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Motherwell, Industrial Coal Steel History, North Lanarkshire, Glasgow South
The Glasgow South area, including major towns like Motherwell, is these days prime Glasgow commuter territory. Motherwell is just 12 miles to the southeast of Glasgow. The North Lanarkshire border stretches right up here, and the area's history in coal mining, iron and steel is seeing somewhat of a revival in some superb heritage centres including one at Motherwell.
It all sits well with Glasgow's many musuems exploring shipbuilding history, as these industrial heritage history centres on the city's outskirts dig deeper into the industries that served shipbuilding. The raw materials of coal, iron and steel came from North Lanarkshire, and were integral to Glasgow's development as a shipbuilding centre.
Motherwell Industrial History & Motherwell Heritage Centre
Whilst the Industrial Heritage Centre at Summerlee in Coatbridge is seeing some refurbishment (opening Spring 2008), the equally superb Motherwell Heritage Centre is the first port of call for a journey into North Lanarkshire's industrial past. The Motherwell Heritage Centres sits on the site of a former swimming pool, and is distinctive for its five storey viewing tower, from the top of which are fine views of North Lanarkshire and the Clyde Valley.
The permanent exhibition, Technopolis, takes you through the history (primarily industrial) of the area via multi-media displays moving from the Roman period through to the 19th century. The Industrial Gallery is particularly fascinating, explaining the impace of the coal and iron industries to the area. Much attention is given to what it was like to work in these heavy industries from the industrial revolution through to the 20th Century. Checkout the story of Ravenscraig, the once mighty steelworks in the Motherwell area which is now demolished.
Galleries, conference facilities, a family history room and a little shop. See the Motherwell Heritage Centre weblink right for details. Other attractions within the Motherwell area include the Bellshill Cultural Arts Centre based in the library at Bellshill (north of Motherwell, and closer to Glasgow). For details see North Lanarkshire council's tourism & leisure guide weblink right. Details on Dalzell Park and its various gardens are also here. Strathclyde Country Park and the family favourite - M & D's Theme Park are also easily accessed from Motherwell.
Motherwell Heritage Centre, High Road, Motherwell, ML1 3HU. Tel. 01698 251000. (weblink right for opening times & details).
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