[originaltext] Glasgow’s history stretches back almost two thousand years an

Glasgow’s history stretches back almost two thousand years and has been rich and varied. Originally a small salmon-fishing village at a crossing point on the River Clyde, Glasgow has been shaped by Battles, World Wide Trade and Heavy Industry to become a truly International City.
    Founded by a Christian missionary (St Mungo), Glasgow became a major religious centre. Mungo’s original church was destroyed by the wars which swept the country in the years after his death. Today’s Cathedral dates from the 12th Century and has been added to in the years which followed. Provand’s Lordship, the oldest house in Glasgow was built over 500 years ago for the Lord of Provan, an official of the Cathedral. The house still welcomes visitors today to view its proud history. In 1451 Glasgow became a University City. Glasgow University was originally built in the High Street area of the city, but was moved to its present site in Glasgow’s West end in 1870. Glasgow has also been the site of many battles. Bishop’s Castle once stood on the site now occupied by Glasgow’s Royal Infirmary. Here, in 1300, William Wallace (of "Braveheart" fame) with 300 men defeated an army of 1000 English Knights who had taken possession of the castle under the English Bishop of Durham. Two centuries later the castle was again the scene of battle when two opposing forces fought for control of the Crown of Scotland then in the possession of the baby, Mary Queen of Scots. Due to its location on the west of the country, Glasgow was well positioned to send shipping to the West Indies and America. By the 18th century many merchants had acquired great wealth by importing sugar, rum and tobacco. Thus were born the Tobacco Lords who built fabulous mansions in the city.