Originally the city's main street in medieval times, it formed a direct north–south artery between the Cathedral of St. Mungo (later Glasgow Cathedral) in the north, to Glasgow Cross and the banks of the River Clyde. The High Street now stops at Glasgow Cross, with the southern continuation being the Saltmarket.

It was the cities main street in medieval times, leading from Glasgow Cathedral down past the cross and to the banks of the River Clyde - in the modern day High Street now stops at Glasgow Cross before becoming Saltmarket leading south to the Clyde. It still holds significance today as the boundary between the city centre and the east end.

The exact age of High Street is difficult to determine, as there are few records that date back to its earliest days. However, it is believed that the street was established in the 12th century, during the reign of King David I. At this time, Glasgow was a small town, and High Street was one of its main thoroughfares.