Edit Babbity Bowster
BABBITY Bowster in Blackfriars Street, in the Merchant City of Glasgow, is all that remains of the once splendid street designed by Robert and James Adam.
This unusual, beautiful building was originally built around 1794.
It was originally the location of a Dominican convent which had been built during the middle of the 13th century.
The impressive tripartite Roman Doric doorway is original but the top storey and pediment are not.
They were faithfully reconstructed in the original style between 1984 and 1985.
Much of the interior has also been maintained in the style of an earlier age and it is today renowned for its friendly atmosphere and its high standard of bar and restaurant meals.
The peculiar name of the establishment comes from the name of a Scottish dance that dates back to the 18th century.
'Babbity' means to bob at and bowster is another word for a bolster or large pillow.
However, the meaning of the words may also conjure up other images when the history of the building is considered.
During the 18th and 19th century many pubs in the city, especially those with upstairs sleeping accommodation, doubled up as brothels.
This unusual, beautiful building was originally built around 1794.
It was originally the location of a Dominican convent which had been built during the middle of the 13th century.
The impressive tripartite Roman Doric doorway is original but the top storey and pediment are not.
They were faithfully reconstructed in the original style between 1984 and 1985.
Much of the interior has also been maintained in the style of an earlier age and it is today renowned for its friendly atmosphere and its high standard of bar and restaurant meals.
The peculiar name of the establishment comes from the name of a Scottish dance that dates back to the 18th century.
'Babbity' means to bob at and bowster is another word for a bolster or large pillow.
However, the meaning of the words may also conjure up other images when the history of the building is considered.
During the 18th and 19th century many pubs in the city, especially those with upstairs sleeping accommodation, doubled up as brothels.
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