ABSTRACT
The story of Govanhill is inextricably linked to the rise of Glasgow as Second City of the Empire; the subsequent demise of heavy industry in Scotland; and attempts to alleviate the worst aspects of deprivation in those areas most affected by economic decline. William Dixon, the first of three men by this name to influence the history of Govanhill, became lessee of the colliery which developed into one of the most productive in Scotland. Govanhill was hard hit when Govan Iron Works, the last blast furnace to operate within the city boundary, closed in 1959. The locomotive works closed soon after in 1962. Govanhill repeatedly figured in the official league tables of 'deprived' Glasgow communities and became the subject of a 'local plan'. Facilities and organisations in the area included Crosshill Synagogue and the Hebrew Burial Society Hall; Clydedale Freemason Lodge Hall and Govanhill Unionist Club Rooms; and Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church and the Roman Catholic Diocese Hall.
