Thomas Carlyle Statue
Our first location is right here at the Thomas Carlyle Statue.
Thomas Carlyle was born in Galloway, Scotland and was a famous philosopher, writer and historian. He actually attended the University of Edinburgh and from 1823 onwards he published for various different magazines. His writing became widely known after the publication of The French Revolution in 1837. I personally will leave this short biography here, because in Carlyle’s Will it states, in reference to a biography, 'I had really rather that there should be none'. So my apologies that I had the cheek to tell you all a little about him.
The Cache
Take a note of the date on the statue... 17EA - 188F.
We are now going to pop down to see The Bandstand (N 55° 52.170 W 004° 17.160).
The Bandstand
The bandstand was built in 1924 and designed by James Miller. It was a popular location for outdoor music until it became neglected and vandalised around 1995. Many Scottish bands and musicians such as Belle & Sebastian, Franz Ferdinand, and Horse expressed support for the restoration of Kelvingrove Park's Bandstand. In April 2012 the Scottish Parliament provided a £245,000 building repair grant for the restoration of the bandstand. When this cache was created there had been no visible work done. However, it has now been done up and is looking quite impressive. It re-opened in May 2014.
The Cache
Next to the Bandstand is an unmarked building. This is one of the last remaining Public Toilets in Glasgow.
Count the number of rectangular windows between the doors. This will be G.
We are now going to visit one of the most famous statues in the park, this is the statue dedicated to Lord Kelvin (N 55° 52.178 W 004° 17.225) where there are some excellent views of the Kelvingrove Art Gallery.
Lord Kelvin Statue
William Thomson was born in Belfast, Ireland in 1824. However moved to Glasgow at a young age and started his studies at the University of Glasgow aged just ten. He is well known for his work in the mathematical analysis of electricity and formulation of the first and second laws of thermodynamics. However, his most famed achievement is arguably the discovery of absolute zero, at -273.15 Celsius. Due to this achievement absolute temperatures are stated in units of Kelvin in recognition of his discovery. On his ennoblement in 1892, in honour of his achievements in thermodynamics, he choose the title of Lord Kelvin after the name of the river which flowed close to his office at the university.
The Cache
How many letters are beneath the Kelvin statue? This will be J.
How many numbers are beneath the Kelvin statue? This will be C.
We are now going to take a very short walk to visit Lord Kelvin’s closest friend, in the statue world, Joseph Lister (N 55° 52.165 W 004° 17.266). From here you can take a very nice photo of Glasgow University to the north of you.
Joseph Lister Statue
Joseph Lister was born in England in 1827, and trained as a doctor at University College London. In 1854 Lister moved to Edinburgh to become a surgeon's assistant. It was here that he first became interested in the study of antiseptics. Later, while working at the Glasgow Royal Infirmary, he promoted the idea of sterile surgery and it is for this that he is best known. Lister successfully introduced carbolic acid (now known as phenol) to sterilise surgical instruments and to clean wounds, which led to a reduction in post-operative infections and made surgery safer for patients.
The Cache
How many snakes are above Lister's name? This will be B.
We are now going to cross the River Kelvin and visit the Stewart Memorial Fountain (N 55° 52.086 W 004° 17.034). Before you do so you may want to take a picture of the modern sculpture, The Islamist, which is located a couple of steps south west of where you are. I know nothing about this statue so if anyone can share some information I would appreciate it.
If you cross the bridge on Kelvin Way you can take some nice photos of Kelvingrove Art Gallery to your west. You can also see some of the most expensive houses in Glasgow to your east. When you re-enter the park en route to the fountain you will also pass the Kelvingrove Skate Park which never ever seems to be empty. Ever.
Stewart Memorial Fountain
The Stewart Memorial Fountain was built to commemorate Lord Provost Robert Stewart (1851–1854) and his achievement of providing the city with fresh water from Loch Katrine. It is built of granite, sandstone, marble and bronze, features imagery of the Trossachs, and is topped by a figure of Sir Walter Scott's Lady of the Lake. You will need to look on the ground to find the information on plaques.
One of the plaques was unveiled by the Right Honourable The Lord Provost Councillor Bob Winter on 14th October 200?. This is I.
Another plaque tells us that it was commissioned by the Glasgow City Council in 18HD at a cost of £2000.
Now let’s go get the cache!
The Cache
The cache can be found in another lovely part of the park at
N 55 AB. CDE
W 004 FG. HIJ
Here’s hoping you have enjoyed your little tour of Kelvingrove Park.