Pollokshields Burgh Hall

Story

The Pollokshields Burgh Hall stands at the edge of Maxwell Park, Glasgow, Scotland. Designed by Henry Edward Clifford and constructed in 17th-century Scottish Baronial style, this was opened in 1890 by Sir John Stirling Maxwell as a Masonic Meeting Place and for the use of the community but served the independent burgh of Pollokshields only until 1891 when the rapidly expanding city swallowed up the area. The hall contained various council offices and a courtroom. It continues to this day as a Masonic meeting place, hence the numerous Masonic symbols in the carvings (especially at the back of the building) and in the stained-glass windows.The first lodge to meet there was Pollok No 772 on 25 October 1890. On that occasion the Foundation Stone was laid in the vestibule by Bro. Sir John Stirling Maxwell of Pollok, Bart., who with others were made Honorary Affiliates. Sir John donated the land for Maxwell Park and the Burgh Halls in 1888. On giving the Hall into the hands of Glasgow Corporation, a codicil was added, agreed and signed by both parties, stating that Lodge Pollok No 772 were to be always permitted to hold their meetings therein. Despite this document's apparent disappearance, it was presented to Glasgow Corporation at a time when they wanted to close it, saying it was surplus to requirements. This document saved the halls.The hall is built of dark red sandstone from Ballochmyle in Ayrshire, which contrasts quite starkly with the blond sandstone used to build many of the surrounding villas.