Built in the Classical Revival Architectural fashion the Necropolis was established by the Merchants' House of Glasgow in 1831 for the burial of the wealthier inhabitants of the surrounding area.

This is the century when the West achieves global dominance. In 1800, the gross domestic product of western Europe is not much more than that of the most prosperous parts of Asia. By 1900, it is more than 10 times greater.

Glasgow drew much of its wealth through trading in tobacco and cotton, then later shipbuilding and steel. It's all gone now. The monuments and the remains of a select few of those involved in the creation of that wealth are here.