IN 1765 the Magistrates of Glasgow issued an order to the effect that from henceforth "carts, loaden or unloaden," were to be prevented from passing over the Old Bridge. Only foot-passengers, and "gentlemen and others in coaches and chaises," were to be allowed the privilege of transit by the bridge. This decree, doubtless caused by the condition of disrepair into which the bridge had been allowed to fall, naturally gave great offence to the people of Rutherglen, as it prevented all access to Glasgow with common carts, except by Dalmarnock Ford, or by the Horse Ford above the Old Bridge. The result was that they determined to have a bridge of their own, which would render them independent of the Glasgow Magistrates; and in 1776 the bridge which extends across the Clyde at the eastern extremity of the Green, between the lands of Barrowfield and Shawfield, was erected. In honour of the new bridge the lands on the north side of the river were called Bridgeton. The expense of its construction was only £1800, of which about £1000 was contributed by the inhabitants of Rutherglen. This was certainly not an extravagant sum to pay for a bridge which has now served its purpose for more than a hundred years. At low water, however, there are grievous flaws to be seen in its parapets, and before many years go by it will doubtless give place to another structure. The Clyde between Rutherglen and Dalmarnock Bridges was at one time a favourite haunt of the angler. It used to swarm with par and smolt. So late even as the summer of the present year (1884), the writer beheld two ancient disciples of Izaak Walton plying their craft below Rutherglen Bridge. On inquiry, however, it turned out that they did not anticipate the landing of anything above the dignity of a braise.

Allan's Pen was the name given to an arch which the proprietor of the adjoining mansion erected over the public footpath leading to the bridge, so as to connect his grounds with the river, thereby making a dark tunnel of the footpath. This innovation was successfully opposed by the people of Rutherglen, and the footpath remains open.

It was on that portion of the Green which immediately adjoins the bridge that Prince Charles Edward reviewed his troops on the occasion of his visit to Glasgow in the winter of 1745, when returning from his ill-fated expedition into England. "We marched," says a narrator of the scene who also took part in it, "with drums beating, colours flying, bagpipes playing, and all the marks of a triumphant army to the appointed ground, attended by multitudes of people who had come from all parts to see us, and especially the ladies, who, although formerly much against us, were changed by the sight of the Prince into the most enthusiastic loyalty." The Young Chevalier's visit to Glasgow cost the citizens altogether upwards of œ15,000, which was exacted from them in goods and money. On application of the Magistrates to Parliament they received œ10,000 as remuneration for the losses they had sustained during the rebellion.