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Glasgow Times
6 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Glasgow Times
The reason Glaswegians are so grateful to 12th century churchman
This was a huge turning point for Glasgow, and its future as a thriving, modern metropolis was set in motion. This year, the city is celebrating its 850th anniversary. But who was Jocelin, the Bishop upon whom William of Lion, King of Scotland, bestowed this honour? Born in 1134, Jocelin was a Cistercian monk, based at Melrose Abbey during the 1160s. In 1170 he was appointed to be the fourth abbot there, a post he held for four years. In February 1174, on the death of the then Bishop, Jocelin was appointed to be the Bishop of Glasgow by the clergy, 'the people requesting and the king consenting' on May 23, 1174. The bishopric survived claims from the Bishop of St Andrews who considered himself 'Bishop of the Scots' and by longstanding claims by the Archbishops of York to subject the Scottish bishops to their authority. In 1175, Jocelin obtained a papal exemption from the authority of any bishop or archbishop, safeguarding him from any such claims, declaring the bishopric of Glasgow to be a 'special daughter of the Holy See.' That is, subject directly to Rome - a privilege later extended to the whole of the Scottish Church. City Charters showing Burgh Charter (Image: Scottish Catholic Collection Trust) This papal bull was confirmed in 1181 by Pope Lucius III when Jocelin travelled to Rome to appeal, on King William's behalf, against the King's excommunication by the Pope in an argument about the succession to the bishopric of St Andrews. Jocelin played a major role not only on the settlement that grew up around Glasgow Cathedral but in wider town and diocesan affairs. In about 1180. Jocelin commissioned a new Life of Kentigern from a monk of Furness, in Lancashire, whose name was also Jocelin. The purpose of getting his namesake to compile a biography of St Kentigern was to rouse enthusiasm over Glasgow's patron saint. Extract from Life of St Mungo (Image: Glasgow City Archives) He intended to create a powerful cult around St Mungo; helping to avoid any future threat of having to succumb to the supremacy of the Archbishop of York; and promoting the collection of funds for the erection of the church which was to be so intimately associated with his name. In terms of the cathedral, Jocelin began the erection of a nave as an addition to the already existing choir, but before 1189 and before the work was far advanced, it was interrupted by a fire. Bishop Jocelin took energetic measures to raise funds for its restoration. There is contemporary evidence as to what was happening around the rebuilding a few years later. Acting with the cooperation or counsel of the abbots, priors and other clergy in the bishopric, Jocelin was raising funds and promoting the rebuilding of the cathedral. Jocelin seal (Image: Glasgow City Archives) Jocelin secured large accessions of property throughout the kingdom with a view to the rebuilding of his cathedral, which had been destroyed by fire. His commission of a new life of Glasgow's patron saint was to excite public interest, and he procured a royal injunction that the undertaking should receive general support throughout the kingdom. On July 6, 1197, the 24th year of his episcopacy, Jocelin dedicated the new cathedral church. It was consecrated by Jocelin, with two other bishops assisting. It was not, however, completed for many years afterwards. Bishop Jocelin died on March 17, 1199 at his old abbey of Melrose and was buried there in the monk's choir. His 25-year tenure as Bishop of Glasgow was highly successful in promoting the best interests, both civil and spiritual, of the wide district over which he exercised his authority. Of all his endeavours perhaps the most permanently beneficial was the establishment of a burgh at Glasgow - the foundation charter of Glasgow's greatness, but the matters which attracted most attention in his own day were probably those connected with ecclesiastical affairs throughout the bishopric, and, most prominent of all, the rebuilding of the cathedral. And in one other way, Jocelin left a great legacy for the city. Glaswegians will be ever grateful that in the early 1190s he persuaded the king to granted Glasgow an annual fair. Its original emphasis was on trade, primarily of horse, cattle and produce markets, first held within the boundaries of Glasgow Cathedral, but its focus later shifted to entertainment - circuses, fairground rides, shows and amusements – and Glasgow's industrialists gave their workers their annual holiday during the week of the Fair. The Glasgow Fair Fortnight may not be as religiously observed as it once was, when the entire city closed down and everyone went on holiday, but it remains a tradition held dear to this day.
The Herald Scotland
15-05-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Galashiels revealed as Scotland's fastest-moving property hotspot
Two homes – both flats - were responsible for ESPC's fastest property sales transactions so far this year. Each of the homes, located on adjacent streets less than 200m apart, were one-bedroom flats sold for £35,000 and £70,500 respectively. ESPC, which covers Edinburgh, the Lothians, Fife, and the Scottish Borders, said that its research has shown many homes flying off the market in a matter of days. It said that across its area 24 properties had sold within the space of just four days, with Edinburgh led the way with eight lightning-fast sales. Galashiels saw two flats sold within 24 hours (Image: HELEN BARRINGTON) This is followed closely by the Borders and East Lothian, each recording six, and Midlothian with four. These estate agent said that the figures show that while the capital remains a hub of market activity, demand for homes in surrounding areas remains strong, particularly for buyers looking for space, lifestyle change or better affordability. Galashiels, which the main town in the Borders, is known for its rural charm and quiet streets. The town is home to the 'Braw Lads Gathering' each year, where riders take to horseback to commemorate the establishment of the Burgh Charter. A former centre for textile production, many of its former industrial buildings have been repurposed. It is the area's centre for retail, with Marks and Spencer, next and Matalan present on its business park. READ MORE: 'Prominent' city office and studio building put up for sale Guest house with 'panoramic views' of Ben Nevis for sale ESPC said that the quick turnover in traditionally less urbanised areas like the Borders and East Lothian may reflect an ongoing shift in buyer priorities, with people continuing to seek out properties that offer a blend of rural appeal and good transport links. Galashiels lies one hour's drive from Edinburgh of the A7, and is also linked by train and bus services. The homes that sold within this ultra-fast timeframe were fairly evenly split between flats and houses, with 12 flats and 11 houses making the list. One retirement home was also included, highlighting that demand for speedy sales spans a wide range of buyer profiles. ESPC said that the strong showing from flats - particularly in urban locations like Edinburgh - is consistent with a broader return to city living post-pandemic, as lifestyle habits shift back towards offices, cultural activities and amenities. Galashiels, in the Scottish borders (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto) Meanwhile, houses continue to attract families and professionals seeking extra space and gardens, particularly in East Lothian and Midlothian. The majority of the properties (17 out of 24) were marketed at 'Offers Over,' suggesting that this pricing strategy is still highly effective at driving competition and accelerating sales. Guide Price was used for four of the properties, with Fixed Price and In The Region Of used for the remainder. The average sale price among the 24 properties was £218,025, with individual prices ranging from as low as £35,000 to as high as £415,000. The average percentage of Home Report valuation achieved was 103.70%, with one property achieving 111% of its valuation.
