A model lodging house in Govan, corner of Napier Street and Govan Road, pre-1899. A sign identifies the shop with the ornate windows as the premises of McGovern & Co.
Municipal "Model Lodging Houses" were established in Glasgow in the 1870s to provide superior hostel accommodation for travelling workers and others, who had often had no option in the past but to sleep in overcrowded privately-owned common lodging houses with primitive facilities and hygeine standards. Other burghs followed Glasgow's lead. In 1894 there were three "models" in Govan; in Napier Street, Helen Street and Craigiehall Street. The Napier Street model was Govan's first, and in 1899 it was rebuilt in Clydebrae Street.
Reference: 660.83.170
Reproduced with the permission of Glasgow City Council, Glasgow Museums
Keywords:
Govan Model Lodging House, hostels, McGovern & Co, model lodging houses, models, shops