Description

Circa 1820. Single storey, circular-plan classical former tollhouse with low conical slated roof and central apex stack; openings regularly spaced around building (now boarded). Large squared, coursed and droved sandstone rubble, sandstone ashlar margined openings with indented arrises, base course, banded eaves course (cement repair). Sited on major road junction within central roundabout.

Radially slated small slate roof. Cast iron rainwater goods. Rendered central circular stack. Pair timber boarded shutters with decorative strap hinges. Windows missing (2013). (evidence of 12 pane timber sash and case windows).

INTERIOR: (not seen 2013). Known to be in derelict condition in 2013 with remnants of lathe and plaster and a 1950s fireplace.

Statement of Interest

The Pollokshaws Tollhouse, built circa 1820, is a good example of a purpose built earlier 19th century toll house demonstrating a simple well executed design and a rare surviving example of a building of this age in the area which was largely redeveloped in the 20th century. It remains largely in its original form and makes a good historic contribution to otherwise later 20th century the streetscape.

Pollokshaws was an independent weaving settlement originating from the early 18th century to the south of Glasgow. It was an important crossing place of two major roads: the Glasgow to Irvine Road and the Rutherglen to Govan Road. The Turnpike Act was introduced 1822 to ensure a good network of roads to encourage trade and the Pollokshaws Tollhouse was built around this time on this key road junction. Pollokshaws retained the sense of an independent burgh for some time despite being merged with Glasgow in 1912. From 1961 to 1974 a major planning redevelopment and slum clearance of the area, including work by Glasgow-based architects, Boswell, Mitchell and Johnson, altered the character and it became largely a mid 20th century suburb of Glasgow.

The Toll House is the only surviving example of this building type in the Pollokshaws area, others were demolished as part of the planning and road improvement schemes in the 20th century.

After the tolls were abolished in the late 1880s the Toll House had various different uses ranging from a carriage hirer, a public house and used as a private dwelling up until the late 1950s. In 1989 it was in use as a council store, currently boarded up and vacant (2013).

List description updated, 2013.

External Links

• Historic Environment Scotland Listing
• Wikidata Q17815130

External links are from the relevant listing authority and, where applicable, Wikidata. Wikidata IDs may be related buildings as well as this specific building. If you want to add or update a link, you will need to do so by editing the Wikidata entry.

Recommended Books

• 
  Historic Environment Law: Planning, Listed Buildings, Monuments, Conservation Areas and Objects by Harwood, Richard (2012) Paperback
• 
  Cornwall (Pevsner Architectural Guides) (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Herefordshire (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Period Property Manual (New Ed)
• 
  Pioneers of Modern Design: From William Morris to Walter Gropius (Penguin Art & Architecture)
• 
  Old House Care and Repair