 'Place' (palace), constructed out of part of the medieval claustral buildings, survive as a [[Church of Scotland]] parish church. One of [[Scotland]]'s major religious houses, [[Paisley Abbey]] was much favoured by the [[Bruce]] and [[Stewart]] royal families. It is generaly accepted that [[William Wallace]] the great hero of Scottish independence who inspired the film [[Braveheart]] was educated here and King [[Robert III]] (1390-1406) was buried in the Abbey. His tomb has not survived, but that of Princess [[Marjorie Bruce]] (1296-1316), ancestress of the Stewarts is one of [[Scotland]]'s few royal monuments to survive the [[Reformation]].

Paisley coalesced under [[James II of Scotland|James II's]] wish that the lands should become a single regality and, as a result, markets, trading and commerce began to flourish. In 1488 the town's status was raised by [[James IV of Scotland|James IV]] to [[Burgh of barony]].

Many trades sprang up, the first school was established in 1577 by the Town Council. By the mid-nineteenth century weaving had become the town's main industry. Paisley is still very well-known for the Paisley Shawl and its distinctive [[Paisley (Design)|Paisley Pattern]] which originated around this time.

Through its weaving fraternity, Paisley gained notoriety as being a literate and somewhat radical town, although it could be argued in a fiercely positive direction. By this time there was a real mixture of religious opinions and healthy drink-fuelled debate raged at night amongst the weavers, poets, merchants, masons and others. The poet [[Robert Tannahill]] lived in this setting, working as a weaver. The weavers of Paisley were also active in the [[Radical War]] of 1820.

== Famous Residents - Past and Present ==

* [[Kenneth McKellar]] - tenor
* [[Tom Conti]] - actor
* [[John Byrne]] - painter and playwright
* [[Gordon Bowie]] - engineer and cricketer
* [[Paul McGillion]] - actor (''Stargate: Atlantis'')
* [[Gerard Butler]] - actor
* [[David Tennant]] - actor (''Doctor Who'')
* [[Alexander Wilson]] - ornithologist and poet
* Reverend [[James Witherspoon]] - signatory of the American [[Declaration of Independence]]

[[Category:Scottish Towns and Cities]]

[[Category:United Kingdom]]

Paisley

2007-04-27T12:45:45Z

Ulysses54: /* History */

'''Paisley''', the "Pearl of Scotland", is a town and former burgh located in the west central lowlands of Scotland approximately eight miles west-south-west of [[Glasgow]]. It is the administrative centre of the Renfrewshire council area. Straddling the River Cart, the settlement occupies the low land to the north of the Gleniffer Braes.

In 1163 an abbey was founded at Paisley around which a settlement soon grew. The town became famous during the 18th and 19th centuries for the production of cloth, especially cotton with the distinctive Paisley Pattern which was, however, originally not Scottish but a Babylonian design based on a stylized form of the acanthus leaf. It may therefore have been known to the Israelites in Babylonian exile.

The common slang term for a person from Paisley is a Buddie.

==History==
Paisley has monastic origins, due to a site near a waterfall, where a chapel is said to have been established by the 7th century (?) Irish monk, [[Saint Mirin]]. It may have been a major religious centre of the [[Kingdom of Strathclyde]], along with [[Glasgow]] and [[Govan]]. Though Paisley lacks contemporary documentation. A [[Cluniac]] priory was established in 1163 by [[Walter Fitz Alan]] (d. 1177), [[High Steward of Scotland]]. In 1245 this was raised to the status of an Abbey. The restored [[Abbey]] and adjacent 'Place' (palace), constructed out of part of the medieval claustral buildings, survive as a [[Church of Scotland]] parish church. One of [[Scotland]]'s major religious houses, [[Paisley Abbey]] was much favoured by the [[Bruce]] and [[Stewart]] royal families. It is generaly accepted that [[William Wallace]] the great hero of Scottish independence who inspired the film [[Braveheart]] was educated here and King [[Robert III]] (1390-1406) was buried in the Abbey. His tomb has not survived, but that of Princess [[Marjorie Bruce]] (1296-1316), ancestress of the Stewarts is one of [[Scotland]]'s few royal monuments to survive the [[Reformation]].

Paisley coalesced under [[James II of Scotland|James II's]] wish that the lands should become a single regality and, as a result, markets, trading and commerce began to flourish. In 1488 the town's status was raised by [[James IV of Scotland|James IV]] to [[Burgh of barony]].

== Famous Residents - Past and Present ==

* [[Kenneth McKellar]] - tenor
* [[Tom Conti]] - actor
* [[John Byrne]] - painter and playwright
* [[Gordon Bowie]] - engineer and cricketer
* [[Paul McGillion]] - actor (''Stargate: Atlantis'')
* [[Gerard Butler]] - actor
* [[David Tennant]] - actor (''Doctor Who'')
* [[Alexander Wilson]] - ornithologist and poet
* Reverend [[James Witherspoon]] - signatory of the American [[Declaration of Independence]]

[[Category:Scottish Towns and Cities]]

[[Category:United Kingdom]]

Paisley

2007-04-27T12:44:29Z

Ulysses54:

'''Paisley''', the "Pearl of Scotland", is a town and former burgh located in the west central lowlands of Scotland approximately eight miles west-south-west of [[Glasgow]]. It is the administrative centre of the Renfrewshire council area. Straddling the River Cart, the settlement occupies the low land to the north of the Gleniffer Braes.

In 1163 an abbey was founded at Paisley around which a settlement soon grew. The town became famous during the 18th and 19th centuries for the production of cloth, especially cotton with the distinctive Paisley Pattern which was, however, originally not Scottish but a Babylonian design based on a stylized form of the acanthus leaf. It may therefore have been known to the Israelites in Babylonian exile.

The common slang term for a person from Paisley is a Buddie.

==History==
Paisley has monastic origins, due to a site near a waterfall, where a chapel is said to have been established by the 7th century (?) Irish monk, [[Saint Mirin]]. It may have been a major religious centre of the [[Kingdom of Strathclyde]], along with [[Glasgow]] and [[Govan]]. Though Paisley lacks contemporary documentation. A [[Cluniac]] priory was established in 1163 by [[Walter Fitz Alan]] (d. 1177), [[High Steward of Scotland]]. In 1245 this was raised to the status of an Abbey. The restored [[Abbey]] and adjacent 'Place' (palace), constructed out of part of the medieval claustral buildings, survive as a [[Church of Scotland]] parish church. One of [[Scotland]]'s major religious houses, [[Paisley Abbey]] was much favoured by the [[Bruce]] and [[Stewart]] royal families. It is generaly accepted that [[William Wallace]] the great hero of Scottish independence who inspired the film [[Braveheart]] was educated here and King [[Robert III]] (1390-1406) was buried in the Abbey. His tomb has not survived, but that of Princess [[Marjorie Bruce]] (1296-1316), ancestress of the Stewarts is one of [[Scotland]]'s few royal monuments to survive the [[Reformation]].

Paisley coalesced under [[James II of Scotland|James II's]] wish that the lands should become a single regality and, as a result, markets, trading and commerce began to flourish. In 1488 the town's status was raised by [[James IV of Scotland|James IV]] to [[Burgh of barony]].

The common slang term for a person from Paisley is a Buddie

== Famous Residents - Past and Present ==

* [[Kenneth McKellar]] - tenor
* [[Tom Conti]] - actor
* [[John Byrne]] - painter and playwright
* [[Gordon Bowie]] - engineer and cricketer
* [[Paul McGillion]] - actor (''Stargate: Atlantis'')
* [[Gerard Butler]] - actor
* [[David Tennant]] - actor (''Doctor Who'')
* [[Alexander Wilson]] - ornithologist and poet
* Reverend [[James Witherspoon]] - signatory of the American [[Declaration of Independence]]

[[Category:Scottish Towns and Cities]]

[[Category:United Kingdom]]

Paisley

2007-04-27T12:43:09Z

Ulysses54:

'''Paisley''', the "Pearl of Scotland", is a town and former burgh located in the west central lowlands of Scotland approximately eight miles west-south-west of [[Glasgow]]. It is the administrative centre of the Renfrewshire council area. Straddling the River Cart, the settlement occupies the low land to the north of the Gleniffer Braes.

In 1163 an abbey was founded at Paisley around which a settlement soon grew. The town became famous during the 18th and 19th centuries for the production of cloth, especially cotton with the distinctive Paisley Pattern which was, however, originally not Scottish but a Babylonian design based on a stylized form of the acanthus leaf. It may therefore have been known to the Israelites in Babylonian exile.

==History==
Paisley has monastic origins, due to a site near a waterfall, where a chapel is said to have been established by the 7th century (?) Irish monk, [[Saint Mirin]]. It may have been a major religious centre of the [[Kingdom of Strathclyde]], along with [[Glasgow]] and [[Govan]]. Though Paisley lacks contemporary documentation. A [[Cluniac]] priory was established in 1163 by [[Walter Fitz Alan]] (d. 1177), [[High Steward of Scotland]]. In 1245 this was raised to the status of an Abbey. The restored [[Abbey]] and adjacent 'Place' (palace), constructed out of part of the medieval claustral buildings, survive as a [[Church of Scotland]] parish church. One of [[Scotland]]'s major religious houses, [[Paisley Abbey]] was much favoured by the [[Bruce]] and [[Stewart]] royal families. It is generaly accepted that [[William Wallace]] the great hero of Scottish independence who inspired the film [[Braveheart]] was educated here and King [[Robert III]] (1390-1406) was buried in the Abbey. His tomb has not survived, but that of Princess [[Marjorie Bruce]] (1296-1316), ancestress of the Stewarts is one of [[Scotland]]'s few royal monuments to survive the [[Reformation]].

Paisley coalesced under [[James II of Scotland|James II's]] wish that the lands should become a single regality and, as a result, markets, trading and commerce began to flourish. In 1488 the town's status was raised by [[James IV of Scotland|James IV]] to [[Burgh of barony]].

The common slang term for a person from Paisley is a Buddie

== Famous Residents - Past and Present ==

* [[Kenneth McKellar]] - tenor
* [[Tom Conti]] - actor
* [[John Byrne]] - painter and playwright
* [[Gordon Bowie]] - engineer and cricketer
* [[Paul McGillion]] - actor (''Stargate: Atlantis'')
* [[Gerard Butler]] - actor
* [[David Tennant]] - actor (''Doctor Who'')
* [[Alexander Wilson]] - ornithologist and poet
* Reverend [[James Witherspoon]] - signatory of the American [[Declaration of Independence]]

[[Category:Scottish Towns and Cities]]

[[Category:United Kingdom]]

Paisley

2007-04-27T12:40:15Z

Ulysses54:

Paisley

2007-04-27T12:39:50Z

Ulysses54:

Paisley, the "Pearl of Scotland", is a town and former burgh located in the west central lowlands of Scotland approximately eight miles west-south-west of [[Glasgow]]. It is the administrative centre of the Renfrewshire council area. Straddling the River Cart, the settlement occupies the low land to the north of the Gleniffer Braes.

In 1163 an abbey was founded at Paisley around which a settlement soon grew. The town became famous during the 18th and 19th centuries for the production of cloth, especially cotton with the distinctive Paisley Pattern which was, however, originally not Scottish but a Babylonian design based on a stylized form of the acanthus leaf. It may therefore have been known to the Israelites in Babylonian exile.

The common slang term for a person from Paisley is a Buddie

== Famous Residents - Past and Present ==

* [[Kenneth McKellar]] - tenor
* [[Tom Conti]] - actor
* [[John Byrne]] - painter and playwright
* [[Gordon Bowie]] - engineer and cricketer
* [[Paul McGillion]] - actor (''Stargate: Atlantis'')
* [[Gerard Butler]] - actor
* [[David Tennant]] - actor (''Doctor Who'')
* [[Alexander Wilson]] - ornithologist and poet
* Reverend [[James Witherspoon]] - signatory of the American [[Declaration of Independence]]

[[Category:Scottish Towns and Cities]]

[[Category:United Kingdom]]

Paisley

2007-04-27T12:39:01Z

Ulysses54:

Paisley, the "Pearl of Scotland", is a town and former burgh located in the west central lowlands of Scotland approximately eight miles west-south-west of Glasgow. It is the administrative centre of the Renfrewshire council area. Straddling the River Cart, the settlement occupies the low land to the north of the Gleniffer Braes.

In 1163 an abbey was founded at Paisley around which a settlement soon grew. The town became famous during the 18th and 19th centuries for the production of cloth, especially cotton with the distinctive Paisley Pattern which was, however, originally not Scottish but a Babylonian design based on a stylized form of the acanthus leaf. It may therefore have been known to the Israelites in Babylonian exile.

The common slang term for a person from Paisley is a Buddie

== Famous Residents - Past and Present ==

* [[Kenneth McKellar]] - tenor
* [[Tom Conti]] - actor
* [[John Byrne]] - painter and playwright
* [[Gordon Bowie]] - engineer and cricketer
* [[Paul McGillion]] - actor (''Stargate: Atlantis'')
* [[Gerard Butler]] - actor
* [[David Tennant]] - actor (''Doctor Who'')
* [[Alexander Wilson]] - ornithologist and poet
* Reverend [[James Witherspoon]] - signatory of the American [[Declaration of Independence]]

[[Category:Scottish Towns and Cities]]

[[Category:United Kingdom]]

University of Glasgow

2007-04-27T12:34:02Z

Ulysses54: /* Famous Alumni */

'''The University of Glasgow''' was founded in 1451, in [[Glasgow]], [[Scotland]]. It is a renowned centre for teaching and research, being one of the ancient universities of Scotland, the fourth oldest in the English-speaking world and amongst the largest and most prestigious in the United Kingdom. The University has recently risen to 81st place in the Times World University Rankings.[3]

The University's main campus is on Gilmorehill in the West End of Glasgow, although it also has buildings elsewhere in the city and jointly operates the Crichton Campus in [[Dumfries]] with other institutions, although it plans to end its involvement due to funding problems.

=== Famous Alumni ===

* [[David Hume]] (philosopher)
* [[Adam Smith]] (philosopher and economist)
* [[James Watt]] (engineer)
* [[Lord Kelvin]] (physicist)
* Sir John Boyd-Orr (economist)
* Sir [[Joseph Lister]] (surgeon and pioneer in antisepsis)
* [[Sir Cameron King]] (philanthropist)
* [[John Logie Baird]] (engineer and inventor)
* [[John Knox]] ([[Protestant]] reformer)
* [[Gordon Bowie]] (engineer and cricketer)
* [[Kenneth McKellar]] (tenor)

[[Category:Scottish Universities and Colleges]]

Paisley

2007-04-27T12:31:07Z

Ulysses54: /* Famous Residents - Past and Present */

Paisley, the "Pearl of Scotland", is best known for giving its name to the Paisley pattern, which was, however, originally not Scottish but a Babylonian design based on a stylized form of the acanthus leaf. It may therefore have been known to the Israelites in Babylonian exile.

The common slang term for a person from Paisley is a Buddie

== Famous Residents - Past and Present ==

* [[Kenneth McKellar]] - tenor
* [[Tom Conti]] - actor
* [[John Byrne]] - painter and playwright
* [[Gordon Bowie]] - engineer and cricketer
* [[Paul McGillion]] - actor (''Stargate: Atlantis'')
* [[Gerard Butler]] - actor
* [[David Tennant]] - actor (''Doctor Who'')
* [[Alexander Wilson]] - ornithologist and poet
* Reverend [[James Witherspoon]] - signatory of the American [[Declaration of Independence]]

[[Category:Scottish Towns and Cities]]

[[Category:United Kingdom]]

Paisley

2007-04-27T12:30:39Z

Ulysses54: /* = Famous Residents - Past and Present */

Paisley, the "Pearl of Scotland", is best known for giving its name to the Paisley pattern, which was, however, originally not Scottish but a Babylonian design based on a stylized form of the acanthus leaf. It may therefore have been known to the Israelites in Babylonian exile.

The common slang term for a person from Paisley is a Buddie

== Famous Residents - Past and Present ==

* [[Kenneth McKellar]] - tenor
* [[Tom Conti]] - actor
* [[John Byrne]] - painter an playwright
* [[Gordon Bowie]] - engineer and cricketer
* [[Paul McGillion]] - actor (''Stargate: Atlantis'')
* [[Gerard Butler]] - actor
* [[David Tennant]] - actor (''Doctor Who'')
* [[Alexander Wilson]] - ornithologist and poet
* Reverend [[James Witherspoon]] - signatory of the American [[Declaration of Independence]]

[[Category:Scottish Towns and Cities]]

[[Category:United Kingdom]]

Paisley

2007-04-27T12:30:14Z

Ulysses54: /* = == Famous Residents - Past and Present */

Paisley, the "Pearl of Scotland", is best known for giving its name to the Paisley pattern, which was, however, originally not Scottish but a Babylonian design based on a stylized form of the acanthus leaf. It may therefore have been known to the Israelites in Babylonian exile.

The common slang term for a person from Paisley is a Buddie

=== Famous Residents - Past and Present ==

* [[Kenneth McKellar]] - tenor
* [[Tom Conti]] - actor
* [[John Byrne]] - painter an playwright
* [[Gordon Bowie]] - engineer and cricketer
* [[Paul McGillion]] - actor (''Stargate: Atlantis'')
* [[Gerard Butler]] - actor
* [[David Tennant]] - actor (''Doctor Who'')
* [[Alexander Wilson]] - ornithologist and poet
* Reverend [[James Witherspoon]] - signatory of the American [[Declaration of Independence]]

[[Category:Scottish Towns and Cities]]

[[Category:United Kingdom]]

Paisley

2007-04-27T12:29:43Z

Ulysses54:

Paisley, the "Pearl of Scotland", is best known for giving its name to the Paisley pattern, which was, however, originally not Scottish but a Babylonian design based on a stylized form of the acanthus leaf. It may therefore have been known to the Israelites in Babylonian exile.

The common slang term for a person from Paisley is a Buddie

=== == Famous Residents - Past and Present ==

* [[Kenneth McKellar]] - tenor
* [[Tom Conti]] - actor
* [[John Byrne]] - painter an playwright
* [[Gordon Bowie]] - engineer and cricketer
* [[Paul McGillion]] - actor (''Stargate: Atlantis'')
* [[Gerard Butler]] - actor
* [[David Tennant]] - actor (''Doctor Who'')
* [[Alexander Wilson]] - ornithologist and poet
* Reverend [[James Witherspoon]] - signatory of the American [[Declaration of Independence]]

[[Category:Scottish Towns and Cities]]

[[Category:United Kingdom]]

University of Glasgow

2007-04-27T12:13:56Z

Ulysses54: /* Famous Alumni */

'''The University of Glasgow''' was founded in 1451, in [[Glasgow]], [[Scotland]]. It is a renowned centre for teaching and research, being one of the ancient universities of Scotland, the fourth oldest in the English-speaking world and amongst the largest and most prestigious in the United Kingdom. The University has recently risen to 81st place in the Times World University Rankings.[3]

The University's main campus is on Gilmorehill in the West End of Glasgow, although it also has buildings elsewhere in the city and jointly operates the Crichton Campus in [[Dumfries]] with other institutions, although it plans to end its involvement due to funding problems.

=== Famous Alumni ===

* [[David Hume]] (philosopher)
* [[Adam Smith]] (philosopher and economist)
* [[James Watt]] (engineer)
* [[Lord Kelvin]] (physicist)
* Sir John Boyd-Orr (economist)
* Sir [[Joseph Lister]] (surgeon and pioneer in antisepsis)
* [[Sir Cameron King]] (philanthropist)
* [[John Logie Baird]] (engineer and inventor)
* [[John Knox]] ([[Protestant]] reformer)
* [[Gordon Bowie]] (engineer and cricketer)

[[Category:Scottish Universities and Colleges]]

Glasgow

2007-04-27T12:11:26Z

Ulysses54: /* Customs, Leisure and Culture */

'''Glasgow''' is the largest city in [[Scotland]]. Founded by its patron saint Kentigern (or Mungo) around 540 AD it stands on both sides of the River Clyde.

The official motto of the city is ''Floreat Glasgua'' ("Let Glasgow Flourish"). However the unofficial motto is the [[Scots]] ''Yer Tea's Oot'' ("Your Tea Is Out") - a reference to the city's great tradition of hospitality towards the stranger.

The population of the city itself has declined from over a million inhabitants in the pre [[World War II]] era to around 600,000 today. However the population of the Greater Glasgow conurbation is approximately 2.5 million, roughly half the population of [[Scotland]].

Inhabitants of Glasgow are called Glaswegians but are often referred to by other Scots as "Keelies" or "Weegies". Glaswegians frequently refer to themselves in [[Scots]] as ''Wee Arra Peepul'' ("Little Arrow People"), a reference to their small stature and historical renown as archers.

=== Buildings ===

Glasgow has many fine public buildings, notably Glasgow Cathedral, a large [[Gothic]] edifice, the City Chambers, [[Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery]], the Great Eastern Hotel, the University at Gilmorehill, the Armadillo designed by [[Richard Rodgers]], the School of Art designed by [[Charles Rennie Mackintosh]] and the Beresford Hotel, an art deco building on Sauchiehall St.

The poet [[Sir John Betjeman]] described Glasgow as the "finest Victorian city in the world". This accolade is still justified today despite the best efforts of the City Council to destroy it in the 1960s and 1970s.

