TALK: The Radical 1820 War
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Sighthill Cemetery Martyrs Monument
300 Springburn Road, G21 1SE The Radical Wars involved hundreds of people across Glasgow and West Central Scotland. Beside the Monument to those who died or were transported, members of the 1820 Society will tell the story and answer questions.
The unrest lasted from the 1790s until 1820. After the Battle of Bonnymuir John Baird and Andrew Hardie were found guilty of high treason and sentenced to be hanged drawn and quartered. They are buried beneath the Martyrs' Monument. The Sighthill Monument also commemorates James Purlie Wilson from Strathaven, who led a group of Radicals carrying a banner with the slogan Scotland Free or a Desert. He was hanged on Glasgow Green for high treason. The names of nineteen Radicals transported to Australia for their involvement in the Rising are also listed on the Monument. Erected in 1847 under conditions of secrecy, the Monument was restored in recent years by funding from the 1820 Society and Glasgow Council. It is an impressive reminder of these heroic men, and the sacrifices made in the cause of democracy. The 1820 Society exists to carry out research into and educate people about the events of the Radical Wars. These lasted from the 1790s until 1820 and involved hundreds of people across Glasgow and West Central Scotland. After the Battle of Bonnymuir John Baird and Andrew Hardie were found guilty of high treason and sentenced to be hanged drawn and quartered. They are buried beneath the Martyrs' Monument at Sighthill Cemetery. The Monument also commemorates James Purlie Wilson from Strathaven, who led a group of Radicals carrying a banner with the slogan Scotland Free or a Desert. He was hanged on Glasgow Green for high treason. The names of nineteen Radicals transported to Australia for their involvement in the Rising are also listed on the Monument. Erected in 1847 under conditions of secrecy, the Monument was restored in recent years by funding from the 1820 Society and Glasgow Council. It is an impressive reminder of these heroic men, and the sacrifices they made in the cause of democracy. Members of the 1820 Society will give a talk and answer questions about the Scottish Insurrection. Learn more about this under-publicised period of Scottish history. |
Sun 22nd, 2pm; 60 mins
Booking not required Accessibility: Fully accessible - the driveway from Springburn Road through the cemetery up to the monument is about 100 metres and fully accessible for car or wheelchair. The monument itself stands a few metres from the driveway in a grassy area.
Facilities: Refreshments Nearest Train: Barnhill Station Parking: Free Parking available in Sighthll Cemetery's main driveway. |