Knox's painting is a view of Glasgow's grandest city centre street shortly before the changes wrought by the industrial revolution. Glasgow Cross is where the four main streets of the medieval city meet, and the principal feature is the old Tolbooth (prison) tower. Running westwards from here is Trongate, with the Tolbooth followed by the arcaded Tontine Building, where the city's merchants were privileged to meet. The statue of King William III on horseback was placed here in 1735 (moved to Cathedral Square in the 1920s). Farther away on the left is the Tron Church steeple. As well as a topographical record of the architecture, Knox paints a significant document of social history and street life. Many trades are present, and some individuals can be identified.