=== History ===

The site of the founding of St Mungo's church is now the site of Glasgow Cathedral. <ref>http://www.glasgow.gov.uk/en/AboutGlasgow/History/Earliest+Beginnings.htm</ref>

In the early days Glasgow was subjected to frequent raids by marauding [[Vikings]] who sailed up the Clyde in their long ships. One such incursion on Glasgow is recounted in the [[Norse]] Saga of [[Noggin the Nog]].

Glasgow is famous for shipbuilding, [[whisky]] distilling, the manufacture of hats called 'Jimmy bunnets' which are favoured by members of the [[Tartan Army]] and [[soccer]].

=== Education ===

Glasgow has three universities - the [[University of Glasgow]] founded in 1451, the [[University of Strathclyde]], the former Royal College, which was raised to university status in 1965 and [[Glasgow Caledonian University]], previously Glasgow College of Technology, which has been a university since 1992.

=== The People ===

Glasgow's population consists mainly of Lowland Scots, Gaels from the [[Highlands]] and [[Hebrides]] and the descendants of immigrants from [[Ireland]]. The early twentieth century saw arrivals from [[Italy]], [[Russia]], [[Lithuania]] and [[Poland]]. Some of these immigrants from Eastern Europe were Jews escaping pogroms but many came to work in the coalmines and steelworks in and around the city. The latter half of the twentieth century saw a new wave of immigration from [[India]] and [[Pakistan]]. With the recent accession of Poland to the [[European Union]] the city has played host to many young Poles seeking work in the city.

=== Sport and Religion ===

Football and religion are normally seen as being inseparable in Glasgow. Scottish Football has for decades been dominated by two Glasgow clubs; Glasgow Rangers and Celtic FC (often erroneously called Glasgow Celtic). These are the two clubs with the strongest links to the religious community. Rangers predominantly draw their support, and until the 1980's their players, from members of the Protestant church while Celtic historically draw their support from the Roman Catholic community. Due to the fixture scheduling of the Scottish Premier League to the two teams meet each other at 4 times a year. <ref>http://www.scotprem.premiumtv.co.uk/page/FixturesandResults/0,,10002,00.html</ref> At these games an inter-denominational service precedes the game at which each set of supporters sing songs to the other. When matches are played at Ibrox Park (the home of Rangers) the service is usually conducted by the Catholic Archbishop of Glasgow, whereas at matches played at Celtic Park services have been led by leading clergy from various Protestant denominations. On March 10th 2007 the service at Celtic Park was led by the Rev Dr [[Ian Paisley]], Moderator of the Free Presbyterian Church of Ireland and First Minister of [[Northern Ireland]]. These events have helped boost inter-faith relations and help give Glasgow its slogan - The Friendly City.<ref>http://www.glasgow.gov.uk/en/AboutGlasgow/Touristattractions/thefriendlycity.htm</ref>

=== Politics ===

Due to its heavy working class culture and tradition of heavy industry Glasgow has always been a hotbed of fervent [[socialism]]. All MPs currently returned to the UK Parliament represent the Labour Party. The last Conservative to represent a Parliamentary seat in Glasgow was Teddy (later Sir Teddy) Taylor who represented Glasgow Cathcart from 1964 to 1979 when he lost he seat to [[John Maxton]]. This was the only Conservative loss in the 1979 election and fore-shadowed the collapse in support of Conservatism throughout Scotland during the premiership of [[Margaret Thatcher]].

In the Scottish Parliament all 10 Constituency MPs represent the Labour Party. The Proportionately Elected Regional List MPs for Glasgow comprise two from the [[Scottish National Party]], two from the [[Scottish Socialist Party]], one from the [[Liberal Democrats]], one from the [[Green Party]] and the Conservative, [[Bill Aitken]].<ref>http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/research/factsheets/documents/MSPsbyConstituencyandRegionSession2.pdf</ref> The next elections for the Scottish Parliament are to be held on 3rd May 2007.

=== Customs, Leisure and Culture ===

The city has a number of fine museums and galleries, notably the [[Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery]], the [[Burrell Collection]] in Pollok Park and the Museum of Religious Life which is situated in Provand's Lordship, the oldest house in Glasgow.

Despite a long and proud industrial heritage Glasgow is studded with green spaces and recreation grounds (the name Glasgow comes from the Brythonic for ''Dear Green Place''). The finest of these is the much loved Possil Park, opened by Queen Victoria in 1878.

The slums of the industrial era, particularly the Gorbals and the notorious [[Cludgie]] district, have now been cleared and regenerated with many fine new dwellings and green spaces.

A local custom in Glasgow is the traditional greeting of visitors from afar with a 'Glasgow Kiss'. This is not a kiss at all, and is totally non-sexual in nature. It involves the rubbing of foreheads in a vigorous yet friendly manner. Whether or not the action originates from a desired 'meeting of minds' is unclear but its effect is to initiate the stranger into the social group.

The month of July in Glasgow sees a large parade known as the Orange Walk (popularly, "the Walk"). This colourful extravaganza commemorates the first shipment of citrus fruits from South America to arrive in Glasgow at Broomielaw Quay on the Clyde in 1690 and the establishment of the city's first fruit market nearby. The parade is preceded by the disembarkation at Custom House Quay of a group of marchers known as 'Orangemen' who have sailed up the Clyde in a banana boat. It has often been compared with the Notting Hill Carnival in [[London]] and the [[Rio de Janeiro]] Mardi Gras but, fortunately, has never been marred by the trouble and violence which often accompanies those events.

The Theatre Royal in Hope Street is the home of Scottish Opera and Scottish Ballet. The Royal Scottish National Orchestra has its home at the Royal Concert Hall in Buchanan Street. The Henry Wood Hall in Anderston is the base of the Scottish Chamber Orchestra.

Scottish Television and BBC Scotland both have studios on the south bank of the Clyde at Atlantic Quay.

=== Language ===

The language of Glasgow is formally [[English]] but, informally, the natives speak a local variant of [[Scots]]. Here are some common everyday phrases which may be useful for the visitor:
*''Hullawrerr'' - Good morning/afternoon
*''Hoozitgaun?'' - How are you?
*''Awright'' - I'm very well
*''Geeza'' - Please
*''Ta'' - Thank you
*''Yer bahookey'' - You're welcome
*''Wherraboozer?'' - Where can I get something to eat/drink?
*''Fuctifanaw. Ahmno fae here'' - I'm sorry I don't know. I'm a stranger myself.
*''Jeewant chibbed yabassa'' - Please leave me alone
*''Aye, right'' - I agree
*''Yeraffyerheid'' - I disagree
*''Gerritupye'' - Good health
*''Ahwislikaat'' - I was surprised

The ancient Celtic language [[Gaelic]] can often be heard in Glasgow, particularly in the West End where there is a sizeable community from the [[Hebrides]].

=== Famous Glaswegians ===

* [[Billy Connolly]] (Comedian and Actor)
* [[Charles Rennie Mackintosh]] (Architect)
* Sir William Burrell (Businessman, Philantropist who donated The [[Burrell Collection]] to the City)
* [[Gordon Jackson]] (Actor, The Great Escape, Upstairs Downstairs, The Professionals)
* [[Robbie Coltrane]] (Actor, Hagrid in the [[Harry Potter]] films)
* Billy Boyd (Actor, Pippin in the [[Lord of the Rings]] Trilogy)
* Scrooge McDuck
* Groundskeeper Willie
* Jack McLean (journalist, author, bon viveur and urban Voltaire)
* Gerry McNee (journalist - "The Voice of a Football")
* Alan Cumming (actor)
* Ian and Janette Tough aka [[The Krankies]] (comedy duo),
* Johnny Beattie (Shakespearean actor)
* [[Chutney Ferret]] (comedian)
* Frankie Miller (rock singer)
* Jim Kerr (rock singer with [[Simple Minds]])
* [[Sir Cameron King]] (shipping magnate)
* [[Tommy Toley]] (comedian)
* Stanley Baxter (philologist and author of the definitive academic work on the Glasgow dialect)<ref>http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1874744009?ie=UTF8&tag=globalaffilia-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=6738&creativeASIN=1874744009</ref>
* Lobey Dosser (frontiersman)
* Charlie Sim (uphill gardener)
* Donald Findlay QC (advocate and ecumenist)
* Sydney Devine (singer)
* Matt Black (painter)
* Field Marshal Lord Roberts of [[Kandahar]], [[Pretoria]] and [[Waterford]] (soldier)
* Chick Young (radio presenter and comedian)
* Lulu (singer)
* Ian Brady (moors murderer)
* Andrew Agnew (Action Film Actor)
* Jerry Sadowitz (magician and comedian)
* Leo Blair (father of [[Tony Blair]])
* Mark McManus (actor)

==References==
<references/>

[[Category:Scottish Towns and Cities]]
[[Category:UK Towns and Cities]]
[[Category: United Kingdom]]

Cambridge

2007-04-27T11:32:55Z

Ulysses54:

'''Cambridge''' is a famous [[English|England]] university town in the county of Cambridgeshire. It is located north of [[London]] and is surrounded by a number of smaller towns and villages.

Cambridge is best known for the [[University of Cambridge]].

[[Category:UK Towns and Cities]]

Glasgow

2007-04-27T11:24:45Z

Ulysses54: /* Leisure and Culture */

'''Glasgow''' is the largest city in [[Scotland]]. Founded by its patron saint Kentigern (or Mungo) around 540 AD it stands on both sides of the River Clyde.

The official motto of the city is ''Floreat Glasgua'' ("Let Glasgow Flourish"). However the unofficial motto is the [[Scots]] ''Yer Tea's Oot'' ("Your Tea Is Out") - a reference to the city's great tradition of hospitality towards the stranger.

The population of the city itself has declined from over a million inhabitants in the pre [[World War II]] era to around 600,000 today. However the population of the Greater Glasgow conurbation is approximately 2.5 million, roughly half the population of [[Scotland]].

Inhabitants of Glasgow are called Glaswegians but are often referred to by other Scots as "Keelies" or "Weegies". Glaswegians frequently refer to themselves in [[Scots]] as ''Wee Arra Peepul'' ("Little Arrow People"), a reference to their small stature and historical renown as archers.

=== Buildings ===

Glasgow has many fine public buildings, notably Glasgow Cathedral, a large [[Gothic]] edifice, the City Chambers, [[Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery]], the Great Eastern Hotel, the University at Gilmorehill, the Armadillo designed by [[Richard Rodgers]], the School of Art designed by [[Charles Rennie Mackintosh]] and the Beresford Hotel, an art deco building on Sauchiehall St.

The poet [[Sir John Betjeman]] described Glasgow as the "finest Victorian city in the world". This accolade is still justified today despite the best efforts of the City Council to destroy it in the 1960s and 1970s.

=== History ===

The site of the founding of St Mungo's church is now the site of Glasgow Cathedral. <ref>http://www.glasgow.gov.uk/en/AboutGlasgow/History/Earliest+Beginnings.htm</ref>

In the early days Glasgow was subjected to frequent raids by marauding [[Vikings]] who sailed up the Clyde in their long ships. One such incursion on Glasgow is recounted in the [[Norse]] Saga of [[Noggin the Nog]].

Glasgow is famous for shipbuilding, [[whisky]] distilling, the manufacture of hats called 'Jimmy bunnets' which are favoured by members of the [[Tartan Army]] and [[soccer]].

=== Education ===

Glasgow has three universities - the [[University of Glasgow]] founded in 1451, the [[University of Strathclyde]], the former Royal College, which was raised to university status in 1965 and [[Glasgow Caledonian University]], previously Glasgow College of Technology, which has been a university since 1992.

=== The People ===

Glasgow's population consists mainly of Lowland Scots, Gaels from the [[Highlands]] and [[Hebrides]] and the descendants of immigrants from [[Ireland]]. The early twentieth century saw arrivals from [[Italy]], [[Russia]], [[Lithuania]] and [[Poland]]. Some of these immigrants from Eastern Europe were Jews escaping pogroms but many came to work in the coalmines and steelworks in and around the city. The latter half of the twentieth century saw a new wave of immigration from [[India]] and [[Pakistan]]. With the recent accession of Poland to the [[European Union]] the city has played host to many young Poles seeking work in the city.

=== Sport and Religion ===

Football and religion are normally seen as being inseparable in Glasgow. Scottish Football has for decades been dominated by two Glasgow clubs; Glasgow Rangers and Celtic FC (often erroneously called Glasgow Celtic). These are the two clubs with the strongest links to the religious community. Rangers predominantly draw their support, and until the 1980's their players, from members of the Protestant church while Celtic historically draw their support from the Roman Catholic community. Due to the fixture scheduling of the Scottish Premier League to the two teams meet each other at 4 times a year. <ref>http://www.scotprem.premiumtv.co.uk/page/FixturesandResults/0,,10002,00.html</ref> At these games an inter-denominational service precedes the game at which each set of supporters sing songs to the other. When matches are played at Ibrox Park (the home of Rangers) the service is usually conducted by the Catholic Archbishop of Glasgow, whereas at matches played at Celtic Park services have been led by leading clergy from various Protestant denominations. On March 10th 2007 the service at Celtic Park was led by the Rev Dr [[Ian Paisley]], Moderator of the Free Presbyterian Church of Ireland and First Minister of [[Northern Ireland]]. These events have helped boost inter-faith relations and help give Glasgow its slogan - The Friendly City.<ref>http://www.glasgow.gov.uk/en/AboutGlasgow/Touristattractions/thefriendlycity.htm</ref>

=== Politics ===

Due to its heavy working class culture and tradition of heavy industry Glasgow has always been a hotbed of fervent [[socialism]]. All MPs currently returned to the UK Parliament represent the Labour Party. The last Conservative to represent a Parliamentary seat in Glasgow was Teddy (later Sir Teddy) Taylor who represented Glasgow Cathcart from 1964 to 1979 when he lost he seat to [[John Maxton]]. This was the only Conservative loss in the 1979 election and fore-shadowed the collapse in support of Conservatism throughout Scotland during the premiership of [[Margaret Thatcher]].

In the Scottish Parliament all 10 Constituency MPs represent the Labour Party. The Proportionately Elected Regional List MPs for Glasgow comprise two from the [[Scottish National Party]], two from the [[Scottish Socialist Party]], one from the [[Liberal Democrats]], one from the [[Green Party]] and the Conservative, [[Bill Aitken]].<ref>http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/research/factsheets/documents/MSPsbyConstituencyandRegionSession2.pdf</ref> The next elections for the Scottish Parliament are to be held on 3rd May 2007.

=== Customs, Leisure and Culture ===

The city has a number of fine museums and galleries, notably the [[Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery]], the [[Burrell Collection]] in Pollok Park and the Museum of Religious Life which is situated in Provand's Lordship, the oldest house in Glasgow.

Despite a long and proud industrial heritage Glasgow is studded with green spaces and recreation grounds (the name Glasgow comes from the Brythonic for ''Dear Green Place''). The finest of these is the much loved Possil Park, opened by Queen Victoria in 1878.

The slums of the industrial era, particularly the Gorbals and the notorious [[Cludgie]] district, have now been cleared and regenerated with many fine new dwellings and green spaces.

A local custom in Glasgow is the traditional greeting of visitors from afar with a 'Glasgow Kiss'. This is not a kiss at all, and is totally non-sexual in nature. It involves the rubbing of foreheads in a vigorous yet friendly manner. Whether or not the action originates from a desired 'meeting of minds' is unclear but its effect is to initiate the stranger into the social group.

The month of July in Glasgow sees a large parade known as the Orange Walk (popularly, "the Walk"). This colourful extravaganza commemorates the first shipment of citrus fruits from South America to arrive in Glasgow at Broomielaw Quay on the Clyde in 1690 and the establishment of the city's first fruit market nearby. The parade is preceded by the disembarkation at Custom House Quay of a group of marchers known as 'Orangemen' who have sailed up the Clyde in a banana boat. It has often been compared with the Notting Hill Carnival in [[London]] and the [[Rio de Janeiro]] Mardi Gras but, fortunately, has never been marred by the trouble and violence which often accompanies those events.

The Theatre Royal in Hope Street is the home of Scottish Opera and Scottish Ballet. The Royal Scottish National Orchestra has its home at the Royal Concert Hall in Buchanan Street. The Henry Wood Hall in Anderston is the base of the Scottish Chamber Orchestra.

Scottish Television and BBC Scotland have studios on the south bank of the Clyde at Atlantic Quay.

=== Language ===

The language of Glasgow is formally [[English]] but, informally, the natives speak a local variant of [[Scots]]. Here are some common everyday phrases which may be useful for the visitor:
*''Hullawrerr'' - Good morning/afternoon
*''Hoozitgaun?'' - How are you?
*''Awright'' - I'm very well
*''Geeza'' - Please
*''Ta'' - Thank you
*''Yer bahookey'' - You're welcome
*''Wherraboozer?'' - Where can I get something to eat/drink?
*''Fuctifanaw. Ahmno fae here'' - I'm sorry I don't know. I'm a stranger myself.
*''Jeewant chibbed yabassa'' - Please leave me alone
*''Aye, right'' - I agree
*''Yeraffyerheid'' - I disagree
*''Gerritupye'' - Good health
*''Ahwislikaat'' - I was surprised

The ancient Celtic language [[Gaelic]] can often be heard in Glasgow, particularly in the West End where there is a sizeable community from the [[Hebrides]].

=== Famous Glaswegians ===

* [[Billy Connolly]] (Comedian and Actor)
* [[Charles Rennie Mackintosh]] (Architect)
* Sir William Burrell (Businessman, Philantropist who donated The [[Burrell Collection]] to the City)
* [[Gordon Jackson]] (Actor, The Great Escape, Upstairs Downstairs, The Professionals)
* [[Robbie Coltrane]] (Actor, Hagrid in the [[Harry Potter]] films)
* Billy Boyd (Actor, Pippin in the [[Lord of the Rings]] Trilogy)
* Scrooge McDuck
* Groundskeeper Willie
* Jack McLean (journalist, author, bon viveur and urban Voltaire)
* Gerry McNee (journalist - "The Voice of a Football")
* Alan Cumming (actor)
* Ian and Janette Tough aka [[The Krankies]] (comedy duo),
* Johnny Beattie (Shakespearean actor)
* [[Chutney Ferret]] (comedian)
* Frankie Miller (rock singer)
* Jim Kerr (rock singer with [[Simple Minds]])
* [[Sir Cameron King]] (shipping magnate)
* [[Tommy Toley]] (comedian)
* Stanley Baxter (philologist and author of the definitive academic work on the Glasgow dialect)<ref>http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1874744009?ie=UTF8&tag=globalaffilia-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=6738&creativeASIN=1874744009</ref>
* Lobey Dosser (frontiersman)
* Charlie Sim (uphill gardener)
* Donald Findlay QC (advocate and ecumenist)
* Sydney Devine (singer)
* Matt Black (painter)
* Field Marshal Lord Roberts of [[Kandahar]], [[Pretoria]] and [[Waterford]] (soldier)
* Chick Young (radio presenter and comedian)
* Lulu (singer)
* Ian Brady (moors murderer)
* Andrew Agnew (Action Film Actor)
* Jerry Sadowitz (magician and comedian)
* Leo Blair (father of [[Tony Blair]])
* Mark McManus (actor)

==References==
<references/>

[[Category:Scottish Towns and Cities]]
[[Category:UK Towns and Cities]]
[[Category: United Kingdom]]

Glasgow

2007-04-27T11:24:19Z

Ulysses54: /* Leisure and Culture */

'''Glasgow''' is the largest city in [[Scotland]]. Founded by its patron saint Kentigern (or Mungo) around 540 AD it stands on both sides of the River Clyde.

The official motto of the city is ''Floreat Glasgua'' ("Let Glasgow Flourish"). However the unofficial motto is the [[Scots]] ''Yer Tea's Oot'' ("Your Tea Is Out") - a reference to the city's great tradition of hospitality towards the stranger.

The population of the city itself has declined from over a million inhabitants in the pre [[World War II]] era to around 600,000 today. However the population of the Greater Glasgow conurbation is approximately 2.5 million, roughly half the population of [[Scotland]].

Inhabitants of Glasgow are called Glaswegians but are often referred to by other Scots as "Keelies" or "Weegies". Glaswegians frequently refer to themselves in [[Scots]] as ''Wee Arra Peepul'' ("Little Arrow People"), a reference to their small stature and historical renown as archers.

=== Buildings ===

Glasgow has many fine public buildings, notably Glasgow Cathedral, a large [[Gothic]] edifice, the City Chambers, [[Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery]], the Great Eastern Hotel, the University at Gilmorehill, the Armadillo designed by [[Richard Rodgers]], the School of Art designed by [[Charles Rennie Mackintosh]] and the Beresford Hotel, an art deco building on Sauchiehall St.

The poet [[Sir John Betjeman]] described Glasgow as the "finest Victorian city in the world". This accolade is still justified today despite the best efforts of the City Council to destroy it in the 1960s and 1970s.

=== History ===

The site of the founding of St Mungo's church is now the site of Glasgow Cathedral. <ref>http://www.glasgow.gov.uk/en/AboutGlasgow/History/Earliest+Beginnings.htm</ref>

In the early days Glasgow was subjected to frequent raids by marauding [[Vikings]] who sailed up the Clyde in their long ships. One such incursion on Glasgow is recounted in the [[Norse]] Saga of [[Noggin the Nog]].

