Pollokshields Burgh Hall Architecture
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Pollokshields Burgh Hall is blessed with beautiful architecture and many unique features and symbology.
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Building Exterior
The hall is built with Locharbriggs sandstone from Ballochmyle in Ayrshire, which contrasts quite starkly with the blond sandstone used to build many of the surrounding villas. The 60-foot tower houses a turret stair, corbelled balcony and vigil windows. To the left of the hall is the Lodge House comprising two flats, originally for the Burgh Sanitary Inspector and the Park Gardener.
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The Entrance
A richly carved archway forms the entrance to the halls above which, flanked by two Sentinel lions the Maxwell family coat of arms and the date 1890 appear. The Maxwell family coat of arms appears again set in marble on the vestibule floor as you enter the building.
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Maxwell Hall Windows
The stained glass windows in the Maxwell Hall provide a stunning backdrop for any occasion. There are 4 arched windows on the north side, three were gifted at the time of build by prominent residents of the Burgh of Pollokshields.
The large east window was gifted by Sir John Stirling Maxwell and bears the Pollok Arms and the motto ‘Do Good While the Holly is Green’.
The large west window bears the emblem of the Corporation of Glasgow. This window and the fourth arched window, gifted by Lodge Pollok were installed when the building was extended in 1935.
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​Stirling Hall Windows
There are two stained glass windows in the Stirling Hall one with the motto ‘Gloria in excelsis’.
The other window is dedicated to St. Andrew the Patron St. of Scotland. Its motto is ‘Virtute in Silentio’. Both windows also display masonic symbology.​
Pillars
There are three types of sandstone pillar ornamentation found at the halls with a mix of rose, fleur de lys and thistles decorations
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Wood Carving
The Maxwell and Stirling Halls both have dark wood panelling. The main hallway also has dark wood panelling and carving above each of the doors.
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Stone Inscriptions
A you enter the Maxwell Hall there is a stone arch above the doorway with the inscription "P B Aye Ready". Aye Ready was the Motto of the Burgh of Pollokshields.
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As you exit the Main Hall into the reception Hall, there is a stone arch above the doorway with the inscription "Fes Len Tina Te" with a shield depicting a serpent around a sword. The Latin text means take care of yourself and the shield symbology represents transformation and strength
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Door Handles
The brass dragon door handles on all the doors in the upper halls represent strength & protection.
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​Lighting
The original lighting of the building consisted of elaborate hexagonal glass and iron lamps. Unfortunately only three still remain, one on the top of the arch on the main doorway, one on the eastern exterior hall of the main hall and one in the vestibule.
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Masonic Links
When the Hall was built it served as a meeting place for many groups including the masonic Lodge Pollok. An arch which originally rested over the lintel of the back doorway and is now built into the back wall under the western window displays several carved Masonic symbols.