Glasgow And Ships Of The Clyde

What does Glasgow (Bridge Wharf) s.s. mean ?

The advert for paddle steamer EAGLE 111 in 1937

 6th  January 2019.

   James Barrowman (Brighton, England) e-mails :

I am an enthusiast for paddle steamers and read your item on EAGLE 111.

   The advertisement shows the ship departing from Glasgow (Bridge Wharf) s. s.

   Assuming that s.s. does not mean Steam Ship, can anyone help with what s.s. means ?

   Thanks, Jim Barrowman.

7^th January 2019 

   J.S. (Pollokshaws, Glasgow) replies :

The River Clyde runs generally east to west through the

centre of Glasgow and essentially divides the city into two

halves, the  “North Side” and the “South Side.”

   In the past and even today people talk of coming from

or living in the South Side.

   Up to around 1970’s passenger excursion steamers

and cross-channel to Ireland steamers left Broomielaw,

Anderston Quay and Lancefield Quay on the North Side

and in the summer months left Bridge Wharf on the South

Side (hence S.S.) on excursions “Doon the Watter” = Down

the Water = sailing down the River Clyde to Clyde piers

such as Dunoon and Rothesay and Tighnabruaich.

   The advert mentions the steamer calling at Govan Wharf

  and Renfrew to pick up passengers.

   Today Govan Wharf is only recognisable by a

derelict and ruined few baulks of timber.   It was situated

on the South Bank essentially between the Govan

Drydocks (now also derelict) and the Bae Shipyard

(formerly Fairfields yard) and beside the playing field

between Wanlock Street and Dunvegan Street, Govan.

   Up to the 1960s the small Govan Passenger Ferry

used to ply from near Govan Wharf across the river to

the east end of Meadowside Quay

   It was news to me that excursion steamers stopped

at Renfrew.   I have no idea where the stop was located.

   Perhaps someone can help.

Ref The advert for paddle steamer EAGLE 111 in 1937.

12 January 2019   Robert Orr replies :

The steamer berth at Renfrew was on the river bank at 'The Green' in

Renfrew and as far as I'm aware was destroyed during the 'Clydebank

Blitz' in 1941, (this being air attacks on the town of Clydebank on the

opposite bank of the Clyde, home amongst other things to John Browns

shipyard). If you go to Google maps and search Clyde Street Renfrew

the bollards for mooring ropes are still visible at the edge of the Green.

The Scania Yard visible in street view was the start of the land

occupied by Simons and Lobnitz shipyards in Renfrew.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------