Author: The Hampden Collection

I stand in the yard of my Print Works and check my pocket watch, which reveals precisely 8 o’clock. The gate opens and Alexander Campbell, my Print Works Manager, marches in.  “Good morning, Alexander”, I said. The look on the man’s face remains steadfast. “I always believe a surprise visit reveals all. Don’t you think?” … Continue reading Chapter 80 – Print Works Inspection →

Dawn. How often are you awake for it? This beautiful uncontrollable event happens every day of your life and convinces you the world is still spinning. This morning’s sun is particularly warm and invigorating, as I stand on the top of Camp Hill, where the City sleeps beneath me. The Campsies are Glasgow's white northern … Continue reading Chapter 79 – Dawn, Glasgow, 1872 →

I head upstairs to the bedrooms, escorting, Arabella, Lewis and Adair, to their room.  “Read us the last chapter again?” they all chorus.  Charles’ Dickens work is explored once more and I finish with Tiny Tim’s immortal words, “God bless Us, Every One!” I head downstairs to the hall, where Emelia has gathered the guests. … Continue reading Chapter 78 – Hogmanay Dinner Party →

Our grandfather clock strikes eight times, waking me from my gentle slumber. I am extremely excited, as tonight we celebrate the coming of 1872.  I head to the kitchen and find Agnes, our Housekeeper, hard at work preparing our sumptuous feast for this evening.  “The joints of meat are prepared for roasting, well-stuffed turkeys are … Continue reading Chapter 77 – The Whisky Man →

Henry Smith, Club President, stands proudly with his team, facing James Smith, Club Captain, where I, and his band of men, stand ready for the final interclub game of 1871. This is particularly poignant, as James is heading to London, following in his brother’s footsteps, where I am sure he will continue to serve Queens … Continue reading Chapter 76 – Captain v President →

Robert’s abundant ambition, creativity and arrogance lead to regular frustration at the way the world currently works. He sees the guardians of the world’s boundaries, authority and control, as unnecessary evils. Every so often, these boundaries are dropped, and today is one of those days. Robert triumphantly rolls out the large map and his eyes … Continue reading Chapter 75 – A Powerful Combination →

When I return upstairs, I ask Robert into the Office. “By September we completed a detailed map of the 2¼ mile route from St George’s Road to Eglinton Toll. The Town Council was most impressed and proudly displayed it at their first ceremony.”, said Robert Robert shows me the map and points to the junction … Continue reading Chapter 74 – Glasgow Street Tramways →

I disembark at Caledonian Railway’s Southside Station, situated in the Gorbals. A thirty-minute walk, to and from the station, forms part of my daily work routine, regardless of weather conditions. I cross Glasgow Bridge, proceed along Jamaica Street and Alston Street, arriving on Gordon Street. A right turn takes me to Thompson & French’s Head … Continue reading Chapter 73 – Vault of Dreams →

The elegant lady takes back her handkerchief graciously.  “Parlez-vous Anglais?”, George asks using up his entire French vocabulary in an instant. “Yes, I do. My name is Emeline Margaux Fontaine. Pleased to meet you.”  We introduce ourselves to Emeline, although she announces she is in quite a rush and must be going. We are left … Continue reading Chapter 72 – Emeline Margaux Fontaine →

Whilst watching the game kick-off, I explain to George the first match held on 5 March 1870. “Robert Crawford scored Scotland’s first goal due to a tactical blunder by England, where they moved their goalkeeper upfield. However Alfred Baker equalised in the last minute to record a draw.”, I said. We focus on today’s game … Continue reading Chapter 71 – Football In Focus →