Rutherglen’s story began long before 1126, but it was that year when King David I officially recognised it as a Royal Burgh with the first Burgh charter — giving it special trading rights and a place of importance in medieval Scotland. Through centuries of change, Rutherglen has played a key role in the region’s development — from textile production and coal mining to its role in wartime efforts and urban expansion.
Rutherglen’s history begins by royal charter about 900 years ago and it’s been going from strength to strength ever since. View the timeline below for snapshots of the history of Rutherglen through the ages.
Rutherglen is granted its royal charter by King David I. It is believed to be the oldest royal burgh in Scotland.
Rutherglen Castle was located where Castle Street meets King Street in Rutherglen, Scotland. It was a large and important castle, having been built in the 13th century; the walls were reportedly 5 feet thick.
In a rare non-military moment of diplomacy, William Wallace signs a treaty with the English at the Old Parish Church in Rutherglen.
Rutherglen Castle is again captured by the Scots under Edward, brother of Robert the Bruce after changing hands with the English several times.
Rutherglen Castle, held by the Hamiltons of Shawfield, is burned to the ground by the Regent Moray. The Hamiltons had supported Mary, Queen of Scots at the Battle of Langside.
The Covenanters read out the ‘Declaration of Rutherglen’ prior to their victory at the Battle of Drumclog, effectively making Scotland a Protestant country. However, they are routed at the Battle of Bothwell Bridge three weeks later.
Rutherglen gains parliamentary representation as part of the Glasgow Burghs constituency. It became part of Kilmarnock Burghs in 1832.
The original Rutherglen railway station is opened, in June, by the Caledonian Railway on a line to Glasgow.
Rutherglen’s shipyard is established on the river Clyde by Thomas Bollen Seath.
Rutherglen Town Hall is built. It was designed by Charles Wilson in the Scottish baronial style and completed in 1862
Clydebridge Works, at nearby Cambuslang, is founded by the Clydebridge Steel Company. During the First World War it primarily produced shells for use with the French 75 mm field guns.
The Rutherglen parliamentary constituency is created and represented in the House of Commons in 1918.
Under the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, Rutherglen Burgh is abolished and Rutherglen becomes administratively part of the city of Glasgow.
In a local government re-organisation Rutherglen becomes part of the South Lanarkshire council area.
The new UK parliamentary constituency of Rutherglen and Hamilton West is created.
Our Heritage Events will explore the lives of ordinary Ruglonians — miners, mill workers, horse and cattle traders, shipyard and steel workers, immigrants and incomers to the area— whose stories help us better understand the fabric of this town.
Rutherglen Primary Schools have been working with South Lanarkshire Libraries in researching and creating Podcasts about distinct aspects of Rutherglen’s history. Specific topics include the history of Rutherglen areas such as Bankhead, Burnside , Cathkin and Fernhill, Springhall, Stonelaw, Overtoun Park as well as exploring Rutherglen Mining , Shipbuilding at Seaths, and the People Of Rutherglen.