Glasgow is famous for shipbuilding, [[whisky]] distilling, the manufacture of hats called 'Jimmy bunnets' which are favoured by members of the [[Tartan Army]] and [[soccer]].

=== Education ===

Glasgow has three universities - the [[University of Glasgow]] founded in 1451, the [[University of Strathclyde]], the former Royal College, which was raised to university status in 1965 and [[Glasgow Caledonian University]], previously Glasgow College of Technology, which has been a university since 1992.

=== The People ===

Glasgow's population consists mainly of Lowland Scots, Gaels from the [[Highlands]] and [[Hebrides]] and the descendants of immigrants from [[Ireland]]. The early twentieth century saw arrivals from [[Italy]], [[Russia]], [[Lithuania]] and [[Poland]]. Some of these immigrants from Eastern Europe were Jews escaping pogroms but many came to work in the coalmines and steelworks in and around the city. The latter half of the twentieth century saw a new wave of immigration from [[India]] and [[Pakistan]]. With the recent accession of Poland to the [[European Union]] the city has played host to many young Poles seeking work in the city.

=== Sport and Religion ===

Football and religion are normally seen as being inseparable in Glasgow. Scottish Football has for decades been dominated by two Glasgow clubs; Glasgow Rangers and Celtic FC (often erroneously called Glasgow Celtic). These are the two clubs with the strongest links to the religious community. Rangers predominantly draw their support, and until the 1980's their players, from members of the Protestant church while Celtic historically draw their support from the Roman Catholic community. Due to the fixture scheduling of the Scottish Premier League to the two teams meet each other at 4 times a year. <ref>http://www.scotprem.premiumtv.co.uk/page/FixturesandResults/0,,10002,00.html</ref> At these games an inter-denominational service precedes the game at which each set of supporters sing songs to the other. When matches are played at Ibrox Park (the home of Rangers) the service is usually conducted by the Catholic Archbishop of Glasgow, whereas at matches played at Celtic Park services have been led by leading clergy from various Protestant denominations. On March 10th 2007 the service at Celtic Park was led by the Rev Dr [[Ian Paisley]], Moderator of the Free Presbyterian Church of Ireland and First Minister of [[Northern Ireland]]. These events have helped boost inter-faith relations and help give Glasgow its slogan - The Friendly City.<ref>http://www.glasgow.gov.uk/en/AboutGlasgow/Touristattractions/thefriendlycity.htm</ref>

=== Politics ===

Due to its heavy working class culture and tradition of heavy industry Glasgow has always been a hotbed of fervent [[socialism]]. All MPs currently returned to the UK Parliament represent the Labour Party. The last Conservative to represent a Parliamentary seat in Glasgow was Teddy (later Sir Teddy) Taylor who represented Glasgow Cathcart from 1964 to 1979 when he lost he seat to [[John Maxton]]. This was the only Conservative loss in the 1979 election and fore-shadowed the collapse in support of Conservatism throughout Scotland during the premiership of [[Margaret Thatcher]].

In the Scottish Parliament all 10 Constituency MPs represent the Labour Party. The Proportionately Elected Regional List MPs for Glasgow comprise two from the [[Scottish National Party]], two from the [[Scottish Socialist Party]], one from the [[Liberal Democrats]], one from the [[Green Party]] and the Conservative, [[Bill Aitken]].<ref>http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/research/factsheets/documents/MSPsbyConstituencyandRegionSession2.pdf</ref> The next elections for the Scottish Parliament are to be held on 3rd May 2007.

=== Leisure and Culture ===

The city has a number of fine museums and galleries, notably the [[Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery]], the [[Burrell Collection]] in Pollok Park and the Museum of Religious Life which is situated in Provand's Lordship, the oldest house in Glasgow.

Despite a long and proud industrial heritage Glasgow is studded with green spaces and recreation grounds (the name Glasgow comes from the Brythonic for ''Dear Green Place''). The finest of these is the much loved Possil Park, opened by Queen Victoria in 1878.

The slums of the industrial era, particularly the Gorbals and the notorious [[Cludgie]] district, have now been cleared and regenerated with many fine new dwellings and green spaces.

A local custom in Glasgow is the traditional greeting of visitors from afar with a 'Glasgow Kiss'. This is not a kiss at all, and is totally non-sexual in nature. It involves the rubbing of foreheads in a vigorous yet friendly manner. Whether or not the action originates from a desired 'meeting of minds' is unclear but its effect is to initiate the stranger into the social group.

The month of July in Glasgow sees a large parade known as the Orange Walk (popularly, "the Walk"). This colourful extravaganza commemorates the first shipment of citrus fruits from South America to arrive in Glasgow at Broomielaw Quay on the Clyde in 1690 and the establishment of the city's first fruit market nearby. The parade is preceded by the disembarkation at Custom House Quay of a group of marchers known as 'Orangemen' who have sailed up the Clyde in a banana boat. It has often been compared with the Notting Hill Carnival in [[London]] and the [[Rio de Janeiro]] Mardi Gras but, fortunately, has never been marred by the trouble and violence which often accompanies those events.

The Theatre Royal in Hope Street is the home of Scottish Opera and Scottish Ballet. The Royal Scottish National Orchestra has its home at the Royal Concert Hall in Buchanan Street. The Henry Wood Hall in Anderston is the base of the Scottish Chamber Orchestra.

Scottish Television and BBC Scotland have studios on the south bank of the Clyde at Atlantic Quay.

=== Language ===

The language of Glasgow is formally [[English]] but, informally, the natives speak a local variant of [[Scots]]. Here are some common everyday phrases which may be useful for the visitor:
*''Hullawrerr'' - Good morning/afternoon
*''Hoozitgaun?'' - How are you?
*''Awright'' - I'm very well
*''Geeza'' - Please
*''Ta'' - Thank you
*''Yer bahookey'' - You're welcome
*''Wherraboozer?'' - Where can I get something to eat/drink?
*''Fuctifanaw. Ahmno fae here'' - I'm sorry I don't know. I'm a stranger myself.
*''Jeewant chibbed yabassa'' - Please leave me alone
*''Aye, right'' - I agree
*''Yeraffyerheid'' - I disagree
*''Gerritupye'' - Good health
*''Ahwislikaat'' - I was surprised

The ancient Celtic language [[Gaelic]] can often be heard in Glasgow, particularly in the West End where there is a sizeable community from the [[Hebrides]].

=== Famous Glaswegians ===

* [[Billy Connolly]] (Comedian and Actor)
* [[Charles Rennie Mackintosh]] (Architect)
* Sir William Burrell (Businessman, Philantropist who donated The [[Burrell Collection]] to the City)
* [[Gordon Jackson]] (Actor, The Great Escape, Upstairs Downstairs, The Professionals)
* [[Robbie Coltrane]] (Actor, Hagrid in the [[Harry Potter]] films)
* Billy Boyd (Actor, Pippin in the [[Lord of the Rings]] Trilogy)
* Scrooge McDuck
* Groundskeeper Willie
* Jack McLean (journalist, author, bon viveur and urban Voltaire)
* Gerry McNee (journalist - "The Voice of a Football")
* Alan Cumming (actor)
* Ian and Janette Tough aka [[The Krankies]] (comedy duo),
* Johnny Beattie (Shakespearean actor)
* [[Chutney Ferret]] (comedian)
* Frankie Miller (rock singer)
* Jim Kerr (rock singer with [[Simple Minds]])
* [[Sir Cameron King]] (shipping magnate)
* [[Tommy Toley]] (comedian)
* Stanley Baxter (philologist and author of the definitive academic work on the Glasgow dialect)<ref>http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1874744009?ie=UTF8&tag=globalaffilia-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=6738&creativeASIN=1874744009</ref>
* Lobey Dosser (frontiersman)
* Charlie Sim (uphill gardener)
* Donald Findlay QC (advocate and ecumenist)
* Sydney Devine (singer)
* Matt Black (painter)
* Field Marshal Lord Roberts of [[Kandahar]], [[Pretoria]] and [[Waterford]] (soldier)
* Chick Young (radio presenter and comedian)
* Lulu (singer)
* Ian Brady (moors murderer)
* Andrew Agnew (Action Film Actor)
* Jerry Sadowitz (magician and comedian)
* Leo Blair (father of [[Tony Blair]])
* Mark McManus (actor)

==References==
<references/>

[[Category:Scottish Towns and Cities]]
[[Category:UK Towns and Cities]]
[[Category: United Kingdom]]

Scotland

2007-04-27T11:13:43Z

Ulysses54: /* Sports and culture */

'''Scotland''' is the second largest country of the [[United Kingdom]]; about three-eighths the size of its larger neighbour England, but is much less populous; most of the population lives in the ''central belt'', a band across central Scotland between the capital [[Edinburgh]] and the city of [[Glasgow]]. Other cities are [[Aberdeen]], [[Dundee]] and [[Inverness]].

Scotland includes the island groups of [[Orkney]], [[Shetland]], the [[Inner Hebrides|Inner]] and [[Outer Hebrides]], the islands of the [[Firth of Clyde]] including [[Arran]], [[Bute]], [[Cumbrae]] & [[Wee Cumbrae]] and various other smaller islands.

[[Ben Nevis]], the highest mountain in the [[United Kingdom]], is in the Scottish Highlands, as are most of the nations highest mountains. Those with heights above 914m (300 feet) are eponymously named [[Munro| Munroes]] after Sir Hector Munro, the first person to compile such a list.<ref> for a complete list of munroes see http://www.sol.co.uk/d/dickwall/munroes.htm</ref>

==Union with England==
After the death of Queen [[Elizabeth I]] of England in 1603, James VI of Scotland ascended to the Throne of England, becoming [[James I]] of England. He was the first monarch to call himself King of Great Britain. This is referred to as the Union of the Crowns. James was also at this time King of [[Ireland]].

The Parliaments of Scotland and [[England]] were not united until 1707 and it is this date that is recognised as the formation of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. This is referred to as the Union of the Parliaments. The formation of the [[Irish Republic]] in 1922 resulted in the current name of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Scotland has its own Parliament of 129 members as well as sending 59 MPs to represent its interests in the [[United Kingdom]] parliament which sits in [[London]]. Scottish MPs have historically been recognized for their political skills and appointed to the Cabinet in larger numbers than is proportionate. The current [[Chancellor of the Exchequer]], and expected future prime minister [[Gordon Brown]], is Scottish

==Fame==
Scotland is famous for its disproportionate amount of inventions and discoveries (as immortalized in [[Wha's Like Us]]), its world class universities, the Scottish Enlightenment, being the first country to adopt English as its official language decades before England{{fact}}, being the one of the first industrial nations while still preserving some of the last great wildernesses of Europe, and being the home of [[golf]] and the [[Loch Ness Monster]].

The symbol of Scotland is the thistle. The Scottish flag is the Cross of St. Andrew, a white diagonal cross on a dark blue background. The design originated in the 9th century and it is the oldest national flag still in use anywhere in the world. Other things associated with the country are [[kilts]] ([[tartan]] skirts worn by Scotsmen), and the haunting music of the [[bagpipes]]. Famous Scottish products include [[pie]]s, [[haggis]], toleys and Scotch [[whisky]].

Scotland's motto is ''Nemo Me Impune Lacessit'' ("No-one provokes me with impunity")<ref>http://www.scotland-guide.co.uk/ALL_AREAS_IN_SCOTLAND/Glasgow/Areas/Centre/Mercat_Cross.htm </ref> which translates as ''Wha daur meddle wi me?'' in [[Scots]] and in [[English]] as ''Who would dare mess with me?''.

== Sports and culture==

The national preoccupation is football ([[soccer]]). Other diversions include [[rugby union]], lawn bowls, [[chanty wrassling]] (a native form of [[wrestling]]), [[pocket billiards]], shinty (similar to hockey), [[cricket]], curling, tossing the caber and, of course, [[golf]] - Scotland is the home of golf. The Royal and Ancient Golf Club at [[St Andrews]] is the governing body of world golf.

[[Scotland]]'s 'other' national drink, Irn Bru (formerly "Iron Brew"), is a bubblegum-flavoured carbonated drink manufactured by A.G.Barr of [[Glasgow]], and claims to be "made in Scotland from girders". An advert for it uses the music and animation style of "[[The Snowman]]".

==References==
<references/>

[[Category:Scotland]]
[[Category:European Countries]]
[[Category:United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Scottish Towns and Cities]]
[[Category:UK Towns and Cities]]

Scotland

2007-04-27T11:12:43Z

Ulysses54:

'''Scotland''' is the second largest country of the [[United Kingdom]]; about three-eighths the size of its larger neighbour England, but is much less populous; most of the population lives in the ''central belt'', a band across central Scotland between the capital [[Edinburgh]] and the city of [[Glasgow]]. Other cities are [[Aberdeen]], [[Dundee]] and [[Inverness]].

Scotland includes the island groups of [[Orkney]], [[Shetland]], the [[Inner Hebrides|Inner]] and [[Outer Hebrides]], the islands of the [[Firth of Clyde]] including [[Arran]], [[Bute]], [[Cumbrae]] & [[Wee Cumbrae]] and various other smaller islands.

[[Ben Nevis]], the highest mountain in the [[United Kingdom]], is in the Scottish Highlands, as are most of the nations highest mountains. Those with heights above 914m (300 feet) are eponymously named [[Munro| Munroes]] after Sir Hector Munro, the first person to compile such a list.<ref> for a complete list of munroes see http://www.sol.co.uk/d/dickwall/munroes.htm</ref>

==Union with England==
After the death of Queen [[Elizabeth I]] of England in 1603, James VI of Scotland ascended to the Throne of England, becoming [[James I]] of England. He was the first monarch to call himself King of Great Britain. This is referred to as the Union of the Crowns. James was also at this time King of [[Ireland]].

The Parliaments of Scotland and [[England]] were not united until 1707 and it is this date that is recognised as the formation of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. This is referred to as the Union of the Parliaments. The formation of the [[Irish Republic]] in 1922 resulted in the current name of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Scotland has its own Parliament of 129 members as well as sending 59 MPs to represent its interests in the [[United Kingdom]] parliament which sits in [[London]]. Scottish MPs have historically been recognized for their political skills and appointed to the Cabinet in larger numbers than is proportionate. The current [[Chancellor of the Exchequer]], and expected future prime minister [[Gordon Brown]], is Scottish

==Fame==
Scotland is famous for its disproportionate amount of inventions and discoveries (as immortalized in [[Wha's Like Us]]), its world class universities, the Scottish Enlightenment, being the first country to adopt English as its official language decades before England{{fact}}, being the one of the first industrial nations while still preserving some of the last great wildernesses of Europe, and being the home of [[golf]] and the [[Loch Ness Monster]].

The symbol of Scotland is the thistle. The Scottish flag is the Cross of St. Andrew, a white diagonal cross on a dark blue background. The design originated in the 9th century and it is the oldest national flag still in use anywhere in the world. Other things associated with the country are [[kilts]] ([[tartan]] skirts worn by Scotsmen), and the haunting music of the [[bagpipes]]. Famous Scottish products include [[pie]]s, [[haggis]], toleys and Scotch [[whisky]].

Scotland's motto is ''Nemo Me Impune Lacessit'' ("No-one provokes me with impunity")<ref>http://www.scotland-guide.co.uk/ALL_AREAS_IN_SCOTLAND/Glasgow/Areas/Centre/Mercat_Cross.htm </ref> which translates as ''Wha daur meddle wi me?'' in [[Scots]] and in [[English]] as ''Who would dare mess with me?''.

== Sports and culture==

The national preoccupation is football ([[soccer]]). Other diversions include [[rugby union]], lawn bowls, chanty wrassling (a native form of [[wrestling]]), [[pocket billiards]], shinty (similar to hockey), [[cricket]], curling, tossing the caber and, of course, [[golf]] - Scotland is the home of golf. The Royal and Ancient Golf Club at [[St Andrews]] is the governing body of world golf.

[[Scotland]]'s 'other' national drink, Irn Bru (formerly "Iron Brew"), is a bubblegum-flavoured carbonated drink manufactured by A.G.Barr of [[Glasgow]], and claims to be "made in Scotland from girders". An advert for it uses the music and animation style of "[[The Snowman]]".

==References==
<references/>

[[Category:Scotland]]
[[Category:European Countries]]
[[Category:United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Scottish Towns and Cities]]
[[Category:UK Towns and Cities]]

Scotland

2007-04-27T11:12:07Z

Ulysses54:

'''Scotland''' is the second largest country of the [[United Kingdom]]; about three-eighths the size of its larger neighbour England, but is much less populous; most of the population lives in the ''central belt'', a band across central Scotland between the capital [[Edinburgh]] and the city of [[Glasgow]]. Other cities are [[Aberdeen]], [[Dundee]] and [[Inverness]].

Scotland includes the island groups of [[Orkney]], [[Shetland]], the [[Inner Hebrides|Inner]] and [[Outer Hebrides]], the islands of the [[Firth of Clyde]] including [[Arran]], [[Bute]], [[Cumbrae]] & [[Wee Cumbrae]] and various other smaller islands.

[[Ben Nevis]], the highest mountain in the [[United Kingdom]], is in the Scottish Highlands, as are most of the nations highest mountains. Those with heights above 914m (300 feet) are eponymously named [[Munro| Munros]] after Sir Hector Munro, the first person to compile such a list.<ref> for a complete list of munroes see http://www.sol.co.uk/d/dickwall/munroes.htm</ref>

==Union with England==
After the death of Queen [[Elizabeth I]] of England in 1603, James VI of Scotland ascended to the Throne of England, becoming [[James I]] of England. He was the first monarch to call himself King of Great Britain. This is referred to as the Union of the Crowns. James was also at this time King of [[Ireland]].

The Parliaments of Scotland and [[England]] were not united until 1707 and it is this date that is recognised as the formation of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. This is referred to as the Union of the Parliaments. The formation of the [[Irish Republic]] in 1922 resulted in the current name of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Scotland has its own Parliament of 129 members as well as sending 59 MPs to represent its interests in the [[United Kingdom]] parliament which sits in [[London]]. Scottish MPs have historically been recognized for their political skills and appointed to the Cabinet in larger numbers than is proportionate. The current [[Chancellor of the Exchequer]], and expected future prime minister [[Gordon Brown]], is Scottish

==Fame==
Scotland is famous for its disproportionate amount of inventions and discoveries (as immortalized in [[Wha's Like Us]]), its world class universities, the Scottish Enlightenment, being the first country to adopt English as its official language decades before England{{fact}}, being the one of the first industrial nations while still preserving some of the last great wildernesses of Europe, and being the home of [[golf]] and the [[Loch Ness Monster]].

The symbol of Scotland is the thistle. The Scottish flag is the Cross of St. Andrew, a white diagonal cross on a dark blue background. The design originated in the 9th century and it is the oldest national flag still in use anywhere in the world. Other things associated with the country are [[kilts]] ([[tartan]] skirts worn by Scotsmen), and the haunting music of the [[bagpipes]]. Famous Scottish products include [[pie]]s, [[haggis]], toleys and Scotch [[whisky]].

Scotland's motto is ''Nemo Me Impune Lacessit'' ("No-one provokes me with impunity")<ref>http://www.scotland-guide.co.uk/ALL_AREAS_IN_SCOTLAND/Glasgow/Areas/Centre/Mercat_Cross.htm </ref> which translates as ''Wha daur meddle wi me?'' in [[Scots]] and in [[English]] as ''Who would dare mess with me?''.

== Sports and culture==

The national preoccupation is football ([[soccer]]). Other diversions include [[rugby union]], lawn bowls, chanty wrassling (a native form of [[wrestling]]), [[pocket billiards]], shinty (similar to hockey), [[cricket]], curling, tossing the caber and, of course, [[golf]] - Scotland is the home of golf. The Royal and Ancient Golf Club at [[St Andrews]] is the governing body of world golf.

[[Scotland]]'s 'other' national drink, Irn Bru (formerly "Iron Brew"), is a bubblegum-flavoured carbonated drink manufactured by A.G.Barr of [[Glasgow]], and claims to be "made in Scotland from girders". An advert for it uses the music and animation style of "[[The Snowman]]".

==References==
<references/>

[[Category:Scotland]]
[[Category:European Countries]]
[[Category:United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Scottish Towns and Cities]]
[[Category:UK Towns and Cities]]

Portsoy

2007-04-27T11:00:38Z

Ulysses54:

Portsoy is a small sea port in modern [[Aberdeenshire]], [[Scotland]] (but traditionally in the county of [[Banffshire]] which exists for ceremonial but not administrative purposes).
On the north coastline, it was founded in 1818 by Sir Charles Huntly for the import of barrels of [[soy sauce]] from south China (Huntly was also implicated, through his membership of the East India Company and other trading interests in Britain's Indian possessions in the opium and tea trade with China). Soy sauce was imported in bulk to be turned into one of a range of piquant sauces in combination with other ingredients of local origin, notably smoked fish from the small local fishing villages, and spent [[yeast]] from local [[whisky]] distilleries. Huntly's Sauces had a great popularity in Victorian [[Britain]], which, however, waned as industrial-scale production of [[Worcestershire Sauce]] enabled companies such as Lea & Perrins to outstrip Huntly's. The last shipments of sauce were brought to Portsoy in 1921, and the manufactory closed for good in 1923.

