Glasgow Cathedral, excluding scheduled monument SM90150, 70 Cathedral Square, Glasgow

Glasgow Cathedral is a large and complex building with a long history, dating back to at least the early 12th century and continuing through several building phases until the early 14th century when the main body of the cathedral was complete. Further work on the spire and Blackadder aisle occurred in the 15th century. A new cathedral to serve the diocese of Glasgow was started around 1118 and consecrated in 1136, with further building works in the 1180s prior to a second consecration in 1197. Fragments of this early building are visible within the crypt.

The major construction campaigns for the current cathedral began around 1200, and a new, grander layout was adopted by 1240, prompting work on the crypt and choir. Work also commenced on the Blackadder aisle, which was later abandoned until its completion between 1483 and 1508 by Archbishop Blackadder. Building work on the nave restarted in the late 13th century, with the choir completed at this time. A fire in the early 15th century damaged the chapter house, necessitating extensive repairs and the replacement of the original timber spire with a stone version by the mid-15th century.

Despite surviving the Reformation and subsequent internal subdivision into three parish churches, the cathedral underwent significant changes in the 19th century. Two symmetrical towers flanking the west end were demolished between 1846 and 1848, and the large west window, initially opened by David Hamilton in 1812, was recast by Edward Blore. By the mid-19th century, the interior was returned to its unified state, with new fittings complementing work begun in the choir by William Stark in 1805.

The interior contains many high-quality monuments and tombs. Between 1936 and 1967, the nave and choir were fitted with stained glass windows by Scottish and British artists, replacing earlier glass designed by the Royal Bavarian Stained Glass Company. Surviving fragments of the Bavarian glass remain in the sacristy and southwest porch. A detailed building history is documented in the Official HMSO Guidebook.

Cast-iron railings with spearheads and coped walls define the boundaries of the graveyard. Numerous tombs and monuments, largely dating from the 17th century, are incorporated into the boundary walls.

Excluded from the listing is the scheduled monument SM90150.