Glasgow Bridge, Kirkintilloch

Glasgow Bridge is the site of a road bridge over the Forth and Clyde Canal; it is also the site of a Roman fortlet,[1] on the Antonine Wall, half way between the Roman forts at Kirkintilloch and Cadder.[2]

Stables Inn and Glasgow Bridge on Forth and Clyde Canal, near Kirkintilloch

The Road Bridge

The road bridge (55.9308°N 4.1871°W) was built as a swing bridge. It now allows road users on the A803 to cross the canal.[3] The bridge links cadder and Kirkintilloch and has undergone repairs over the years. When the canal was closed the water at the bridge was put through a culvert. The bridge was reinstated 1990 for the re-opening of the canal. Just west of this bridge, a basin allows boats to launch from a slip. This bridge is half way between Glasgow and Kilsyth and is marked on the 1st 6-inch OS map.[4]

The Stables

The Stables - pub and restaurant

Craft daft (on a raft) Scotland's best-named tourist attraction?

Horses were often used on the canal tow path. Their work on the canal is celebrated at its eastern extension at The Helix with two unique equine sculptures known as The Kelpies.[5]

The 'Stables' bar and restaurant was developed from the stables which supported the horses which serviced the canal work.[6] The road sign outside informs drivers of the location of Craft daft (on a raft).

Glasgow Bridge towards Kirkintilloch

The Roman Fortlet

The fortlet (55.9314°N 4.1842°W) can sometimes be seen in photographs taken from aircraft which have been taken at various times since 1955.[7] Nothing identifiably Roman can be seen at the site anymore.[8] There have been no excavations to date. Aerial photography has however highlighted an area of around 20m square which could have been secured with the help of the turf rampart with its ditch. It's speculated that a bridge, across the ditch, may have granted admission to the frontier. The site of the fortlet is just east of the bridge over the Forth and Clyde Canal which carries the A803. Kirkintilloch is east of the site with Low Moss to the south.[9] There is a temporary Roman camp at Easter Cadder about half a mile away. This is on a raised piece of ground approximately mid-way between the Glasgow Bridge fortlet and the main Roman fort at Kirkintilloch.[10] If walking west, the line of the Wall changes course after the site of Glasgow Bridge Fortlet.[11]

Forts and Fortlets associated with the Antonine Wall from west to east: Bishopton, Old Kilpatrick, Duntocher, Cleddans, Castlehill, Bearsden, Summerston, Balmuildy, Wilderness Plantation, Cadder, Glasgow Bridge, Kirkintilloch, Auchendavy, Bar Hill, Croy Hill, Westerwood, Castlecary, Seabegs, Rough Castle, Camelon, Watling Lodge, Falkirk, Mumrills, Inveravon, Kinneil, Carriden

References

1. "Glasgow Bridge". Canmore. Historic Environment Scotland. Retrieved 11 November 2017.
2. "OS 25 inch map 1892-1949, with Bing opacity slider". National Library of Scotland. Ordnance Survey. Retrieved 12 October 2017.
3. "Glasgow Bridge, Forth And Clyde Canal, Swing Bridge". Canmore. Historic Environment Scotland. Retrieved 11 November 2017.
4. "OS 6 inch map 1864, with Bing opacity slider". National Library of Scotland. Ordnance Survey. Retrieved 12 October 2017.
5. "Kelpies sculpture assembled between Falkirk and Grangemouth". BBC News. 29 June 2013. Retrieved 30 June 2013.
6. "Glasgow Bridge, Forth And Clyde Canal, Canal Buildings". Canmore. Historic Environment Scotland. Retrieved 11 November 2017.
7. "Glasgow Bridge". Canmore. Historic Environment Scotland. Retrieved 11 November 2017.
8. "Glasgow Bridge". Frontiers of the Roman Empire. Retrieved 12 November 2017.
9. "Glasgow Bridge Roman Fortlet". Open Street Map. Retrieved 12 November 2017.
10. "Glasgow Bridge". Roman Britain. Retrieved 12 November 2017.
11. "Antonine Wall: Kirkintilloch to Cadder". The Antonine Wall. Retrieved 12 November 2017.

Glasgow Bridge north of HMP Low Moss from the air