==External links==
*[http://www.andrewsmith.org.uk/portsoy.htm Portsoy - A Brief History]

[[Category:Scottish Towns and Cities]]
[[Category:UK Towns and Cities]]

[[Category: United Kingdom]]

Portsoy

2007-04-27T10:59:55Z

Ulysses54:

Portsoy is a small sea port in modern [[Aberdeenshire]], [[Scotland]] (but traditionally in the county of [[Banffshire]] which exists for ceremonial but not administrative purposes).
On the north coastline, it was founded in 1818 by Sir Charles Huntly for the import of barrels of [[soy sauce]] from south China (Huntly was also implicated, through his membership of the East India Company and other trading interests in Britain's Indian posessions in the opium and tea trade with China). Soy sauce was imported in bulk to be turned into one of a range of piquant sauces in combination with other ingredients of local origin, notably smoked fish from the small local fishing villages, and spent [[yeast]] from local [[whisky]] distilleries. Huntly's Sauces had a great popularity in Victorian [[Britain]], which, however, waned as industrial-scale production of [[Worcestershire Sauce]] enabled companies such as Lea & Perrins to outstrip Huntly's. The last shipments of sauce were brought to Portsoy in 1921, and the manufactory closed for good in 1923.

==External links==
*[http://www.andrewsmith.org.uk/portsoy.htm Portsoy - A Brief History]

[[Category:Scottish Towns and Cities]]
[[Category:UK Towns and Cities]]

[[Category: United Kingdom]]

Rothesay

2007-04-27T10:56:04Z

Ulysses54: /* Famous 'Rothesay Gowks' */

'''Rothesay''' is the main town on the Isle of [[Bute]].

== Famous 'Rothesay Gowks' ==

* [[Lena Zavaroni]] - singer
* [[Johnny Dumfries]], the Marquis of Bute - [[F1]] driver

[[Category:Scottish Towns and Cities]]

Sir Denis Thatcher

2007-04-27T10:53:50Z

Ulysses54:

Major Sir Denis Thatcher, Baronet (born 1915 [[Melchester]], died 2003 [[London]]) was a British businessman and husband of [[Margaret Thatcher]]. The pinnacle of his business career was his service as chairman of Burmah Oil. Never one to hog the limelight in the face of his far more famous and powerful wife, he was often satirised (on the puppet show [[Spitting Image]], for example), as being a bit too fond of the bottle. He was a qualified [[rugby]] referee.

Glasgow

2007-04-27T10:47:55Z

Ulysses54: /* The People */

'''Glasgow''' is the largest city in [[Scotland]]. Founded by its patron saint Kentigern (or Mungo) around 540 AD it stands on both sides of the River Clyde.

The official motto of the city is ''Floreat Glasgua'' ("Let Glasgow Flourish"). However the unofficial motto is the [[Scots]] ''Yer Tea's Oot'' ("Your Tea Is Out") - a reference to the city's great tradition of hospitality towards the stranger.

The population of the city itself has declined from over a million inhabitants in the pre [[World War II]] era to around 600,000 today. However the population of the Greater Glasgow conurbation is approximately 2.5 million, roughly half the population of [[Scotland]].

Inhabitants of Glasgow are called Glaswegians but are often referred to by other Scots as "Keelies" or "Weegies". Glaswegians frequently refer to themselves in [[Scots]] as ''Wee Arra Peepul'' ("Little Arrow People"), a reference to their small stature and historical renown as archers.

=== Buildings ===

Glasgow has many fine public buildings, notably Glasgow Cathedral, a large [[Gothic]] edifice, the City Chambers, [[Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery]], the Great Eastern Hotel, the University at Gilmorehill, the Armadillo designed by [[Richard Rodgers]], the School of Art designed by [[Charles Rennie Mackintosh]] and the Beresford Hotel, an art deco building on Sauchiehall St.

The poet [[Sir John Betjeman]] described Glasgow as the "finest Victorian city in the world". This accolade is still justified today despite the best efforts of the City Council to destroy it in the 1960s and 1970s.

=== History ===

The site of the founding of St Mungo's church is now the site of Glasgow Cathedral. <ref>http://www.glasgow.gov.uk/en/AboutGlasgow/History/Earliest+Beginnings.htm</ref>

In the early days Glasgow was subjected to frequent raids by marauding [[Vikings]] who sailed up the Clyde in their long ships. One such incursion on Glasgow is recounted in the [[Norse]] Saga of [[Noggin the Nog]].

Glasgow is famous for shipbuilding, [[whisky]] distilling, the manufacture of hats called 'Jimmy bunnets' which are favoured by members of the [[Tartan Army]] and [[soccer]].

=== Education ===

Glasgow has three universities - the [[University of Glasgow]] founded in 1451, the [[University of Strathclyde]], the former Royal College, which was raised to university status in 1965 and [[Glasgow Caledonian University]], previously Glasgow College of Technology, which has been a university since 1992.

=== The People ===

Glasgow's population consists mainly of Lowland Scots, Gaels from the [[Highlands]] and [[Hebrides]] and the descendants of immigrants from [[Ireland]]. The early twentieth century saw arrivals from [[Italy]], [[Russia]], [[Lithuania]] and [[Poland]]. Some of these immigrants from Eastern Europe were Jews escaping pogroms but many came to work in the coalmines and steelworks in and around the city. The latter half of the twentieth century saw a new wave of immigration from [[India]] and [[Pakistan]]. With the recent accession of Poland to the [[European Union]] the city has played host to many young Poles seeking work in the city.

=== Sport and Religion ===

Football and religion are normally seen as being inseparable in Glasgow. Scottish Football has for decades been dominated by two Glasgow clubs; Glasgow Rangers and Celtic FC (often erroneously called Glasgow Celtic). These are the two clubs with the strongest links to the religious community. Rangers predominantly draw their support, and until the 1980's their players, from members of the Protestant church while Celtic historically draw their support from the Roman Catholic community. Due to the fixture scheduling of the Scottish Premier League to the two teams meet each other at 4 times a year. <ref>http://www.scotprem.premiumtv.co.uk/page/FixturesandResults/0,,10002,00.html</ref> At these games an inter-denominational service precedes the game at which each set of supporters sing songs to the other. When matches are played at Ibrox Park (the home of Rangers) the service is usually conducted by the Catholic Archbishop of Glasgow, whereas at matches played at Celtic Park services have been led by leading clergy from various Protestant denominations. On March 10th 2007 the service at Celtic Park was led by the Rev Dr [[Ian Paisley]], Moderator of the Free Presbyterian Church of Ireland and First Minister of [[Northern Ireland]]. These events have helped boost inter-faith relations and help give Glasgow its slogan - The Friendly City.<ref>http://www.glasgow.gov.uk/en/AboutGlasgow/Touristattractions/thefriendlycity.htm</ref>

=== Politics ===

Due to its heavy working class culture and tradition of heavy industry Glasgow has always been a hotbed of fervent [[socialism]]. All MPs currently returned to the UK Parliament represent the Labour Party. The last Conservative to represent a Parliamentary seat in Glasgow was Teddy (later Sir Teddy) Taylor who represented Glasgow Cathcart from 1964 to 1979 when he lost he seat to [[John Maxton]]. This was the only Conservative loss in the 1979 election and fore-shadowed the collapse in support of Conservatism throughout Scotland during the premiership of [[Margaret Thatcher]].

In the Scottish Parliament all 10 Constituency MPs represent the Labour Party. The Proportionately Elected Regional List MPs for Glasgow comprise two from the [[Scottish National Party]], two from the [[Scottish Socialist Party]], one from the [[Liberal Democrats]], one from the [[Green Party]] and the Conservative, [[Bill Aitken]].<ref>http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/research/factsheets/documents/MSPsbyConstituencyandRegionSession2.pdf</ref> The next elections for the Scottish Parliament are to be held on 3rd May 2007.

=== Leisure and Culture ===

The city has a number of fine museums and galleries, notably the [[Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery]], the [[Burrell Collection]] in Pollok Park and the Museum of Religious Life which is situated in Provand's Lordship, the oldest house in Glasgow.

Despite a long and proud industrial heritage Glasgow is studded with green spaces and recreation grounds (the name Glasgow comes from the Brythonic for ''Dear Green Place''). The finest of these is the much loved Possil Park, opened by Queen Victoria in 1878.

The slums of the industrial era, particularly the Gorbals and the notorious [[Cludgie]] district, have now been cleared and regenerated with many fine new dwellings and green spaces.

A local custom in Glasgow is the traditional greeting of visitors from afar with a 'Glasgow Kiss'. This is not a kiss at all, and is totally non-sexual in nature. It involves the rubbing of foreheads in a vigorous yet friendly manner. Whether or not the action originates from a desired 'meeting of minds' is unclear but its effect is to initiate the stranger into the social group.

The month of July in Glasgow sees a large parade known as the Orange Walk (popularly, "the Walk"). This colourful extravaganza commemorates the first shipment of citrus fruits from South America to arrive in Glasgow at Broomielaw Quay on the Clyde in 1690 and the establishment of the city's first fruit market nearby. The parade is preceded by the disembarkation at Custom House Quay of a group of marchers known as 'Orangemen' who have sailed up the Clyde in a banana boat. It has often been compared with the Notting Hill Carnival in [[London]] and the [[Rio de Janeiro]] Mardi Gras but, fortunately, has never been marred by the trouble and violence which often accompanies those events.

=== Language ===

The language of Glasgow is formally [[English]] but, informally, the natives speak a local variant of [[Scots]]. Here are some common everyday phrases which may be useful for the visitor:
*''Hullawrerr'' - Good morning/afternoon
*''Hoozitgaun?'' - How are you?
*''Awright'' - I'm very well
*''Geeza'' - Please
*''Ta'' - Thank you
*''Yer bahookey'' - You're welcome
*''Wherraboozer?'' - Where can I get something to eat/drink?
*''Fuctifanaw. Ahmno fae here'' - I'm sorry I don't know. I'm a stranger myself.
*''Jeewant chibbed yabassa'' - Please leave me alone
*''Aye, right'' - I agree
*''Yeraffyerheid'' - I disagree
*''Gerritupye'' - Good health
*''Ahwislikaat'' - I was surprised

The ancient Celtic language [[Gaelic]] can often be heard in Glasgow, particularly in the West End where there is a sizeable community from the [[Hebrides]].

=== Famous Glaswegians ===

* [[Billy Connolly]] (Comedian and Actor)
* [[Charles Rennie Mackintosh]] (Architect)
* Sir William Burrell (Businessman, Philantropist who donated The [[Burrell Collection]] to the City)
* [[Gordon Jackson]] (Actor, The Great Escape, Upstairs Downstairs, The Professionals)
* [[Robbie Coltrane]] (Actor, Hagrid in the [[Harry Potter]] films)
* Billy Boyd (Actor, Pippin in the [[Lord of the Rings]] Trilogy)
* Scrooge McDuck
* Groundskeeper Willie
* Jack McLean (journalist, author, bon viveur and urban Voltaire)
* Gerry McNee (journalist - "The Voice of a Football")
* Alan Cumming (actor)
* Ian and Janette Tough aka [[The Krankies]] (comedy duo),
* Johnny Beattie (Shakespearean actor)
* [[Chutney Ferret]] (comedian)
* Frankie Miller (rock singer)
* Jim Kerr (rock singer with [[Simple Minds]])
* [[Sir Cameron King]] (shipping magnate)
* [[Tommy Toley]] (comedian)
* Stanley Baxter (philologist and author of the definitive academic work on the Glasgow dialect)<ref>http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1874744009?ie=UTF8&tag=globalaffilia-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=6738&creativeASIN=1874744009</ref>
* Lobey Dosser (frontiersman)
* Charlie Sim (uphill gardener)
* Donald Findlay QC (advocate and ecumenist)
* Sydney Devine (singer)
* Matt Black (painter)
* Field Marshal Lord Roberts of [[Kandahar]], [[Pretoria]] and [[Waterford]] (soldier)
* Chick Young (radio presenter and comedian)
* Lulu (singer)
* Ian Brady (moors murderer)
* Andrew Agnew (Action Film Actor)
* Jerry Sadowitz (magician and comedian)
* Leo Blair (father of [[Tony Blair]])
* Mark McManus (actor)

==References==
<references/>

[[Category:Scottish Towns and Cities]]
[[Category:UK Towns and Cities]]
[[Category: United Kingdom]]

Glasgow

2007-04-27T10:46:46Z

Ulysses54: /* Famous Glaswegians */

'''Glasgow''' is the largest city in [[Scotland]]. Founded by its patron saint Kentigern (or Mungo) around 540 AD it stands on both sides of the River Clyde.

The official motto of the city is ''Floreat Glasgua'' ("Let Glasgow Flourish"). However the unofficial motto is the [[Scots]] ''Yer Tea's Oot'' ("Your Tea Is Out") - a reference to the city's great tradition of hospitality towards the stranger.

The population of the city itself has declined from over a million inhabitants in the pre [[World War II]] era to around 600,000 today. However the population of the Greater Glasgow conurbation is approximately 2.5 million, roughly half the population of [[Scotland]].

Inhabitants of Glasgow are called Glaswegians but are often referred to by other Scots as "Keelies" or "Weegies". Glaswegians frequently refer to themselves in [[Scots]] as ''Wee Arra Peepul'' ("Little Arrow People"), a reference to their small stature and historical renown as archers.

=== Buildings ===

Glasgow has many fine public buildings, notably Glasgow Cathedral, a large [[Gothic]] edifice, the City Chambers, [[Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery]], the Great Eastern Hotel, the University at Gilmorehill, the Armadillo designed by [[Richard Rodgers]], the School of Art designed by [[Charles Rennie Mackintosh]] and the Beresford Hotel, an art deco building on Sauchiehall St.

The poet [[Sir John Betjeman]] described Glasgow as the "finest Victorian city in the world". This accolade is still justified today despite the best efforts of the City Council to destroy it in the 1960s and 1970s.

=== History ===

The site of the founding of St Mungo's church is now the site of Glasgow Cathedral. <ref>http://www.glasgow.gov.uk/en/AboutGlasgow/History/Earliest+Beginnings.htm</ref>

In the early days Glasgow was subjected to frequent raids by marauding [[Vikings]] who sailed up the Clyde in their long ships. One such incursion on Glasgow is recounted in the [[Norse]] Saga of [[Noggin the Nog]].

Glasgow is famous for shipbuilding, [[whisky]] distilling, the manufacture of hats called 'Jimmy bunnets' which are favoured by members of the [[Tartan Army]] and [[soccer]].

=== Education ===

Glasgow has three universities - the [[University of Glasgow]] founded in 1451, the [[University of Strathclyde]], the former Royal College, which was raised to university status in 1965 and [[Glasgow Caledonian University]], previously Glasgow College of Technology, which has been a university since 1992.

=== The People ===

Glasgow's population consists mainly of Lowland Scots, Gaels from the [[Highlands]] and [[Hebrides]] and the descendants of immigrants from [[Ireland]]. The early twentieth century saw arrivals from [[Italy]], [[Russia]], [[Lithuania]] and [[Poland]]. Some of these immigrants from Eastern Europe were Jews escaping pogroms but many came to work in the coalmines and steelworks in and around the city. The latter half of the twentieth century saw a new wave of immigration from [[India]]and [[Pakistan]]. With the recent accession of Poland to the [[European Union]] the city has played host to many young Poles seeking work in the city.

=== Sport and Religion ===

Football and religion are normally seen as being inseparable in Glasgow. Scottish Football has for decades been dominated by two Glasgow clubs; Glasgow Rangers and Celtic FC (often erroneously called Glasgow Celtic). These are the two clubs with the strongest links to the religious community. Rangers predominantly draw their support, and until the 1980's their players, from members of the Protestant church while Celtic historically draw their support from the Roman Catholic community. Due to the fixture scheduling of the Scottish Premier League to the two teams meet each other at 4 times a year. <ref>http://www.scotprem.premiumtv.co.uk/page/FixturesandResults/0,,10002,00.html</ref> At these games an inter-denominational service precedes the game at which each set of supporters sing songs to the other. When matches are played at Ibrox Park (the home of Rangers) the service is usually conducted by the Catholic Archbishop of Glasgow, whereas at matches played at Celtic Park services have been led by leading clergy from various Protestant denominations. On March 10th 2007 the service at Celtic Park was led by the Rev Dr [[Ian Paisley]], Moderator of the Free Presbyterian Church of Ireland and First Minister of [[Northern Ireland]]. These events have helped boost inter-faith relations and help give Glasgow its slogan - The Friendly City.<ref>http://www.glasgow.gov.uk/en/AboutGlasgow/Touristattractions/thefriendlycity.htm</ref>

=== Politics ===

Due to its heavy working class culture and tradition of heavy industry Glasgow has always been a hotbed of fervent [[socialism]]. All MPs currently returned to the UK Parliament represent the Labour Party. The last Conservative to represent a Parliamentary seat in Glasgow was Teddy (later Sir Teddy) Taylor who represented Glasgow Cathcart from 1964 to 1979 when he lost he seat to [[John Maxton]]. This was the only Conservative loss in the 1979 election and fore-shadowed the collapse in support of Conservatism throughout Scotland during the premiership of [[Margaret Thatcher]].

In the Scottish Parliament all 10 Constituency MPs represent the Labour Party. The Proportionately Elected Regional List MPs for Glasgow comprise two from the [[Scottish National Party]], two from the [[Scottish Socialist Party]], one from the [[Liberal Democrats]], one from the [[Green Party]] and the Conservative, [[Bill Aitken]].<ref>http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/research/factsheets/documents/MSPsbyConstituencyandRegionSession2.pdf</ref> The next elections for the Scottish Parliament are to be held on 3rd May 2007.

=== Leisure and Culture ===

The city has a number of fine museums and galleries, notably the [[Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery]], the [[Burrell Collection]] in Pollok Park and the Museum of Religious Life which is situated in Provand's Lordship, the oldest house in Glasgow.

Despite a long and proud industrial heritage Glasgow is studded with green spaces and recreation grounds (the name Glasgow comes from the Brythonic for ''Dear Green Place''). The finest of these is the much loved Possil Park, opened by Queen Victoria in 1878.

The slums of the industrial era, particularly the Gorbals and the notorious [[Cludgie]] district, have now been cleared and regenerated with many fine new dwellings and green spaces.

A local custom in Glasgow is the traditional greeting of visitors from afar with a 'Glasgow Kiss'. This is not a kiss at all, and is totally non-sexual in nature. It involves the rubbing of foreheads in a vigorous yet friendly manner. Whether or not the action originates from a desired 'meeting of minds' is unclear but its effect is to initiate the stranger into the social group.

The month of July in Glasgow sees a large parade known as the Orange Walk (popularly, "the Walk"). This colourful extravaganza commemorates the first shipment of citrus fruits from South America to arrive in Glasgow at Broomielaw Quay on the Clyde in 1690 and the establishment of the city's first fruit market nearby. The parade is preceded by the disembarkation at Custom House Quay of a group of marchers known as 'Orangemen' who have sailed up the Clyde in a banana boat. It has often been compared with the Notting Hill Carnival in [[London]] and the [[Rio de Janeiro]] Mardi Gras but, fortunately, has never been marred by the trouble and violence which often accompanies those events.

=== Language ===

The language of Glasgow is formally [[English]] but, informally, the natives speak a local variant of [[Scots]]. Here are some common everyday phrases which may be useful for the visitor:
*''Hullawrerr'' - Good morning/afternoon
*''Hoozitgaun?'' - How are you?
*''Awright'' - I'm very well
*''Geeza'' - Please
*''Ta'' - Thank you
*''Yer bahookey'' - You're welcome
*''Wherraboozer?'' - Where can I get something to eat/drink?
*''Fuctifanaw. Ahmno fae here'' - I'm sorry I don't know. I'm a stranger myself.
*''Jeewant chibbed yabassa'' - Please leave me alone
*''Aye, right'' - I agree
*''Yeraffyerheid'' - I disagree
*''Gerritupye'' - Good health
*''Ahwislikaat'' - I was surprised

The ancient Celtic language [[Gaelic]] can often be heard in Glasgow, particularly in the West End where there is a sizeable community from the [[Hebrides]].

=== Famous Glaswegians ===

* [[Billy Connolly]] (Comedian and Actor)
* [[Charles Rennie Mackintosh]] (Architect)
* Sir William Burrell (Businessman, Philantropist who donated The [[Burrell Collection]] to the City)
* [[Gordon Jackson]] (Actor, The Great Escape, Upstairs Downstairs, The Professionals)
* [[Robbie Coltrane]] (Actor, Hagrid in the [[Harry Potter]] films)
* Billy Boyd (Actor, Pippin in the [[Lord of the Rings]] Trilogy)
* Scrooge McDuck
* Groundskeeper Willie
* Jack McLean (journalist, author, bon viveur and urban Voltaire)
* Gerry McNee (journalist - "The Voice of a Football")
* Alan Cumming (actor)
* Ian and Janette Tough aka [[The Krankies]] (comedy duo),
* Johnny Beattie (Shakespearean actor)
* [[Chutney Ferret]] (comedian)
* Frankie Miller (rock singer)
* Jim Kerr (rock singer with [[Simple Minds]])
* [[Sir Cameron King]] (shipping magnate)
* [[Tommy Toley]] (comedian)
* Stanley Baxter (philologist and author of the definitive academic work on the Glasgow dialect)<ref>http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1874744009?ie=UTF8&tag=globalaffilia-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=6738&creativeASIN=1874744009</ref>
* Lobey Dosser (frontiersman)
* Charlie Sim (uphill gardener)
* Donald Findlay QC (advocate and ecumenist)
* Sydney Devine (singer)
* Matt Black (painter)
* Field Marshal Lord Roberts of [[Kandahar]], [[Pretoria]] and [[Waterford]] (soldier)
* Chick Young (radio presenter and comedian)
* Lulu (singer)
* Ian Brady (moors murderer)
* Andrew Agnew (Action Film Actor)
* Jerry Sadowitz (magician and comedian)
* Leo Blair (father of [[Tony Blair]])
* Mark McManus (actor)

==References==
<references/>

[[Category:Scottish Towns and Cities]]
[[Category:UK Towns and Cities]]
[[Category: United Kingdom]]

Glasgow

2007-04-27T10:45:44Z

Ulysses54: /* Famous Glaswegians */

'''Glasgow''' is the largest city in [[Scotland]]. Founded by its patron saint Kentigern (or Mungo) around 540 AD it stands on both sides of the River Clyde.

