03-08-2025
Unusual history of Glasgow building where Sugababes had 'secret' gig
The Barony Hall was once known as the Laigh Kirk, because its original home was in the crypt of Glasgow Cathedral.
The story begins in the 16th century
The Roman Catholic religion prevailed in Glasgow from around 560 to 1560. Presbyterianism was established by law that year, but their ministers did not immediately get complete possession of the Cathedral Church.
After the Reformation in 1560, Glasgow contained a population of only 4500. The Cathedral remained the only church in the city and became the parish church of Glasgow.
There was only one minister until 1588 when a second joined.
(Image: Glasgow City Archives)
The ever-increasing population in the city led to the repair of the Tron Church in 1592 for the reception of a congregation. To serve this additional congregation, a third minister was provided.
The Cathedral became the urban or city parish church. In 1593, by an order of Synod and Presbytery, the Barony Parish was instituted, the intention being that its congregation be drawn from those outside the city proper.
Consequently, a fourth minister was appointed who was admitted to the Barony, which separated from the city parish in 1596. The crypt of the Cathedral was set apart for the use of this congregation.
The minutes of the Presbytery from 1596 to 1597 record negotiations with the parishioners; and it was announced that the parishioners of Glasgow "without the toune" should be a congregation by themselves.
According to the acts of the General and Synod assemblies, the Barony Parish was constituted without any formal disruption, and the crypt below the cathedral was fitted up for the service of the congregation.
As a result of the congregation using the Cathedral crypt, it became known as the Laigh or Lower Kirk to distinguish it from the Cathedral Parish church proper.
The Barony became known as the Laigh Kirk since it worshipped in the Cathedral crypt.
In Rob Roy, Sir William Scott described the Barony Laigh Kirk as follows: 'Conceive, Tresham, an extensive range of low-browed, dark and twilight vaults, such as are used as for sepulchres in other countries, and had long been dedicated to the same purpose in this, a portion of which was seated with pews and used as a Church.'
Norman McLeod (Image: Glasgow City Archives)
Its ministers included Zachary Boyd, 1625-1653; John Burns, 1774-1839, who preached to his congregation in the crypt and then in the new Barony Church; Norman McLeod, 1851-1872, who introduced many innovations at Barony Church, including evening services for working people; and John White, 1911-1934.
The Barony Church continued to worship in the cathedral crypt but by the 1790s the congregation had outgrown it.
In 1798 work began on a new church, on the east side of Castle Street. Designed by James Adams, it opened in late 1799, early 1800. This gave the congregation for the first time a building of their own.
While this was a lighter and more comfortable place of worship than the crypt of the Cathedral could ever make, many criticised its design.
Its Minister, Norman McLeod , is reported to have told Queen Victoria that it was 'the ugliest kirk in all Europe.' Others, a minority, believed it to be an architectural gem.
(Image: Newsquest)
Whatever its merits, faced with the continued deterioration of the building, the church was replaced in 1889 in its final location on the west side of Castle Street, diagonally opposite the Cathedral.
It opened in April 1889. Designed by JJ Burnett and JA Campbell, it has been described as unquestionably the most important Gothic church in Glasgow, possibly in Scotland. It is an A-listed building.
The congregational numbers were dwindling from the 1950s to the 1970s with the redevelopment of High Street and Townhead. In its last years, the congregation joined with St Paul's and St David's (Ramshorn) in 1982. The last service was held in 1985.
The Sugababes, as they were in 2007, at the Barony Hall (Image: Newsquest)
The buildings were purchased in 1986 by Strathclyde University, and it opened its doors as Barony Hall in 1989.
It now hosts examinations and ceremonial functions, including university graduations and functions.
In 2007, it was the location for a "secret" gig performed by the Sugababes. The group's line-up at the time - Heidi Range, Amelle Berrabah and Keisha Buchanan - played an up close and personal acoustic concert for just 250 fans in the December of that year.
