The area of Anderston lies to the west of todays commercial centre. It was once a small village conceived by the Anderson family around 1725. It began close to the Gushet farm, which became Anderston Cross and today is the site of the expressway bridge crossing the River Clyde. Ownership of the area changed in 1735 when it was taken over by John Orr a local landowner.

In those days Anderston had bleachfields down by the river and Mains St. consisted of weavers cottages along both sides. As business and trade increased so did the look of Anderston. Finnieston, a nearby village was established in 1768 and soon a busy community was growing up. Other industries grew alongside the weaving including engineering, brewing and glassmaking. This caused large Irish immigrant populations to move in.