The official motto of the city is ''Floreat Glasgua'' ("Let Glasgow Flourish"). However the unofficial motto is the [[Scots]] ''Yer Tea's Oot'' ("Your Tea Is Out") - a reference to the city's great tradition of hospitality towards the stranger.

The population of the city itself has declined from over a million inhabitants in the pre [[World War II]] era to around 600,000 today. However the population of the Greater Glasgow conurbation is approximately 2.5 million, roughly half the population of [[Scotland]].

Inhabitants of Glasgow are called Glaswegians but are often referred to by other Scots as "Keelies" or "Weegies". Glaswegians frequently refer to themselves in [[Scots]] as ''Wee Arra Peepul'' ("Little Arrow People"), a reference to their small stature and historical renown as archers.

=== Buildings ===

Glasgow has many fine public buildings, notably Glasgow Cathedral, a large [[Gothic]] edifice, the City Chambers, [[Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery]], the Great Eastern Hotel, the University at Gilmorehill, the Armadillo designed by [[Richard Rodgers]], the School of Art designed by [[Charles Rennie Mackintosh]] and the Beresford Hotel, an art deco building on Sauchiehall St.

The poet [[Sir John Betjeman]] described Glasgow as the "finest Victorian city in the world". This accolade is still justified today despite the best efforts of the City Council to destroy it in the 1960s and 1970s.

=== History ===

The site of the founding of St Mungo's church is now the site of Glasgow Cathedral. <ref>http://www.glasgow.gov.uk/en/AboutGlasgow/History/Earliest+Beginnings.htm</ref>

In the early days Glasgow was subjected to frequent raids by marauding [[Vikings]] who sailed up the Clyde in their long ships. One such incursion on Glasgow is recounted in the [[Norse]] Saga of [[Noggin the Nog]].

Glasgow is famous for shipbuilding, [[whisky]] distilling, the manufacture of hats called 'Jimmy bunnets' which are favoured by members of the [[Tartan Army]] and [[soccer]].

=== Education ===

Glasgow has three universities - the [[University of Glasgow]] founded in 1451, the [[University of Strathclyde]], the former Royal College, which was raised to university status in 1965 and [[Glasgow Caledonian University]], previously Glasgow College of Technology, which has been a university since 1992.

=== The People ===

Glasgow's population consists mainly of Lowland Scots, Gaels from the [[Highlands]] and [[Hebrides]] and the descendants of immigrants from [[Ireland]]. The early twentieth century saw arrivals from [[Italy]], [[Russia]], [[Lithuania]] and [[Poland]]. Some of these immigrants from Eastern Europe were Jews escaping pogroms but many came to work in the coalmines and steelworks in and around the city. The latter half of the twentieth century saw a new wave of immigration from [[India]]and [[Pakistan]]. With the recent accession of Poland to the [[European Union]] the city has played host to many young Poles seeking work in the city.

=== Sport and Religion ===

Football and religion are normally seen as being inseparable in Glasgow. Scottish Football has for decades been dominated by two Glasgow clubs; Glasgow Rangers and Celtic FC (often erroneously called Glasgow Celtic). These are the two clubs with the strongest links to the religious community. Rangers predominantly draw their support, and until the 1980's their players, from members of the Protestant church while Celtic historically draw their support from the Roman Catholic community. Due to the fixture scheduling of the Scottish Premier League to the two teams meet each other at 4 times a year. <ref>http://www.scotprem.premiumtv.co.uk/page/FixturesandResults/0,,10002,00.html</ref> At these games an inter-denominational service precedes the game at which each set of supporters sing songs to the other. When matches are played at Ibrox Park (the home of Rangers) the service is usually conducted by the Catholic Archbishop of Glasgow, whereas at matches played at Celtic Park services have been led by leading clergy from various Protestant denominations. On March 10th 2007 the service at Celtic Park was led by the Rev Dr [[Ian Paisley]], Moderator of the Free Presbyterian Church of Ireland and First Minister of [[Northern Ireland]]. These events have helped boost inter-faith relations and help give Glasgow its slogan - The Friendly City.<ref>http://www.glasgow.gov.uk/en/AboutGlasgow/Touristattractions/thefriendlycity.htm</ref>

=== Politics ===

Due to its heavy working class culture and tradition of heavy industry Glasgow has always been a hotbed of fervent [[socialism]]. All MPs currently returned to the UK Parliament represent the Labour Party. The last Conservative to represent a Parliamentary seat in Glasgow was Teddy (later Sir Teddy) Taylor who represented Glasgow Cathcart from 1964 to 1979 when he lost he seat to [[John Maxton]]. This was the only Conservative loss in the 1979 election and fore-shadowed the collapse in support of Conservatism throughout Scotland during the premiership of [[Margaret Thatcher]].

In the Scottish Parliament all 10 Constituency MPs represent the Labour Party. The Proportionately Elected Regional List MPs for Glasgow comprise two from the [[Scottish National Party]], two from the [[Scottish Socialist Party]], one from the [[Liberal Democrats]], one from the [[Green Party]] and the Conservative, [[Bill Aitken]].<ref>http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/research/factsheets/documents/MSPsbyConstituencyandRegionSession2.pdf</ref> The next elections for the Scottish Parliament are to be held on 3rd May 2007.

=== Leisure and Culture ===

The city has a number of fine museums and galleries, notably the [[Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery]], the [[Burrell Collection]] in Pollok Park and the Museum of Religious Life which is situated in Provand's Lordship, the oldest house in Glasgow.

Despite a long and proud industrial heritage Glasgow is studded with green spaces and recreation grounds (the name Glasgow comes from the Brythonic for ''Dear Green Place''). The finest of these is the much loved Possil Park, opened by Queen Victoria in 1878.

The slums of the industrial era, particularly the Gorbals and the notorious [[Cludgie]] district, have now been cleared and regenerated with many fine new dwellings and green spaces.

A local custom in Glasgow is the traditional greeting of visitors from afar with a 'Glasgow Kiss'. This is not a kiss at all, and is totally non-sexual in nature. It involves the rubbing of foreheads in a vigorous yet friendly manner. Whether or not the action originates from a desired 'meeting of minds' is unclear but its effect is to initiate the stranger into the social group.

The month of July in Glasgow sees a large parade known as the Orange Walk (popularly, "the Walk"). This colourful extravaganza commemorates the first shipment of citrus fruits from South America to arrive in Glasgow at Broomielaw Quay on the Clyde in 1690 and the establishment of the city's first fruit market nearby. The parade is preceded by the disembarkation at Custom House Quay of a group of marchers known as 'Orangemen' who have sailed up the Clyde in a banana boat. It has often been compared with the Notting Hill Carnival in [[London]] and the [[Rio de Janeiro]] Mardi Gras but, fortunately, has never been marred by the trouble and violence which often accompanies those events.

=== Language ===

The language of Glasgow is formally [[English]] but, informally, the natives speak a local variant of [[Scots]]. Here are some common everyday phrases which may be useful for the visitor:
*''Hullawrerr'' - Good morning/afternoon
*''Hoozitgaun?'' - How are you?
*''Awright'' - I'm very well
*''Geeza'' - Please
*''Ta'' - Thank you
*''Yer bahookey'' - You're welcome
*''Wherraboozer?'' - Where can I get something to eat/drink?
*''Fuctifanaw. Ahmno fae here'' - I'm sorry I don't know. I'm a stranger myself.
*''Jeewant chibbed yabassa'' - Please leave me alone
*''Aye, right'' - I agree
*''Yeraffyerheid'' - I disagree
*''Gerritupye'' - Good health
*''Ahwislikaat'' - I was surprised

The ancient Celtic language [[Gaelic]] can often be heard in Glasgow, particularly in the West End where there is a sizeable community from the [[Hebrides]].

=== Famous Glaswegians ===

* [[Billy Connolly]] (Comedian and Actor)
* [[Charles Rennie Mackintosh]] (Architect)
* Sir William Burrell (Businessman, Philantropist who donated The [[Burrell Collection]] to the City)
* [[Gordon Jackson]] (Actor, The Great Escape, Upstairs Downstairs, The Professionals)
* [[Robbie Coltrane]] (Actor, Hagrid in the [[Harry Potter]] films)
* Billy Boyd (Actor, Pippin in the [[Lord of the Rings]] Trilogy)
* Scrooge McDuck
* Groundskeeper Willie
* Jack McLean (journalist, author, bon viveur and urban Voltaire)
* Gerry McNee (journalist - "The Voice of a Football")
* Alan Cumming (actor)
* Ian and Janette Tough aka [[The Krankies]] (comedy duo),
* Johnny Beattie (Shakespearean actor)
* [[Chutney Ferret]] (comedian)
* Frankie Miller (rock singer)
* Jim Kerr (rock singer with [[Simple Minds]])
* [[Sir Cameron King]] (shipping magnate)
* [[Tommy Toley]] (comedian)
* Stanley Baxter (author and philologist who wrote the definitive academic work on the Glasgow dialect)<ref>http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1874744009?ie=UTF8&tag=globalaffilia-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=6738&creativeASIN=1874744009</ref>
* Lobey Dosser (frontiersman)
* Charlie Sim (uphill gardener)
* Donald Findlay QC (advocate and ecumenist)
* Sydney Devine (singer)
* Matt Black (painter)
* Field Marshal Lord Roberts of [[Kandahar]], [[Pretoria]] and [[Waterford]] (soldier)
* Chick Young (radio presenter and comedian)
* Lulu (singer)
* Ian Brady (moors murderer)
* Andrew Agnew (Action Film Actor)
* Jerry Sadowitz (magician and comedian)
* Leo Blair (father of [[Tony Blair]])
* Mark McManus (actor)

==References==
<references/>

[[Category:Scottish Towns and Cities]]
[[Category:UK Towns and Cities]]
[[Category: United Kingdom]]

Glasgow

2007-04-27T10:43:42Z

Ulysses54: /* The People */

'''Glasgow''' is the largest city in [[Scotland]]. Founded by its patron saint Kentigern (or Mungo) around 540 AD it stands on both sides of the River Clyde.

The official motto of the city is ''Floreat Glasgua'' ("Let Glasgow Flourish"). However the unofficial motto is the [[Scots]] ''Yer Tea's Oot'' ("Your Tea Is Out") - a reference to the city's great tradition of hospitality towards the stranger.

The population of the city itself has declined from over a million inhabitants in the pre [[World War II]] era to around 600,000 today. However the population of the Greater Glasgow conurbation is approximately 2.5 million, roughly half the population of [[Scotland]].

Inhabitants of Glasgow are called Glaswegians but are often referred to by other Scots as "Keelies" or "Weegies". Glaswegians frequently refer to themselves in [[Scots]] as ''Wee Arra Peepul'' ("Little Arrow People"), a reference to their small stature and historical renown as archers.

=== Buildings ===

Glasgow has many fine public buildings, notably Glasgow Cathedral, a large [[Gothic]] edifice, the City Chambers, [[Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery]], the Great Eastern Hotel, the University at Gilmorehill, the Armadillo designed by [[Richard Rodgers]], the School of Art designed by [[Charles Rennie Mackintosh]] and the Beresford Hotel, an art deco building on Sauchiehall St.

The poet [[Sir John Betjeman]] described Glasgow as the "finest Victorian city in the world". This accolade is still justified today despite the best efforts of the City Council to destroy it in the 1960s and 1970s.

=== History ===

The site of the founding of St Mungo's church is now the site of Glasgow Cathedral. <ref>http://www.glasgow.gov.uk/en/AboutGlasgow/History/Earliest+Beginnings.htm</ref>

In the early days Glasgow was subjected to frequent raids by marauding [[Vikings]] who sailed up the Clyde in their long ships. One such incursion on Glasgow is recounted in the [[Norse]] Saga of [[Noggin the Nog]].

Glasgow is famous for shipbuilding, [[whisky]] distilling, the manufacture of hats called 'Jimmy bunnets' which are favoured by members of the [[Tartan Army]] and [[soccer]].

=== Education ===

Glasgow has three universities - the [[University of Glasgow]] founded in 1451, the [[University of Strathclyde]], the former Royal College, which was raised to university status in 1965 and [[Glasgow Caledonian University]], previously Glasgow College of Technology, which has been a university since 1992.

=== The People ===

Glasgow's population consists mainly of Lowland Scots, Gaels from the [[Highlands]] and [[Hebrides]] and the descendants of immigrants from [[Ireland]]. The early twentieth century saw arrivals from [[Italy]], [[Russia]], [[Lithuania]] and [[Poland]]. Some of these immigrants from Eastern Europe were Jews escaping pogroms but many came to work in the coalmines and steelworks in and around the city. The latter half of the twentieth century saw a new wave of immigration from [[India]]and [[Pakistan]]. With the recent accession of Poland to the [[European Union]] the city has played host to many young Poles seeking work in the city.

=== Sport and Religion ===

Football and religion are normally seen as being inseparable in Glasgow. Scottish Football has for decades been dominated by two Glasgow clubs; Glasgow Rangers and Celtic FC (often erroneously called Glasgow Celtic). These are the two clubs with the strongest links to the religious community. Rangers predominantly draw their support, and until the 1980's their players, from members of the Protestant church while Celtic historically draw their support from the Roman Catholic community. Due to the fixture scheduling of the Scottish Premier League to the two teams meet each other at 4 times a year. <ref>http://www.scotprem.premiumtv.co.uk/page/FixturesandResults/0,,10002,00.html</ref> At these games an inter-denominational service precedes the game at which each set of supporters sing songs to the other. When matches are played at Ibrox Park (the home of Rangers) the service is usually conducted by the Catholic Archbishop of Glasgow, whereas at matches played at Celtic Park services have been led by leading clergy from various Protestant denominations. On March 10th 2007 the service at Celtic Park was led by the Rev Dr [[Ian Paisley]], Moderator of the Free Presbyterian Church of Ireland and First Minister of [[Northern Ireland]]. These events have helped boost inter-faith relations and help give Glasgow its slogan - The Friendly City.<ref>http://www.glasgow.gov.uk/en/AboutGlasgow/Touristattractions/thefriendlycity.htm</ref>

=== Politics ===

Due to its heavy working class culture and tradition of heavy industry Glasgow has always been a hotbed of fervent [[socialism]]. All MPs currently returned to the UK Parliament represent the Labour Party. The last Conservative to represent a Parliamentary seat in Glasgow was Teddy (later Sir Teddy) Taylor who represented Glasgow Cathcart from 1964 to 1979 when he lost he seat to [[John Maxton]]. This was the only Conservative loss in the 1979 election and fore-shadowed the collapse in support of Conservatism throughout Scotland during the premiership of [[Margaret Thatcher]].

In the Scottish Parliament all 10 Constituency MPs represent the Labour Party. The Proportionately Elected Regional List MPs for Glasgow comprise two from the [[Scottish National Party]], two from the [[Scottish Socialist Party]], one from the [[Liberal Democrats]], one from the [[Green Party]] and the Conservative, [[Bill Aitken]].<ref>http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/research/factsheets/documents/MSPsbyConstituencyandRegionSession2.pdf</ref> The next elections for the Scottish Parliament are to be held on 3rd May 2007.

=== Leisure and Culture ===

The city has a number of fine museums and galleries, notably the [[Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery]], the [[Burrell Collection]] in Pollok Park and the Museum of Religious Life which is situated in Provand's Lordship, the oldest house in Glasgow.

Despite a long and proud industrial heritage Glasgow is studded with green spaces and recreation grounds (the name Glasgow comes from the Brythonic for ''Dear Green Place''). The finest of these is the much loved Possil Park, opened by Queen Victoria in 1878.

The slums of the industrial era, particularly the Gorbals and the notorious [[Cludgie]] district, have now been cleared and regenerated with many fine new dwellings and green spaces.

A local custom in Glasgow is the traditional greeting of visitors from afar with a 'Glasgow Kiss'. This is not a kiss at all, and is totally non-sexual in nature. It involves the rubbing of foreheads in a vigorous yet friendly manner. Whether or not the action originates from a desired 'meeting of minds' is unclear but its effect is to initiate the stranger into the social group.

The month of July in Glasgow sees a large parade known as the Orange Walk (popularly, "the Walk"). This colourful extravaganza commemorates the first shipment of citrus fruits from South America to arrive in Glasgow at Broomielaw Quay on the Clyde in 1690 and the establishment of the city's first fruit market nearby. The parade is preceded by the disembarkation at Custom House Quay of a group of marchers known as 'Orangemen' who have sailed up the Clyde in a banana boat. It has often been compared with the Notting Hill Carnival in [[London]] and the [[Rio de Janeiro]] Mardi Gras but, fortunately, has never been marred by the trouble and violence which often accompanies those events.

=== Language ===

The language of Glasgow is formally [[English]] but, informally, the natives speak a local variant of [[Scots]]. Here are some common everyday phrases which may be useful for the visitor:
*''Hullawrerr'' - Good morning/afternoon
*''Hoozitgaun?'' - How are you?
*''Awright'' - I'm very well
*''Geeza'' - Please
*''Ta'' - Thank you
*''Yer bahookey'' - You're welcome
*''Wherraboozer?'' - Where can I get something to eat/drink?
*''Fuctifanaw. Ahmno fae here'' - I'm sorry I don't know. I'm a stranger myself.
*''Jeewant chibbed yabassa'' - Please leave me alone
*''Aye, right'' - I agree
*''Yeraffyerheid'' - I disagree
*''Gerritupye'' - Good health
*''Ahwislikaat'' - I was surprised

The ancient Celtic language [[Gaelic]] can often be heard in Glasgow, particularly in the West End where there is a sizeable community from the [[Hebrides]].

=== Famous Glaswegians ===

* [[Billy Connolly]] (Comedian and Actor)
* [[Charles Rennie Mackintosh]] (Architect)
* Sir William Burrell (Businessman, Philantropist who donated The [[Burrell Collection]] to the City)
* [[Gordon Jackson]] (Actor, The Great Escape, Upstairs Downstairs, The Professionals)
* [[Robbie Coltrane]] (Actor, Hagrid in the [[Harry Potter]] films)
* Billy Boyd (Actor, Pippin in the [[Lord of the Rings]] Trilogy)
* Scrooge McDuck
* Groundskeeper Willie
* Jack McLean (journalist, author, bon viveur and urban Voltaire)
* Gerry McNee (journalist - "The Voice of a Football")
* Alan Cumming (actor)
* Ian and Janette Tough aka [[The Krankies]] (comedy duo),
* Johnny Beattie (Shakespearean actor)
* [[Chutney Ferret]] (comedian)
* Frankie Miller (rock singer)
* Jim Kerr (rock singer with [[Simple Minds]])
* [[Sir Cameron King]] (shipping magnate)
* [[Tommy Toley]] (comedian)
* Stanley Baxter (author and Linguist who wrote the definitive academic work on the Glasgow dialect)<ref>http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1874744009?ie=UTF8&tag=globalaffilia-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=6738&creativeASIN=1874744009</ref>
* Lobey Dosser (frontiersman)
* Charlie Sim (uphill gardener)
* Donald Findlay QC (advocate and ecumenist)
* Sydney Devine (singer)
* Matt Black (painter)
* Field Marshal Lord Roberts (soldier)
* Chick Young (radio presenter and comedian)
* Lulu (singer)
* Ian Brady (moors murderer)
* Andrew Agnew (Action Film Actor)
* Jerry Sadowitz (magician and comedian)
* Leo Blair (father of [[Tony Blair]])

==References==
<references/>

[[Category:Scottish Towns and Cities]]
[[Category:UK Towns and Cities]]
[[Category: United Kingdom]]

Glasgow

2007-04-27T10:41:13Z

Ulysses54: /* History */

'''Glasgow''' is the largest city in [[Scotland]]. Founded by its patron saint Kentigern (or Mungo) around 540 AD it stands on both sides of the River Clyde.

The official motto of the city is ''Floreat Glasgua'' ("Let Glasgow Flourish"). However the unofficial motto is the [[Scots]] ''Yer Tea's Oot'' ("Your Tea Is Out") - a reference to the city's great tradition of hospitality towards the stranger.

The population of the city itself has declined from over a million inhabitants in the pre [[World War II]] era to around 600,000 today. However the population of the Greater Glasgow conurbation is approximately 2.5 million, roughly half the population of [[Scotland]].

