There is evidence of mining at the colliery from the early 18th century, at this point owned by the Rae family. The Govan Colliery was situated just east of Cathcart Road, between what is now Calder Street and Allison Street. Industrial Expansion: Sparks and Blazes at Fireworks Village However, the story of Govanhill really begins just a short distance to the east of the village, at the Govan Colliery and in Fireworks Village. John Wood’s map, made in 1822 shows a tiny settlement called Govan Hill, just a cottage or two, on or below the southern slope of the hill, close to where Holy Cross Primary school is now. Batson and Hollybrook Street sit higher than surrounding streets and viewed from Polmadie, the land clearly rises towards present-day Govanhill. It’s difficult to identify the contours of the hill today because it has been reduced and levelled and built on so much over the years. The highest point of the hill was probably around the north end of Batson Street. While no longer prominent, the Roy Military Survey of 1745 indicates this hill was just east of Cathcart Road, the northern edge ran along what would become Aitkenhead Road, the southern edge was close to Calder Street and in the east, the hill sloped towards Polmadie. The village no doubt took its name from a prominent hill Govan Hill. All maps reproduced by kind permission of the National Library of Scotland
