Glasgow city centre's most prestigious square has been home to the city's wealthiest residents, a scandalous murder trial, and celebrity guests staying in the only five-star hotel.
Blythswood Square, consisting of four Georgian terraces facing a private garden, was given category A status and housed the city’s wealthiest merchants.
But over the years the townhouses have become famous – and infamous – for the people and events associated with them.
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In 1895 the townhouse at number five Blythswood Square became the home of the first Lady Artists' Club - and the first female residential club - in Britain until it was sold in 1971.
Next door was the home of architect James Smith, who designed the McLellan Galleries in the city’s nearby Sauchiehall Street. Many know his name, but more may remember his daughter Madeleine.
The 21-year-old embarked on a love affair with Pierre Emile L'Angelier, but when she became engaged to another man, he threatened to expose their relationship to her father.
When L’Angelier was killed by arsenic poisoning, Madeleine was charged with his murder due to her obvious motive and the fact that she made regular purchases of arsenic in the lead-up to his death.
While a jury found the case to be Not Proven, Madeleine was so distraught and humiliated by the scandal that she left Glasgow forever.
In the 1920s, one of the Square’s terraces was converted into the headquarters of the Royal Scottish Automobile Club. It underwent a major makeover after the owners bought the entire row of townhouses and commissioned a remodelling.
As membership rapidly decreased, the club closed in 2002, later reopening as the luxurious five-star Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel.
Celebrity guests rumoured to have checked into the penthouse suite over the years include Beyonce and Brad Pitt. In 2019, American singer Ariana Grande was evacuated from the penthouse along with other guests due to a fire alarm while she was staying in Glasgow for her tour.
While she filmed the incident and shared it with her millions of Instagram followers, guests waiting outside the hotel happened to spot Sir Billy Connolly who had been enjoying a more under-the-radar stay.
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