Inhabitants of Glasgow are called Glaswegians but are often referred to by other Scots as "Keelies" or "Weegies". Glaswegians frequently refer to themselves in [[Scots]] as ''Wee Arra Peepul'' ("Little Arrow People"), a reference to their small stature and historical renown as archers.

=== Buildings ===

Glasgow has many fine public buildings, notably Glasgow Cathedral, a large [[Gothic]] edifice, the City Chambers, [[Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery]], the Great Eastern Hotel, the University at Gilmorehill, the Armadillo designed by [[Richard Rodgers]], the School of Art designed by [[Charles Rennie Mackintosh]] and the Beresford Hotel, an art deco building on Sauchiehall St.

The poet [[Sir John Betjeman]] described Glasgow as the "finest Victorian city in the world". This accolade is still justified today despite the best efforts of the City Council to destroy it in the 1960s and 1970s.

=== History ===

The site of the founding of St Mungo's church is now the site of Glasgow Cathedral. <ref>http://www.glasgow.gov.uk/en/AboutGlasgow/History/Earliest+Beginnings.htm</ref>

In the early days Glasgow was subjected to frequent raids by marauding [[Vikings]] who sailed up the Clyde in their long ships. One such incursion on Glasgow is recounted in the [[Norse]] Saga of [[Noggin the Nog]].

Glasgow is famous for shipbuilding, [[whisky]] distilling, the manufacture of hats called 'Jimmy bunnets' which are favoured by members of the [[Tartan Army]] and [[soccer]].

=== Education ===

Glasgow has three universities - the [[University of Glasgow]] founded in 1451, the [[University of Strathclyde]], the former Royal College, which was raised to university status in 1965 and [[Glasgow Caledonian University]], previously Glasgow College of Technology, which has been a university since 1992.

=== The People ===

Glasgow's population consists mainly of Lowland Scots, Gaels from the [[Highlands]] and [[Hebrides]] and the descendants of immigrants from [[Ireland]]. The early twentieth century saw arrivals from [[Italy]], [[Russia]], [[Lithuania]] and [[Poland]]. Some of these immigrants from Eastern Europe were Jews escaping pogroms but many came to work in the coalmines and steelworks in and around the city. The latter half of the twentieth century saw a new wave of immigration from India and Pakistan. With the recent accession of Poland to the [[European Union]] the city has played host to many young Poles seeking work in the city.

=== Sport and Religion ===

Football and religion are normally seen as being inseparable in Glasgow. Scottish Football has for decades been dominated by two Glasgow clubs; Glasgow Rangers and Celtic FC (often erroneously called Glasgow Celtic). These are the two clubs with the strongest links to the religious community. Rangers predominantly draw their support, and until the 1980's their players, from members of the Protestant church while Celtic historically draw their support from the Roman Catholic community. Due to the fixture scheduling of the Scottish Premier League to the two teams meet each other at 4 times a year. <ref>http://www.scotprem.premiumtv.co.uk/page/FixturesandResults/0,,10002,00.html</ref> At these games an inter-denominational service precedes the game at which each set of supporters sing songs to the other. When matches are played at Ibrox Park (the home of Rangers) the service is usually conducted by the Catholic Archbishop of Glasgow, whereas at matches played at Celtic Park services have been led by leading clergy from various Protestant denominations. On March 10th 2007 the service at Celtic Park was led by the Rev Dr [[Ian Paisley]], Moderator of the Free Presbyterian Church of Ireland and First Minister of [[Northern Ireland]]. These events have helped boost inter-faith relations and help give Glasgow its slogan - The Friendly City.<ref>http://www.glasgow.gov.uk/en/AboutGlasgow/Touristattractions/thefriendlycity.htm</ref>

=== Politics ===

Due to its heavy working class culture and tradition of heavy industry Glasgow has always been a hotbed of fervent [[socialism]]. All MPs currently returned to the UK Parliament represent the Labour Party. The last Conservative to represent a Parliamentary seat in Glasgow was Teddy (later Sir Teddy) Taylor who represented Glasgow Cathcart from 1964 to 1979 when he lost he seat to [[John Maxton]]. This was the only Conservative loss in the 1979 election and fore-shadowed the collapse in support of Conservatism throughout Scotland during the premiership of [[Margaret Thatcher]].

In the Scottish Parliament all 10 Constituency MPs represent the Labour Party. The Proportionately Elected Regional List MPs for Glasgow comprise two from the [[Scottish National Party]], two from the [[Scottish Socialist Party]], one from the [[Liberal Democrats]], one from the [[Green Party]] and the Conservative, [[Bill Aitken]].<ref>http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/research/factsheets/documents/MSPsbyConstituencyandRegionSession2.pdf</ref> The next elections for the Scottish Parliament are to be held on 3rd May 2007.

=== Leisure and Culture ===

The city has a number of fine museums and galleries, notably the [[Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery]], the [[Burrell Collection]] in Pollok Park and the Museum of Religious Life which is situated in Provand's Lordship, the oldest house in Glasgow.

Despite a long and proud industrial heritage Glasgow is studded with green spaces and recreation grounds (the name Glasgow comes from the Brythonic for ''Dear Green Place''). The finest of these is the much loved Possil Park, opened by Queen Victoria in 1878.

The slums of the industrial era, particularly the Gorbals and the notorious [[Cludgie]] district, have now been cleared and regenerated with many fine new dwellings and green spaces.

A local custom in Glasgow is the traditional greeting of visitors from afar with a 'Glasgow Kiss'. This is not a kiss at all, and is totally non-sexual in nature. It involves the rubbing of foreheads in a vigorous yet friendly manner. Whether or not the action originates from a desired 'meeting of minds' is unclear but its effect is to initiate the stranger into the social group.

The month of July in Glasgow sees a large parade known as the Orange Walk (popularly, "the Walk"). This colourful extravaganza commemorates the first shipment of citrus fruits from South America to arrive in Glasgow at Broomielaw Quay on the Clyde in 1690 and the establishment of the city's first fruit market nearby. The parade is preceded by the disembarkation at Custom House Quay of a group of marchers known as 'Orangemen' who have sailed up the Clyde in a banana boat. It has often been compared with the Notting Hill Carnival in [[London]] and the [[Rio de Janeiro]] Mardi Gras but, fortunately, has never been marred by the trouble and violence which often accompanies those events.

=== Language ===

The language of Glasgow is formally [[English]] but, informally, the natives speak a local variant of [[Scots]]. Here are some common everyday phrases which may be useful for the visitor:
*''Hullawrerr'' - Good morning/afternoon
*''Hoozitgaun?'' - How are you?
*''Awright'' - I'm very well
*''Geeza'' - Please
*''Ta'' - Thank you
*''Yer bahookey'' - You're welcome
*''Wherraboozer?'' - Where can I get something to eat/drink?
*''Fuctifanaw. Ahmno fae here'' - I'm sorry I don't know. I'm a stranger myself.
*''Jeewant chibbed yabassa'' - Please leave me alone
*''Aye, right'' - I agree
*''Yeraffyerheid'' - I disagree
*''Gerritupye'' - Good health
*''Ahwislikaat'' - I was surprised

The ancient Celtic language [[Gaelic]] can often be heard in Glasgow, particularly in the West End where there is a sizeable community from the [[Hebrides]].

=== Famous Glaswegians ===

* [[Billy Connolly]] (Comedian and Actor)
* [[Charles Rennie Mackintosh]] (Architect)
* Sir William Burrell (Businessman, Philantropist who donated The [[Burrell Collection]] to the City)
* [[Gordon Jackson]] (Actor, The Great Escape, Upstairs Downstairs, The Professionals)
* [[Robbie Coltrane]] (Actor, Hagrid in the [[Harry Potter]] films)
* Billy Boyd (Actor, Pippin in the [[Lord of the Rings]] Trilogy)
* Scrooge McDuck
* Groundskeeper Willie
* Jack McLean (journalist, author, bon viveur and urban Voltaire)
* Gerry McNee (journalist - "The Voice of a Football")
* Alan Cumming (actor)
* Ian and Janette Tough aka [[The Krankies]] (comedy duo),
* Johnny Beattie (Shakespearean actor)
* [[Chutney Ferret]] (comedian)
* Frankie Miller (rock singer)
* Jim Kerr (rock singer with [[Simple Minds]])
* [[Sir Cameron King]] (shipping magnate)
* [[Tommy Toley]] (comedian)
* Stanley Baxter (author and Linguist who wrote the definitive academic work on the Glasgow dialect)<ref>http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1874744009?ie=UTF8&tag=globalaffilia-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=6738&creativeASIN=1874744009</ref>
* Lobey Dosser (frontiersman)
* Charlie Sim (uphill gardener)
* Donald Findlay QC (advocate and ecumenist)
* Sydney Devine (singer)
* Matt Black (painter)
* Field Marshal Lord Roberts (soldier)
* Chick Young (radio presenter and comedian)
* Lulu (singer)
* Ian Brady (moors murderer)
* Andrew Agnew (Action Film Actor)
* Jerry Sadowitz (magician and comedian)
* Leo Blair (father of [[Tony Blair]])

==References==
<references/>

[[Category:Scottish Towns and Cities]]
[[Category:UK Towns and Cities]]
[[Category: United Kingdom]]

Glasgow

2007-04-27T10:40:20Z

Ulysses54: /* Buildings */

'''Glasgow''' is the largest city in [[Scotland]]. Founded by its patron saint Kentigern (or Mungo) around 540 AD it stands on both sides of the River Clyde.

The official motto of the city is ''Floreat Glasgua'' ("Let Glasgow Flourish"). However the unofficial motto is the [[Scots]] ''Yer Tea's Oot'' ("Your Tea Is Out") - a reference to the city's great tradition of hospitality towards the stranger.

The population of the city itself has declined from over a million inhabitants in the pre [[World War II]] era to around 600,000 today. However the population of the Greater Glasgow conurbation is approximately 2.5 million, roughly half the population of [[Scotland]].

Inhabitants of Glasgow are called Glaswegians but are often referred to by other Scots as "Keelies" or "Weegies". Glaswegians frequently refer to themselves in [[Scots]] as ''Wee Arra Peepul'' ("Little Arrow People"), a reference to their small stature and historical renown as archers.

=== Buildings ===

Glasgow has many fine public buildings, notably Glasgow Cathedral, a large [[Gothic]] edifice, the City Chambers, [[Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery]], the Great Eastern Hotel, the University at Gilmorehill, the Armadillo designed by [[Richard Rodgers]], the School of Art designed by [[Charles Rennie Mackintosh]] and the Beresford Hotel, an art deco building on Sauchiehall St.

The poet [[Sir John Betjeman]] described Glasgow as the "finest Victorian city in the world". This accolade is still justified today despite the best efforts of the City Council to destroy it in the 1960s and 1970s.

=== History ===

The site of the founding of St Mungo's church is now the site of Glasgow Cathedral. <ref>http://www.glasgow.gov.uk/en/AboutGlasgow/History/Earliest+Beginnings.htm</ref>

In the early days Glasgow was subjected to frequent raids by marauding [[Vikings]] who sailed up the Clyde in their long ships. One such incursion on Glasgow is recounted in the [[Norse]] Saga of [[Noggin the Nog]].

Glasgow is famous for shipbuilding, [[whisky]] distilling, the manufacture of hats called 'bunnets' favoured by members of the [[Tartan Army]] and [[soccer]].

=== Education ===

Glasgow has three universities - the [[University of Glasgow]] founded in 1451, the [[University of Strathclyde]], the former Royal College, which was raised to university status in 1965 and [[Glasgow Caledonian University]], previously Glasgow College of Technology, which has been a university since 1992.

=== The People ===

Glasgow's population consists mainly of Lowland Scots, Gaels from the [[Highlands]] and [[Hebrides]] and the descendants of immigrants from [[Ireland]]. The early twentieth century saw arrivals from [[Italy]], [[Russia]], [[Lithuania]] and [[Poland]]. Some of these immigrants from Eastern Europe were Jews escaping pogroms but many came to work in the coalmines and steelworks in and around the city. The latter half of the twentieth century saw a new wave of immigration from India and Pakistan. With the recent accession of Poland to the [[European Union]] the city has played host to many young Poles seeking work in the city.

=== Sport and Religion ===

Football and religion are normally seen as being inseparable in Glasgow. Scottish Football has for decades been dominated by two Glasgow clubs; Glasgow Rangers and Celtic FC (often erroneously called Glasgow Celtic). These are the two clubs with the strongest links to the religious community. Rangers predominantly draw their support, and until the 1980's their players, from members of the Protestant church while Celtic historically draw their support from the Roman Catholic community. Due to the fixture scheduling of the Scottish Premier League to the two teams meet each other at 4 times a year. <ref>http://www.scotprem.premiumtv.co.uk/page/FixturesandResults/0,,10002,00.html</ref> At these games an inter-denominational service precedes the game at which each set of supporters sing songs to the other. When matches are played at Ibrox Park (the home of Rangers) the service is usually conducted by the Catholic Archbishop of Glasgow, whereas at matches played at Celtic Park services have been led by leading clergy from various Protestant denominations. On March 10th 2007 the service at Celtic Park was led by the Rev Dr [[Ian Paisley]], Moderator of the Free Presbyterian Church of Ireland and First Minister of [[Northern Ireland]]. These events have helped boost inter-faith relations and help give Glasgow its slogan - The Friendly City.<ref>http://www.glasgow.gov.uk/en/AboutGlasgow/Touristattractions/thefriendlycity.htm</ref>

=== Politics ===

Due to its heavy working class culture and tradition of heavy industry Glasgow has always been a hotbed of fervent [[socialism]]. All MPs currently returned to the UK Parliament represent the Labour Party. The last Conservative to represent a Parliamentary seat in Glasgow was Teddy (later Sir Teddy) Taylor who represented Glasgow Cathcart from 1964 to 1979 when he lost he seat to [[John Maxton]]. This was the only Conservative loss in the 1979 election and fore-shadowed the collapse in support of Conservatism throughout Scotland during the premiership of [[Margaret Thatcher]].

In the Scottish Parliament all 10 Constituency MPs represent the Labour Party. The Proportionately Elected Regional List MPs for Glasgow comprise two from the [[Scottish National Party]], two from the [[Scottish Socialist Party]], one from the [[Liberal Democrats]], one from the [[Green Party]] and the Conservative, [[Bill Aitken]].<ref>http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/research/factsheets/documents/MSPsbyConstituencyandRegionSession2.pdf</ref> The next elections for the Scottish Parliament are to be held on 3rd May 2007.

=== Leisure and Culture ===

The city has a number of fine museums and galleries, notably the [[Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery]], the [[Burrell Collection]] in Pollok Park and the Museum of Religious Life which is situated in Provand's Lordship, the oldest house in Glasgow.

Despite a long and proud industrial heritage Glasgow is studded with green spaces and recreation grounds (the name Glasgow comes from the Brythonic for ''Dear Green Place''). The finest of these is the much loved Possil Park, opened by Queen Victoria in 1878.

The slums of the industrial era, particularly the Gorbals and the notorious [[Cludgie]] district, have now been cleared and regenerated with many fine new dwellings and green spaces.

A local custom in Glasgow is the traditional greeting of visitors from afar with a 'Glasgow Kiss'. This is not a kiss at all, and is totally non-sexual in nature. It involves the rubbing of foreheads in a vigorous yet friendly manner. Whether or not the action originates from a desired 'meeting of minds' is unclear but its effect is to initiate the stranger into the social group.

The month of July in Glasgow sees a large parade known as the Orange Walk (popularly, "the Walk"). This colourful extravaganza commemorates the first shipment of citrus fruits from South America to arrive in Glasgow at Broomielaw Quay on the Clyde in 1690 and the establishment of the city's first fruit market nearby. The parade is preceded by the disembarkation at Custom House Quay of a group of marchers known as 'Orangemen' who have sailed up the Clyde in a banana boat. It has often been compared with the Notting Hill Carnival in [[London]] and the [[Rio de Janeiro]] Mardi Gras but, fortunately, has never been marred by the trouble and violence which often accompanies those events.

=== Language ===

The language of Glasgow is formally [[English]] but, informally, the natives speak a local variant of [[Scots]]. Here are some common everyday phrases which may be useful for the visitor:
*''Hullawrerr'' - Good morning/afternoon
*''Hoozitgaun?'' - How are you?
*''Awright'' - I'm very well
*''Geeza'' - Please
*''Ta'' - Thank you
*''Yer bahookey'' - You're welcome
*''Wherraboozer?'' - Where can I get something to eat/drink?
*''Fuctifanaw. Ahmno fae here'' - I'm sorry I don't know. I'm a stranger myself.
*''Jeewant chibbed yabassa'' - Please leave me alone
*''Aye, right'' - I agree
*''Yeraffyerheid'' - I disagree
*''Gerritupye'' - Good health
*''Ahwislikaat'' - I was surprised

The ancient Celtic language [[Gaelic]] can often be heard in Glasgow, particularly in the West End where there is a sizeable community from the [[Hebrides]].

=== Famous Glaswegians ===

* [[Billy Connolly]] (Comedian and Actor)
* [[Charles Rennie Mackintosh]] (Architect)
* Sir William Burrell (Businessman, Philantropist who donated The [[Burrell Collection]] to the City)
* [[Gordon Jackson]] (Actor, The Great Escape, Upstairs Downstairs, The Professionals)
* [[Robbie Coltrane]] (Actor, Hagrid in the [[Harry Potter]] films)
* Billy Boyd (Actor, Pippin in the [[Lord of the Rings]] Trilogy)
* Scrooge McDuck
* Groundskeeper Willie
* Jack McLean (journalist, author, bon viveur and urban Voltaire)
* Gerry McNee (journalist - "The Voice of a Football")
* Alan Cumming (actor)
* Ian and Janette Tough aka [[The Krankies]] (comedy duo),
* Johnny Beattie (Shakespearean actor)
* [[Chutney Ferret]] (comedian)
* Frankie Miller (rock singer)
* Jim Kerr (rock singer with [[Simple Minds]])
* [[Sir Cameron King]] (shipping magnate)
* [[Tommy Toley]] (comedian)
* Stanley Baxter (author and Linguist who wrote the definitive academic work on the Glasgow dialect)<ref>http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1874744009?ie=UTF8&tag=globalaffilia-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=6738&creativeASIN=1874744009</ref>
* Lobey Dosser (frontiersman)
* Charlie Sim (uphill gardener)
* Donald Findlay QC (advocate and ecumenist)
* Sydney Devine (singer)
* Matt Black (painter)
* Field Marshal Lord Roberts (soldier)
* Chick Young (radio presenter and comedian)
* Lulu (singer)
* Ian Brady (moors murderer)
* Andrew Agnew (Action Film Actor)
* Jerry Sadowitz (magician and comedian)
* Leo Blair (father of [[Tony Blair]])

==References==
<references/>

[[Category:Scottish Towns and Cities]]
[[Category:UK Towns and Cities]]
[[Category: United Kingdom]]

Glasgow

2007-04-27T10:37:45Z

Ulysses54: /* Buildings */

'''Glasgow''' is the largest city in [[Scotland]]. Founded by its patron saint Kentigern (or Mungo) around 540 AD it stands on both sides of the River Clyde.

The official motto of the city is ''Floreat Glasgua'' ("Let Glasgow Flourish"). However the unofficial motto is the [[Scots]] ''Yer Tea's Oot'' ("Your Tea Is Out") - a reference to the city's great tradition of hospitality towards the stranger.

The population of the city itself has declined from over a million inhabitants in the pre [[World War II]] era to around 600,000 today. However the population of the Greater Glasgow conurbation is approximately 2.5 million, roughly half the population of [[Scotland]].

Inhabitants of Glasgow are called Glaswegians but are often referred to by other Scots as "Keelies" or "Weegies". Glaswegians frequently refer to themselves in [[Scots]] as ''Wee Arra Peepul'' ("Little Arrow People"), a reference to their small stature and historical renown as archers.

=== Buildings ===

Glasgow has many fine public buildings, notably Glasgow Cathedral, a large [[Gothic]] edifice, the City Chambers, [[Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery]], the Great Eastern Hotel, the University at Gilmorehill, the Armadillo desigened by [[Richard Rodgers]], the School of Art designed by [[Charles Rennie Mackintosh]] and the Beresford Hotel, an art deco building on Sauchiehall St.

The poet [[Sir John Betjeman]] described Glasgow as the "finest Victorian city in the world". This accolade is still justified today despite the best efforts of the City Council to destroy it in the 1960s and 1970s.

=== History ===

The site of the founding of St Mungo's church is now the site of Glasgow Cathedral. <ref>http://www.glasgow.gov.uk/en/AboutGlasgow/History/Earliest+Beginnings.htm</ref>

In the early days Glasgow was subjected to frequent raids by marauding [[Vikings]] who sailed up the Clyde in their long ships. One such incursion on Glasgow is recounted in the [[Norse]] Saga of [[Noggin the Nog]].

Glasgow is famous for shipbuilding, [[whisky]] distilling, the manufacture of hats called 'bunnets' favoured by members of the [[Tartan Army]] and [[soccer]].

=== Education ===

Glasgow has three universities - the [[University of Glasgow]] founded in 1451, the [[University of Strathclyde]], the former Royal College, which was raised to university status in 1965 and [[Glasgow Caledonian University]], previously Glasgow College of Technology, which has been a university since 1992.

