Saltmarket

Saltmarket

The High Court of Justiciary building on Saltmarket
Other name(s)	A8 road
Former name(s)	Waulcergait
Length	0.3 mi (0.5 km)
Postal code	G1 5
Coordinates	55°51′15″N 4°14′46″W / 55.8542°N 4.2460°W / 55.8542; -4.2460Coordinates: 55°51′15″N 4°14′46″W / 55.8542°N 4.2460°W / 55.8542; -4.2460
north end	Glasgow Cross A8 road (High Street) A749 road (London Road) A89 road (Gallowgate) Trongate
south end	A8 road (Crown Street) A814 road (Clyde Street)

The Saltmarket is a thoroughfare in the City of Glasgow, Scotland. It is a southward continuation of the High Street, running south from Glasgow Cross to the junction with Clyde Street and Crown Street by the River Clyde. It runs past the High Court of Glasgow and also Glasgow Green. Along with the High Street and Crown Street it forms part of the A8.

Originally named Waulcergait, the area was associated with wool production, in particular the fulling (Scots waulking) of the cloth. In the 18th century it became a fashionable residential district, close to the Merchant City.

The High Court of Justiciary buildings were constructed in 1814, but largely rebuilt in 1910–1913, with only the portico of the earlier building retained. It is now a category A listed building. Across the road is the McLennan Arch, which dates to 1796, but was moved to its present site in 1992.

In 1845 the City Theatre was opened on the Saltmarket, on a site next to the Courts. It burned to the ground just five months later, followed a month after that by Cooke's Circus next door. Later in the 19th century the Saltmarket became a notorious slum, with many illicit bars. In the early 20th century, the City Improvement Trust undertook clearance of the slums, building new tenements along Saltmarket, as well as new public houses. Further renewal of the area took place in the 2000s.