A group of Flemish weavers were brought to the area in the 19th century by the landowners, the Maxwells of Pollok, on account of their exceptional weaving skills.

The site of the school was previously donated by local philanthropic landowner Sir John Stirling Maxwell, after whom it was named.

[25] The school was closed in June 2011 and despite local pressure and campaigns the building was allowed to rot and stood derelict for some years.

[26][27] It was demolished in 2023 after being deemed structurally unsafe beyond repair, with the council promising to save and re-use some of its features in a future project.

The Pollokshaws Burgh Charter empowered the council to hold courts for the trial both of civil actions and criminal offences.

After the 1912 annexation of Pollokshaws Burgh to the City of Glasgow, most of the Town House was demolished and only a public campaign managed to save the remaining Clock Tower.

On the club's centenary, the clubhouse and greens moved into Pollok Park rent free thanks to Sir John Stirling Maxwell.

The races initially developed in conjunction with the local holiday, the Pollokshaws Fair, and were viewed more as an excuse for drinking and socialising rather than a serious sporting event.