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Notes

Carved cat on the cornice of Burleigh Street façade. There is also a horned animal twisting back on itself on the impost beside the door and a Govan coat of arms on the wall head of the north façade.

Built as headquarters for temperance workers. Called The Cardell Hall after John Cardell, a firm believer in temperance

There are various stories to explain the presence of the cat: 'It is said that ships bringing flax from Europe for the Govan Weavers also brought with them plagues of rats. These rats made their way to Govan Cross where there was a common 'midden' (refuse dump). They were so numerous and ferocious that even the local dogs avoided the area. One day a large cat appeared on the scene and it began picking off the rats until only the 'King Rat' was left. The battle that followed left both animals mortally wounded, but the spirit of the cat is immortalised on the wall.' (1) 'A lady in a dwelling house where the halls now stand, had a cat which fell from the top storey of the house and met its death. The lady left money to have the cat sculpted on the wall.' (2)

circa

raw year

Condition

At risk

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Signatures

Whole

Red sandstone

Corrosion, Deterioration

Badly weather worn and crumbling

None

None