=== The People ===

Glasgow's population consists mainly of Lowland Scots, Gaels from the [[Highlands]] and [[Hebrides]] and the descendants of immigrants from [[Ireland]]. The early twentieth century saw arrivals from [[Italy]], [[Russia]], [[Lithuania]] and [[Poland]]. Some of these immigrants from Eastern Europe were Jews escaping pogroms but many came to work in the coalmines and steelworks in and around the city. The latter half of the twentieth century saw a new wave of immigration from India and Pakistan. With the recent accession of Poland to the [[European Union]] the city has played host to many young Poles seeking work in the city.

=== Sport and Religion ===

Football and religion are normally seen as being inseparable in Glasgow. Scottish Football has for decades been dominated by two Glasgow clubs; Glasgow Rangers and Celtic FC (often erroneously called Glasgow Celtic). These are the two clubs with the strongest links to the religious community. Rangers predominantly draw their support, and until the 1980's their players, from members of the Protestant church while Celtic historically draw their support from the Roman Catholic community. Due to the fixture scheduling of the Scottish Premier League to the two teams meet each other at 4 times a year. <ref>http://www.scotprem.premiumtv.co.uk/page/FixturesandResults/0,,10002,00.html</ref> At these games an inter-denominational service precedes the game at which each set of supporters sing songs to the other. When matches are played at Ibrox Park (the home of Rangers) the service is usually conducted by the Catholic Archbishop of Glasgow, whereas at matches played at Celtic Park services have been led by leading clergy from various Protestant denominations. On March 10th 2007 the service at Celtic Park was led by the Rev Dr [[Ian Paisley]], Moderator of the Free Presbyterian Church of Ireland and First Minister of [[Northern Ireland]]. These events have helped boost inter-faith relations and help give Glasgow its slogan - The Friendly City.<ref>http://www.glasgow.gov.uk/en/AboutGlasgow/Touristattractions/thefriendlycity.htm</ref>

=== Politics ===

Due to its heavy working class culture and tradition of heavy industry Glasgow has always been a hotbed of fervent [[socialism]]. All MPs currently returned to the UK Parliament represent the Labour Party. The last Conservative to represent a Parliamentary seat in Glasgow was Teddy (later Sir Teddy) Taylor who represented Glasgow Cathcart from 1964 to 1979 when he lost he seat to [[John Maxton]]. This was the only Conservative loss in the 1979 election and fore-shadowed the collapse in support of Conservatism throughout Scotland during the premiership of [[Margaret Thatcher]].

In the Scottish Parliament all 10 Constituency MPs represent the Labour Party. The Proportionately Elected Regional List MPs for Glasgow comprise two from the [[Scottish National Party]], two from the [[Scottish Socialist Party]], one from the [[Liberal Democrats]], one from the [[Green Party]] and the Conservative, [[Bill Aitken]].<ref>http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/research/factsheets/documents/MSPsbyConstituencyandRegionSession2.pdf</ref> The next elections for the Scottish Parliament are to be held on 3rd May 2007.

=== Leisure and Culture ===

The city has a number of fine museums and galleries, notably the [[Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery]], the [[Burrell Collection]] in Pollok Park and the Museum of Religious Life which is situated in Provand's Lordship, the oldest house in Glasgow.

Despite a long and proud industrial heritage Glasgow is studded with green spaces and recreation grounds (the name Glasgow comes from the Brythonic for ''Dear Green Place''). The finest of these is the much loved Possil Park, opened by Queen Victoria in 1878.

The slums of the industrial era, particularly the Gorbals and the notorious [[Cludgie]] district, have now been cleared and regenerated with many fine new dwellings and green spaces.

A local custom in Glasgow is the traditional greeting of visitors from afar with a 'Glasgow Kiss'. This is not a kiss at all, and is totally non-sexual in nature. It involves the rubbing of foreheads in a vigorous yet friendly manner. Whether or not the action originates from a desired 'meeting of minds' is unclear but its effect is to initiate the stranger into the social group.

The month of July in Glasgow sees a large parade known as the Orange Walk (popularly, "the Walk"). This colourful extravaganza commemorates the first shipment of citrus fruits from South America to arrive in Glasgow at Broomielaw Quay on the Clyde in 1690 and the establishment of the city's first fruit market nearby. The parade is preceded by the disembarkation at Custom House Quay of a group of marchers known as 'Orangemen' who have sailed up the Clyde in a banana boat. It has often been compared with the Notting Hill Carnival in [[London]] and the [[Rio de Janeiro]] Mardi Gras but, fortunately, has never been marred by the trouble and violence which often accompanies those events.

=== Language ===

The language of Glasgow is formally [[English]] but, informally, the natives speak a local variant of [[Scots]]. Here are some common everyday phrases which may be useful for the visitor:
*''Hullawrerr'' - Good morning/afternoon
*''Hoozitgaun?'' - How are you?
*''Awright'' - I'm very well
*''Geeza'' - Please
*''Ta'' - Thank you
*''Yer bahookey'' - You're welcome
*''Wherraboozer?'' - Where can I get something to eat/drink?
*''Fuctifanaw. Ahmno fae here'' - I'm sorry I don't know. I'm a stranger myself.
*''Jeewant chibbed yabassa'' - Please leave me alone
*''Aye, right'' - I agree
*''Yeraffyerheid'' - I disagree
*''Gerritupye'' - Good health
*''Ahwislikaat'' - I was surprised

The ancient Celtic language [[Gaelic]] can often be heard in Glasgow, particularly in the West End where there is a sizeable community from the [[Hebrides]].

=== Famous Glaswegians ===

* [[Billy Connolly]] (Comedian and Actor)
* [[Charles Rennie Mackintosh]] (Architect)
* Sir William Burrell (Businessman, Philantropist who donated The [[Burrell Collection]] to the City)
* [[Gordon Jackson]] (Actor, The Great Escape, Upstairs Downstairs, The Professionals)
* [[Robbie Coltrane]] (Actor, Hagrid in the [[Harry Potter]] films)
* Billy Boyd (Actor, Pippin in the [[Lord of the Rings]] Trilogy)
* Scrooge McDuck
* Groundskeeper Willie
* Jack McLean (journalist, author, bon viveur and urban Voltaire)
* Gerry McNee (journalist - "The Voice of a Football")
* Alan Cumming (actor)
* Ian and Janette Tough aka [[The Krankies]] (comedy duo),
* Johnny Beattie (Shakespearean actor)
* [[Chutney Ferret]] (comedian)
* Frankie Miller (rock singer)
* Jim Kerr (rock singer with [[Simple Minds]])
* [[Sir Cameron King]] (shipping magnate)
* [[Tommy Toley]] (comedian)
* Stanley Baxter (author and Linguist who wrote the definitive academic work on the Glasgow dialect)<ref>http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1874744009?ie=UTF8&tag=globalaffilia-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=6738&creativeASIN=1874744009</ref>
* Lobey Dosser (frontiersman)
* Charlie Sim (uphill gardener)
* Donald Findlay QC (advocate and ecumenist)
* Sydney Devine (singer)
* Matt Black (painter)
* Field Marshal Lord Roberts (soldier)
* Chick Young (radio presenter and comedian)
* Lulu (singer)
* Ian Brady (moors murderer)
* Andrew Agnew (Action Film Actor)
* Jerry Sadowitz (magician and comedian)
* Leo Blair (father of [[Tony Blair]])

==References==
<references/>

[[Category:Scottish Towns and Cities]]
[[Category:UK Towns and Cities]]
[[Category: United Kingdom]]

Glasgow

2007-04-27T10:37:10Z

Ulysses54:

'''Glasgow''' is the largest city in [[Scotland]]. Founded by its patron saint Kentigern (or Mungo) around 540 AD it stands on both sides of the River Clyde.

The official motto of the city is ''Floreat Glasgua'' ("Let Glasgow Flourish"). However the unofficial motto is the [[Scots]] ''Yer Tea's Oot'' ("Your Tea Is Out") - a reference to the city's great tradition of hospitality towards the stranger.

The population of the city itself has declined from over a million inhabitants in the pre [[World War II]] era to around 600,000 today. However the population of the Greater Glasgow conurbation is approximately 2.5 million, roughly half the population of [[Scotland]].

Inhabitants of Glasgow are called Glaswegians but are often referred to by other Scots as "Keelies" or "Weegies". Glaswegians frequently refer to themselves in [[Scots]] as ''Wee Arra Peepul'' ("Little Arrow People"), a reference to their small stature and historical renown as archers.

=== Buildings ===

Glasgow has many fine public buildings, notably Glasgow Cathedral a large [[Gothic]] edifice, the City Chambers, [[Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery]], the Great Eastern Hotel, the University at Gilmorehill, the Armadillo desigened by [[Richard Rodgers]], the School of Art designed by [[Charles Rennie Mackintosh]] and the Beresford Hotel, an art deco building on Sauchiehall St.

The poet [[Sir John Betjeman]] described Glasgow as the "finest Victorian city in the world". This accolade is still justified today despite the best efforts of the City Council to destroy it in the 1960s and 1970s.

=== History ===

The site of the founding of St Mungo's church is now the site of Glasgow Cathedral. <ref>http://www.glasgow.gov.uk/en/AboutGlasgow/History/Earliest+Beginnings.htm</ref>

In the early days Glasgow was subjected to frequent raids by marauding [[Vikings]] who sailed up the Clyde in their long ships. One such incursion on Glasgow is recounted in the [[Norse]] Saga of [[Noggin the Nog]].

Glasgow is famous for shipbuilding, [[whisky]] distilling, the manufacture of hats called 'bunnets' favoured by members of the [[Tartan Army]] and [[soccer]].

=== Education ===

Glasgow has three universities - the [[University of Glasgow]] founded in 1451, the [[University of Strathclyde]], the former Royal College, which was raised to university status in 1965 and [[Glasgow Caledonian University]], previously Glasgow College of Technology, which has been a university since 1992.

=== The People ===

Glasgow's population consists mainly of Lowland Scots, Gaels from the [[Highlands]] and [[Hebrides]] and the descendants of immigrants from [[Ireland]]. The early twentieth century saw arrivals from [[Italy]], [[Russia]], [[Lithuania]] and [[Poland]]. Some of these immigrants from Eastern Europe were Jews escaping pogroms but many came to work in the coalmines and steelworks in and around the city. The latter half of the twentieth century saw a new wave of immigration from India and Pakistan. With the recent accession of Poland to the [[European Union]] the city has played host to many young Poles seeking work in the city.

=== Sport and Religion ===

Football and religion are normally seen as being inseparable in Glasgow. Scottish Football has for decades been dominated by two Glasgow clubs; Glasgow Rangers and Celtic FC (often erroneously called Glasgow Celtic). These are the two clubs with the strongest links to the religious community. Rangers predominantly draw their support, and until the 1980's their players, from members of the Protestant church while Celtic historically draw their support from the Roman Catholic community. Due to the fixture scheduling of the Scottish Premier League to the two teams meet each other at 4 times a year. <ref>http://www.scotprem.premiumtv.co.uk/page/FixturesandResults/0,,10002,00.html</ref> At these games an inter-denominational service precedes the game at which each set of supporters sing songs to the other. When matches are played at Ibrox Park (the home of Rangers) the service is usually conducted by the Catholic Archbishop of Glasgow, whereas at matches played at Celtic Park services have been led by leading clergy from various Protestant denominations. On March 10th 2007 the service at Celtic Park was led by the Rev Dr [[Ian Paisley]], Moderator of the Free Presbyterian Church of Ireland and First Minister of [[Northern Ireland]]. These events have helped boost inter-faith relations and help give Glasgow its slogan - The Friendly City.<ref>http://www.glasgow.gov.uk/en/AboutGlasgow/Touristattractions/thefriendlycity.htm</ref>

=== Politics ===

Due to its heavy working class culture and tradition of heavy industry Glasgow has always been a hotbed of fervent [[socialism]]. All MPs currently returned to the UK Parliament represent the Labour Party. The last Conservative to represent a Parliamentary seat in Glasgow was Teddy (later Sir Teddy) Taylor who represented Glasgow Cathcart from 1964 to 1979 when he lost he seat to [[John Maxton]]. This was the only Conservative loss in the 1979 election and fore-shadowed the collapse in support of Conservatism throughout Scotland during the premiership of [[Margaret Thatcher]].

In the Scottish Parliament all 10 Constituency MPs represent the Labour Party. The Proportionately Elected Regional List MPs for Glasgow comprise two from the [[Scottish National Party]], two from the [[Scottish Socialist Party]], one from the [[Liberal Democrats]], one from the [[Green Party]] and the Conservative, [[Bill Aitken]].<ref>http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/research/factsheets/documents/MSPsbyConstituencyandRegionSession2.pdf</ref> The next elections for the Scottish Parliament are to be held on 3rd May 2007.

=== Leisure and Culture ===

The city has a number of fine museums and galleries, notably the [[Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery]], the [[Burrell Collection]] in Pollok Park and the Museum of Religious Life which is situated in Provand's Lordship, the oldest house in Glasgow.

Despite a long and proud industrial heritage Glasgow is studded with green spaces and recreation grounds (the name Glasgow comes from the Brythonic for ''Dear Green Place''). The finest of these is the much loved Possil Park, opened by Queen Victoria in 1878.

The slums of the industrial era, particularly the Gorbals and the notorious [[Cludgie]] district, have now been cleared and regenerated with many fine new dwellings and green spaces.

A local custom in Glasgow is the traditional greeting of visitors from afar with a 'Glasgow Kiss'. This is not a kiss at all, and is totally non-sexual in nature. It involves the rubbing of foreheads in a vigorous yet friendly manner. Whether or not the action originates from a desired 'meeting of minds' is unclear but its effect is to initiate the stranger into the social group.

The month of July in Glasgow sees a large parade known as the Orange Walk (popularly, "the Walk"). This colourful extravaganza commemorates the first shipment of citrus fruits from South America to arrive in Glasgow at Broomielaw Quay on the Clyde in 1690 and the establishment of the city's first fruit market nearby. The parade is preceded by the disembarkation at Custom House Quay of a group of marchers known as 'Orangemen' who have sailed up the Clyde in a banana boat. It has often been compared with the Notting Hill Carnival in [[London]] and the [[Rio de Janeiro]] Mardi Gras but, fortunately, has never been marred by the trouble and violence which often accompanies those events.

=== Language ===

The language of Glasgow is formally [[English]] but, informally, the natives speak a local variant of [[Scots]]. Here are some common everyday phrases which may be useful for the visitor:
*''Hullawrerr'' - Good morning/afternoon
*''Hoozitgaun?'' - How are you?
*''Awright'' - I'm very well
*''Geeza'' - Please
*''Ta'' - Thank you
*''Yer bahookey'' - You're welcome
*''Wherraboozer?'' - Where can I get something to eat/drink?
*''Fuctifanaw. Ahmno fae here'' - I'm sorry I don't know. I'm a stranger myself.
*''Jeewant chibbed yabassa'' - Please leave me alone
*''Aye, right'' - I agree
*''Yeraffyerheid'' - I disagree
*''Gerritupye'' - Good health
*''Ahwislikaat'' - I was surprised

The ancient Celtic language [[Gaelic]] can often be heard in Glasgow, particularly in the West End where there is a sizeable community from the [[Hebrides]].

=== Famous Glaswegians ===

* [[Billy Connolly]] (Comedian and Actor)
* [[Charles Rennie Mackintosh]] (Architect)
* Sir William Burrell (Businessman, Philantropist who donated The [[Burrell Collection]] to the City)
* [[Gordon Jackson]] (Actor, The Great Escape, Upstairs Downstairs, The Professionals)
* [[Robbie Coltrane]] (Actor, Hagrid in the [[Harry Potter]] films)
* Billy Boyd (Actor, Pippin in the [[Lord of the Rings]] Trilogy)
* Scrooge McDuck
* Groundskeeper Willie
* Jack McLean (journalist, author, bon viveur and urban Voltaire)
* Gerry McNee (journalist - "The Voice of a Football")
* Alan Cumming (actor)
* Ian and Janette Tough aka [[The Krankies]] (comedy duo),
* Johnny Beattie (Shakespearean actor)
* [[Chutney Ferret]] (comedian)
* Frankie Miller (rock singer)
* Jim Kerr (rock singer with [[Simple Minds]])
* [[Sir Cameron King]] (shipping magnate)
* [[Tommy Toley]] (comedian)
* Stanley Baxter (author and Linguist who wrote the definitive academic work on the Glasgow dialect)<ref>http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1874744009?ie=UTF8&tag=globalaffilia-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=6738&creativeASIN=1874744009</ref>
* Lobey Dosser (frontiersman)
* Charlie Sim (uphill gardener)
* Donald Findlay QC (advocate and ecumenist)
* Sydney Devine (singer)
* Matt Black (painter)
* Field Marshal Lord Roberts (soldier)
* Chick Young (radio presenter and comedian)
* Lulu (singer)
* Ian Brady (moors murderer)
* Andrew Agnew (Action Film Actor)
* Jerry Sadowitz (magician and comedian)
* Leo Blair (father of [[Tony Blair]])

==References==
<references/>

[[Category:Scottish Towns and Cities]]
[[Category:UK Towns and Cities]]
[[Category: United Kingdom]]

Oxford

2007-04-27T10:28:56Z

Ulysses54: /* Geography */

'''Oxford''' is the county town of Oxfordshire in [[England]]. Despite a population of little over 120,000 it includes two Universities and has a famous history in arts and science.

==Geography==

The town is built on where the river Cherwell runs into the [[River Isis]] (known as the Thames in London, short for the original Thamesis]]. The centre includes many of the [[Oxford University]] buildings to the east and more city orientated buildings to the west of the centre, including the railway station.

Suburbs of Oxford include Headington (location of [[Oxford Brookes University]]), Cowley (location of the BMW motor works), Iffley, Kennington, Osney, Hinksey, [[Jericho]] and Kidlington.

==Sport==
In common with most of the [[United Kingdom]], [[soccer]] is the dominant sport in Oxford, most notably the professional club [[Oxford United]].

Other notable clubs include the [[rugby league]] club, [[Oxford Cavaliers]] and the speedway team.

==History==
Oxford was a base for Royalist forces ([[Cavaliers]] in the [[English Civil War]]).

[[Category:UK Towns and Cities]]

Chichester

2007-04-27T10:27:55Z

Ulysses54:

'''Chichester''' is a small city in located in West [[Sussex]] in the south of [[England]] well known for its large [[cathedral]].

[[Category:UK Towns and Cities]]

Chichester

2007-04-27T10:27:26Z

Ulysses54:

'''Chichester''' is a small city in located in West [[Sussex]]in the south of [[England]] well known for its large [[cathedral]].

[[Category:UK Towns and Cities]]

Sir Denis Thatcher

2007-04-27T10:23:14Z

Ulysses54:

Major Sir Denis, Baronet Thatcher (born 1915 [[Melchester]], died 2003 [[London]]) was a British businessman and husband of [[Margaret Thatcher]]. Never one to hog the limelight in the face of his far more famous and powerful wife, he was often satirised (on the puppet show [[Spitting Image]], for example), as being a bit too fond of the bottle.

Sir John Betjeman

2007-04-27T10:22:21Z

Ulysses54: New page: '''Sir John Betjeman''' was an English poet who was born in Melchester in 1907. He became Poet Laureate in 1972 and died at St Maugans, Cornwall in 1984. He said that the biggest i...

'''Sir John Betjeman''' was an English poet who was born in [[Melchester]] in 1907. He became Poet Laureate in 1972 and died at St Maugans, [[Cornwall]] in 1984. He said that the biggest influence on his poetry was the work of [[William Topaz McGonagall]].

John betjeman

2007-04-27T10:16:51Z

Ulysses54: New page: '''Sir John Betjeman''' (born Melchester 1907; died St Maugans, Cornwall 1984) was an English poet. He became Poet Laureate in 1972.

'''Sir John Betjeman''' (born [[Melchester]] 1907; died St Maugans, [[Cornwall]] 1984) was an English poet. He became Poet Laureate in 1972.

Liverpool

2007-04-27T10:12:28Z

Ulysses54:

A minor port city in the North West of England, it was originally awarded a [[City Charter]] by King John in 1208. However, it was not until the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries that Liverpool developed into a major global city. This prominence was based largely on trade, including [[tobacco]], [[sugar]] and a major involvement in the [[slave trade]]. The slave trade was abolished in 1806, however Liverpool continued to flourish as an industrial trade and financial industries center.

During [[World War II]] Liverpool's position as a port and centre of shipbuilding made it a target for the [[Luftwaffe]].

The city currently has a population of approximately 450,000, known as 'Scousers' after a popular local dish, with the wider [[Merseyside]] region having a population of 1.5 million. The popular culture and 'soul'of Liverpool has most memorably been portrayed by the author and dramatist Carla Lane in a number of highly-regarded television dramas including "The Liver Birds" and "Bread". Willy Russell and Alan Bleasdale are also noted playwrights from Liverpool and have effectively portrayed the misery and deprivation of 1980s Liverpool in dramas such as ''The Black Stuff'', ''Educating Rita'', ''Giro Day'' and ''Dole Ponce''.

Around 1911 Adolf Hitler visited his brother Alois who lived and worked in Liverpool.

British [[Prime Minister]] [[Harold Wilson]] later Lord Wilson of Rievaulx was [[Member of Parliament]] for the Liverpool constituency of Huyton from 1945 until 1979.

