- English
- ePUB (mobile friendly)
- Available on iOS & Android
About this book
In the early 1820s, Thomas Harvie, a newly rich, arrogant Glasgow distiller, bought Westthorn estate on the eastern edge of the city close to the north bank of the River Clyde. To establish the bounds of his property and keep out intruders, he erected two walls, the larger of which ('Harvie's Dyke') was massive, fortified and blocked a long-established pathway alongside the river. Colliers and other workers from nearby villages (many of whom regularly used the walkway) were outraged. A large crowd gathered on midsummer's evening in 1823 and set about demolishing the wall. After a cavalry charge put an end to the disturbance, dozens of the rioters were arrested and some imprisoned.
But Harvie rebuilt his walls, and a six-year struggle with the people of Glasgow ensued, which resulted in a House of Lords ruling in 1828 in favour of those who had campaigned for 'the liberties of the banks of the Clyde'. The episode gripped the city and was heralded in poems, song and newspapers for many decades. It also inspired later protests against landowners who attempted to obstruct public rights of way. This book is testimony to a triumphant victory for ordinary Glaswegians over an uncompromising estate proprietor.
Frequently asked questions
- Essential is ideal for learners and professionals who enjoy exploring a wide range of subjects. Access the Essential Library with 800,000+ trusted titles and best-sellers across business, personal growth, and the humanities. Includes unlimited reading time and Standard Read Aloud voice.
- Complete: Perfect for advanced learners and researchers needing full, unrestricted access. Unlock 1.4M+ books across hundreds of subjects, including academic and specialized titles. The Complete Plan also includes advanced features like Premium Read Aloud and Research Assistant.
Please note we cannot support devices running on iOS 13 and Android 7 or earlier. Learn more about using the app.
Information
Table of contents
- Cover
- Title
- Copyright
- Contents
- List of Plates
- Preface: Pride Comes Before a Fall
- Acknowledgements
- 1 Drumming up a Storm: Early Summer 1823
- 2 ‘A Very Unpleasant Business’: The Assault on Harvie’s Walls
- 3 Who, How and Why: Interrogating the Harvie’s Dyke Protesters
- 4 Taking on Goliath: Courtroom Contests – Glasgow and Edinburgh to the House of Lords
- 5 ‘Poor Tammie’s Done, Now That’s the Fun / And So My Song I’ll End It’
- Conclusion: Memory, Legacy and the Historians
- Appendix: What to See Today
- Notes
- Bibliography
- Index