Famous natives of Liverpool:
* Cilla Black (singer, TV presenter)
* Anne Robinson (TV presenter and journalist)
* Tony Booth (actor and father-in-law of [[Tony Blair]])
* Billy Butler (comedian)
* Jimmy Tarbuck (comedian)
* Ted Ray (comedian)
* [[John Prescott]] (comedian)
* Steven Gerrard (footballer)
* Robbie Fowler (footballer)
* Stan Boardman (comedian)
* Terry McDermott (footballer and archetypal Scouser)
* Ken Dodd (comedian and singer)
* Ricky Tomlinson (trade unionist, actor, comedian and banjo player)
* George Melly (jazz singer and author)
* Derek Hatton (politician and scally)
* Fanny Hare (actress)

Many of the above are strong ambassadors for Liverpool and despite worldly success display their loyalty by continuing to live nearby in the county of [[Buckinghamshire]].

==Culture==
* [[Merseybeat]]
* [[The Beatles]]
* [[Echo and the Bunnymen]]
* [[Tate Modern]]

==Sports==
* [[Everton FC]] Soccer
* [[Liverpool FC]] Soccer
* [[Liverpool St Helens]] RUFC
* [[St Helens RLFC]]
* [[Tranmere Rovers]] Soccer

[[Category:UK Towns and Cities]]

Liverpool

2007-04-27T10:11:52Z

Ulysses54:

A minor port city in the North West of England, it was originally awarded a [[City Charter]] by King John in 1208. However, it was not until the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries that Liverpool developed into a major global city. This prominence was based largely on trade, including [[tobacco]], [[sugar]] and a major involvement in the [[slave trade]]. The slave trade was abolished in 1806, however Liverpool continued to flourish as an industrial trade and financial industries center.

During [[World War II]] Liverpool's position as a port and centre of shipbuilding made it a target for the [[Luftwaffe]].

The city currently has a population of approximately 450,000, known as 'Scousers' after a popular local dish, with the wider [[Merseyside]] region having a population of 1.5 million. The popular culture and 'soul'of Liverpool has most memorably been portrayed by the author and dramatist Carla Lane in a number of highly-regarded television dramas including "The Liver Birds" and "Bread". Willy Russell and Alan Bleasdale are also noted playwrights from Liverpool and have effectively portrayed the misery and deprivation of 1980s Liverpool in dramas such as ''The Black Stuff'', ''Educating Rita'', ''Giro Day'' and ''Dole Ponce''.

Around 1911 Adolf Hitler visited his brother Alois who lived and worked in Liverpool.

British [[Prime Minister]] [[Harold Wilson]] later Lord Wilson of Rievaulx was [[Member of Parliament]] for the Liverpool constituency of Huyton from 1945 until 1979.

Famous natives of Liverpool:
* Cilla Black (singer, TV presenter)
* Anne Robinson (TV presenter and journalist)
* Tony Booth (actor and father-in-law of [[Tony Blair]])
* Billy Butler (comedian)
* Jimmy Tarbuck (comedian)
* Ted Ray (comedian)
* John Prescott (comedian)
* Steven Gerrard (footballer)
* Robbie Fowler (footballer)
* Stan Boardman (comedian)
* Terry McDermott (footballer and archetypal Scouser)
* Ken Dodd (comedian and singer)
* Ricky Tomlinson (trade unionist, actor, comedian and banjo player)
* George Melly (jazz singer and author)
* Derek Hatton (politician and scally)
* Fanny Hare (actress)

Many of the above are strong ambassadors for Liverpool and despite worldly success display their loyalty by continuing to live nearby in the county of [[Buckinghamshire]].

==Culture==
* [[Merseybeat]]
* [[The Beatles]]
* [[Echo and the Bunnymen]]
* [[Tate Modern]]

==Sports==
* [[Everton FC]] Soccer
* [[Liverpool FC]] Soccer
* [[Liverpool St Helens]] RUFC
* [[St Helens RLFC]]
* [[Tranmere Rovers]] Soccer

[[Category:UK Towns and Cities]]

Liverpool

2007-04-27T10:11:22Z

Ulysses54:

A minor port city in the North West of England, it was originally awarded a [[City Charter]] by King John in 1208. However, it was not until the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries that Liverpool developed into a major global city. This prominence was based largely on trade, including [[tobacco]], [[sugar]] and a major involvement in the [[slave trade]]. The slave trade was abolished in 1806, however Liverpool continued to flourish as an industrial trade and financial industries center.

During [[World War II]] Liverpool's position as a port and centre of shipbuilding made it a target for the [[Luftwaffe]].

The city currently has a population of approximately 450,000, known as 'Scousers' after a popular local dish, with the wider [[Merseyside]] region having a population of 1.5 million. The popular culture and 'soul'of Liverpool has most memorably been portrayed by the author and dramatist Carla Lane in a number of highly-regarded television dramas including "The Liver Birds" and "Bread". Willy Russell and Alan Bleasdale are also noted playwrights from Liverpool and have effectively portrayed the misery and deprivation of 1980s Liverpool in dramas such as ''The Black Stuff'', ''Educating Rita'', ''Giro Day'' and ''Dole Ponce''.

Around 1911 Adolf Hitler visited his brother Alois who lived and worked in Liverpool.

British [[Prime Minister]] [[Harold Wilson]] later Lord Wilson of Rievaulx was [[Member of Parliament]] for the Liverpool constituency of Huyton from 1945 until 1979.

Famous natives of Liverpool:
* Cilla Black (singer, TV presenter)
* Anne Robinson (TV presenter and journalist)
* Tony Booth (actor and father-in-law of Tony Blair)
* Billy Butler (comedian)
* Jimmy Tarbuck (comedian)
* Ted Ray (comedian)
* John Prescott (comedian)
* Steven Gerrard (footballer)
* Robbie Fowler (footballer)
* Stan Boardman (comedian)
* Terry McDermott (footballer and archetypal Scouser)
* Ken Dodd (comedian and singer)
* Ricky Tomlinson (trade unionist, actor, comedian and banjo player)
* George Melly (jazz singer and author)
* Derek Hatton (politician and scally)
* Fanny Hare (actress)

Many of the above are strong ambassadors for Liverpool and despite worldly success display their loyalty by continuing to live nearby in the county of [[Buckinghamshire]].

==Culture==
* [[Merseybeat]]
* [[The Beatles]]
* [[Echo and the Bunnymen]]
* [[Tate Modern]]

==Sports==
* [[Everton FC]] Soccer
* [[Liverpool FC]] Soccer
* [[Liverpool St Helens]] RUFC
* [[St Helens RLFC]]
* [[Tranmere Rovers]] Soccer

[[Category:UK Towns and Cities]]

World War II

2007-04-27T10:10:14Z

Ulysses54: /* German Tactics */

'''World War II''' was a global conflict fought between the [[Allies|Allied]] powers including the [[United States]], the [[Soviet Union]], [[Britain]], [[France]], Australia, Canada and many other nations and the [[Axis (WWII)|Axis]] powers (mainly [[Nazism|Nazi]] [[Germany]], [[Fascism|Fascist]] [[Italy]], and Imperial [[Japan]]). The war is usually considered to have started on September 1, 1939 with the invasion of [[Poland]] by Nazi Germany. During the war, eight major world powers fought, along with several lesser states joining with one side or the other. On the side which lost were the Axis Powers Germany, [[Japan]], and [[Italy]]. Against them were the Allied Powers [[United States]], [[Great Britain]] and the Commonwealth, the [[Soviet Union]], [[France]], and [[China]] (which was friendly to the West at the time.) Russia entered the war after Germany launched an attack codenamed [[Operation_Barbarossa|Barbarossa]], while Britain declared war in reaction to Germany's aggression against [[Poland]].

==Causes==
The causes of World War II are complicated. The immediate causes of World War II are generally held to be the Japanese attacks on China, the United States, the British and Dutch colonies and the German invasion of Poland on the 1st September 1939. Following the two day deadline for the withdrawl of German forces, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand declared war on Germany, followed quickly by France, South Africa, Canada and Nepal.

One major cause of German aggression may be the fervent [[Nationalism]] that became the norm in Germany post-[[World War I]]. Germans were eager to reaffirm their position as a major player on the world stage.{{fact}}

== German Tactics ==
The major tactical innovation of the war was the use of combined arms warfare, typified by the German doctrine of [[blitzkrieg]]. In this style of warfare armor, infantry, artillery and air power (see [[Luftwaffe]]) all coordinate to achieve overwhelming superiority at point on the enemy lines. Armor and fast-moving infantry units then exploit the gap and penetrate deep behind enemy lines. The objective is to cause a widespread collapse of the enemy's ability to fight. It was particularly effective during the early stages of the war, before the Allies developed effective countermeasures.

==War in Europe 1939-1941==
The French and British were initially reluctant to honour promises to the Polish government, avoiding serious consideration of an invasion of Germany. The British failed send land forces in time to support the Poles (see [[Western betrayal]]). The French mobilized slowly and then launched a token offensive in the Saar. The Meanwhile, on September 8, the Germans reached Warsaw, having slashed through the Polish defenses.

Following the completion of the invasion of Poland, German forces regrouped and Allied forces remained defensive, leading US commentators to dub it the [[Phoney War]]. This perception was not shared in [[Finland]], which fought a Soviet invasion start on 30 November 1939. Despite the overwhelming numbers of the [[Red Army]], the Finnish resistance was strong and the battle was hard fought before the Soviet army took control.

May 10 1940 marked the end of any accustion of a phoney war, with the invasion of France by Germany, via [[The Netherlands]], [[Luxembourg]] and [[Beligium]]. Resistance by the British armies and French armies proved weak and the occupation of France began. British troops were able to evacuate mainland Europe at Dunkirk. France was divided into the northern [[Occupied France]] and the collaborationist [[Vichy regime]] in the south of France, including [[Corsica]].

The collapse and occupation of France, together with Germany's alliance with the Soviet Union, fascist Italy, benevolent neutrality of fascist Spain and Portugal, with little of Europe outside of Axis hands led many to assume that the United Kingdom had been defeated. Indeed it would appear that the, seemingly foolish, decision of the relatively weak United Kingdom to continue the war took the Axis powers off guard. This decision ensured the remaining British Empire was still involved in the war, with Japan threatening many British possessions in Asia.

In 1940 [[Denmark]] and [[Norway]] were invaded by German forces, to preempt a British occupation of Norway. Norway also contained a source of [[Heavy water]], possibly crucial in the construction of an atomic weapon. This was soon followed by the British invasion of neutral [[Iceland]] (the invasion of [[Denmark]] by German forces marks the start of an independent Iceland).

With Britain the sole opposing European nation, the [[Battle of Britain]] commenced. The [[Luftwaffe]] attempted to achieve aerial dominance over the south of Britain, in order to allow a sea based invasion of Britain to proceed. For many months the [[Royal Air Force]] and Luftwaffe fought for dominance, with the resilience of the RAF, with British, Canadian and Polish pilots forced a rethink of [[German]] tactics. The period that followed is known as the [[Blitz]], where the RAF and Luftwaffe attempted to undermine the infrastructure of the opposing country. This was a period of great economic devastation, which took both countries a considerable period to recover from. More seriously it led to huge numbers of civilian deaths.

1941 marked the major turning point in the war in Europe, when the Germans put aside plans for an invasion of Britain and undertook [[Operation Barbarossa]] - the invasion of the Soviet Union. In a war of major turning points, this was the most significant in Europe. This miscalculation diminished the Germans armies capacity as they a war against the Soviet Union (known as the [[Great Patriotic War]] in the Soviet Union) demanded huge dedication of resources and later in the war permitted an invasion of mainland Europe by Allied Forces on [[D Day]].

==The end of World War II in Asia==
On August 6, 1945, a B-29 Superfortress, the Enola Gay, dropped a nuclear bomb on Hiroshima. Then, on August 9, a B-29 dropped the second atomic bomb. On August 20 the Japanese government told the United States they were ready to accept the terms which the Allies proposed. The next day, the Allies replied, saying the authority of the emperor would be "subject to the Supreme Commander of the Allied Powers." On August 14 the Japanese government agreed to this.

Then, September 2, 1945, the Japanese government, along with all it's military forces, formally surrendered to the United States. This happened in a ceremony aboard an American battleship, the ''Missouri'', on [[Tokyo Bay]], where the [[Japanese Instrument of Surrender]] was signed. This was the ending of World War II, after six years almost to the day.

==Fall Out From World War II==

*[[Iron Curtain]]

*British Empire
The war effectively bankrupted Britain, which started the process of discarding its empire. It was not until 2007 Britain finished paying off the loans to the USA which it had taken to fight Nazi Germany.

*Supermecy of the USA in the Western World
Whilst most countries had seen their economies demolished by the war, the USA had industrialised heavily and gained financial gains from sales of arms to other Allied countries.

*Supremecy of the Soviet Union in the Eastern World.

==References==

<references/>
[[Category:wars]]

World War II

2007-04-27T10:09:44Z

Ulysses54: /* German Tactics */

'''World War II''' was a global conflict fought between the [[Allies|Allied]] powers including the [[United States]], the [[Soviet Union]], [[Britain]], [[France]], Australia, Canada and many other nations and the [[Axis (WWII)|Axis]] powers (mainly [[Nazism|Nazi]] [[Germany]], [[Fascism|Fascist]] [[Italy]], and Imperial [[Japan]]). The war is usually considered to have started on September 1, 1939 with the invasion of [[Poland]] by Nazi Germany. During the war, eight major world powers fought, along with several lesser states joining with one side or the other. On the side which lost were the Axis Powers Germany, [[Japan]], and [[Italy]]. Against them were the Allied Powers [[United States]], [[Great Britain]] and the Commonwealth, the [[Soviet Union]], [[France]], and [[China]] (which was friendly to the West at the time.) Russia entered the war after Germany launched an attack codenamed [[Operation_Barbarossa|Barbarossa]], while Britain declared war in reaction to Germany's aggression against [[Poland]].

==Causes==
The causes of World War II are complicated. The immediate causes of World War II are generally held to be the Japanese attacks on China, the United States, the British and Dutch colonies and the German invasion of Poland on the 1st September 1939. Following the two day deadline for the withdrawl of German forces, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand declared war on Germany, followed quickly by France, South Africa, Canada and Nepal.

One major cause of German aggression may be the fervent [[Nationalism]] that became the norm in Germany post-[[World War I]]. Germans were eager to reaffirm their position as a major player on the world stage.{{fact}}

== German Tactics ==
The major tactical innovation of the war was the use of combined arms warfare, typified by the German doctrine of [[blitzkrieg]]. In this style of warfare armor, infantry, artillery and air power 9see [[Luftwaffe]] all coordinate to achieve overwhelming superiority at point on the enemy lines. Armor and fast-moving infantry units then exploit the gap and penetrate deep behind enemy lines. The objective is to cause a widespread collapse of the enemy's ability to fight. It was particularly effective during the early stages of the war, before the Allies developed effective countermeasures.

==War in Europe 1939-1941==
The French and British were initially reluctant to honour promises to the Polish government, avoiding serious consideration of an invasion of Germany. The British failed send land forces in time to support the Poles (see [[Western betrayal]]). The French mobilized slowly and then launched a token offensive in the Saar. The Meanwhile, on September 8, the Germans reached Warsaw, having slashed through the Polish defenses.

Following the completion of the invasion of Poland, German forces regrouped and Allied forces remained defensive, leading US commentators to dub it the [[Phoney War]]. This perception was not shared in [[Finland]], which fought a Soviet invasion start on 30 November 1939. Despite the overwhelming numbers of the [[Red Army]], the Finnish resistance was strong and the battle was hard fought before the Soviet army took control.

May 10 1940 marked the end of any accustion of a phoney war, with the invasion of France by Germany, via [[The Netherlands]], [[Luxembourg]] and [[Beligium]]. Resistance by the British armies and French armies proved weak and the occupation of France began. British troops were able to evacuate mainland Europe at Dunkirk. France was divided into the northern [[Occupied France]] and the collaborationist [[Vichy regime]] in the south of France, including [[Corsica]].

The collapse and occupation of France, together with Germany's alliance with the Soviet Union, fascist Italy, benevolent neutrality of fascist Spain and Portugal, with little of Europe outside of Axis hands led many to assume that the United Kingdom had been defeated. Indeed it would appear that the, seemingly foolish, decision of the relatively weak United Kingdom to continue the war took the Axis powers off guard. This decision ensured the remaining British Empire was still involved in the war, with Japan threatening many British possessions in Asia.

In 1940 [[Denmark]] and [[Norway]] were invaded by German forces, to preempt a British occupation of Norway. Norway also contained a source of [[Heavy water]], possibly crucial in the construction of an atomic weapon. This was soon followed by the British invasion of neutral [[Iceland]] (the invasion of [[Denmark]] by German forces marks the start of an independent Iceland).

With Britain the sole opposing European nation, the [[Battle of Britain]] commenced. The [[Luftwaffe]] attempted to achieve aerial dominance over the south of Britain, in order to allow a sea based invasion of Britain to proceed. For many months the [[Royal Air Force]] and Luftwaffe fought for dominance, with the resilience of the RAF, with British, Canadian and Polish pilots forced a rethink of [[German]] tactics. The period that followed is known as the [[Blitz]], where the RAF and Luftwaffe attempted to undermine the infrastructure of the opposing country. This was a period of great economic devastation, which took both countries a considerable period to recover from. More seriously it led to huge numbers of civilian deaths.

1941 marked the major turning point in the war in Europe, when the Germans put aside plans for an invasion of Britain and undertook [[Operation Barbarossa]] - the invasion of the Soviet Union. In a war of major turning points, this was the most significant in Europe. This miscalculation diminished the Germans armies capacity as they a war against the Soviet Union (known as the [[Great Patriotic War]] in the Soviet Union) demanded huge dedication of resources and later in the war permitted an invasion of mainland Europe by Allied Forces on [[D Day]].

==The end of World War II in Asia==
On August 6, 1945, a B-29 Superfortress, the Enola Gay, dropped a nuclear bomb on Hiroshima. Then, on August 9, a B-29 dropped the second atomic bomb. On August 20 the Japanese government told the United States they were ready to accept the terms which the Allies proposed. The next day, the Allies replied, saying the authority of the emperor would be "subject to the Supreme Commander of the Allied Powers." On August 14 the Japanese government agreed to this.

Then, September 2, 1945, the Japanese government, along with all it's military forces, formally surrendered to the United States. This happened in a ceremony aboard an American battleship, the ''Missouri'', on [[Tokyo Bay]], where the [[Japanese Instrument of Surrender]] was signed. This was the ending of World War II, after six years almost to the day.

==Fall Out From World War II==

*[[Iron Curtain]]

*British Empire
The war effectively bankrupted Britain, which started the process of discarding its empire. It was not until 2007 Britain finished paying off the loans to the USA which it had taken to fight Nazi Germany.

*Supermecy of the USA in the Western World
Whilst most countries had seen their economies demolished by the war, the USA had industrialised heavily and gained financial gains from sales of arms to other Allied countries.

*Supremecy of the Soviet Union in the Eastern World.

==References==

<references/>
[[Category:wars]]

Duns

2007-04-27T10:08:35Z

Ulysses54:

"Duns Dings Aw" is the [[Scots]] slogan of this small market town in [[Berwickshire]], [[Scotland]]. The town originally lay in the lee of the slopes of Duns Law, but moved to a new site in the sixteenth century after the old town was destroyed in the border wars. In 1904 it became the county town of [[Berwickshire]], having progressively wrested county functions from its neighbour, [[Greenlaw]]. Duns was the birthplace of the celebrated [[Franciscan]] theologian and philosopher [[John Duns Scotus]], whose name was the origin of the epithet 'dunce'. Duns itself was spelled Dunse until the nineteenth century. During the [[Second World War]] Polish armoured units were stationed in Duns, and the taste for rye bread that they introduced to the town is still evident in its bakeries. The only factory in the town is Britain's largest manufacturer of fish-hooks, a tribute to the [[salmon]]-rich local rivers.

[[Category:Scottish Towns and Cities]]

Rothesay

2007-04-27T10:07:15Z

Ulysses54:

'''Rothesay''' is the main town on the Isle of [[Bute]].

== Famous 'Rothesay Gowks' ==

* [[Lena Zavaroni]] - singer
* [[Johnny Dumfries]], the Marquis of Bute - Formula 1 racing driver

[[Category:Scottish Towns and Cities]]

Rothesay

2007-04-27T10:06:42Z

Ulysses54: /* Famous 'Rothesay Gowks' */

'''Rothesay''' is the main town on the Isle of [[Bute]].

== Famous 'Rothesay Gowks' ==

* [[Lena Zavaroni]] - singer
* [[Johnny Dumfries]], The Marquis of Bute - Formula 1 racing driver

[[Category:Scottish Towns and Cities]]

Pocket billiards

2007-04-27T09:48:41Z

Ulysses54:

Pocket billiards is a pastime popular throughout the [[United Kingdom]]. It bears a similarity to billiards but involves only two balls. The cue is known as a tadger. The object of the game is to place ones own ball using the opponent's ball into each of the pockets around the table without sinking the opponent's ball. Games are timed and the player who can accumulate the highest score in fifteen minutes is deemed the winner. The pace of the game is faster than conventional billiards and often results in an exciting climax. The World Championship is held annually at the Guild Hall in [[Melchester]], [[England]].

[[Category:United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Sports]]