Author: The Hampden Collection

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 →

On the way out we pass the Clock Tower with its 4-sided face: the largest in the world. “They call the Great Bell, Big Ben”, said George. The big hand ticks onto XII and the Clock Tower explodes into a symphony of sixteen chimes. Big Ben ends the cacophony of noise with twelve thunderous tolls … Continue reading Chapter 70 – England v Scotland →

“John Hampden,”, said George, “was a leading parliamentarian at the centre of the English revolution. In 1637, he stood trial for refusing to pay ‘Ship Money’, a tax levied by the Monarch on the people, without Parliament consent, to build the Royal Navy. Hampden became a national hero for standing up to the King.” ”Five … Continue reading Chapter 69 – The Noblest Parliamentarian →

The Great Northern Railway provides comfortable transportation for my adventure to London. Furthermore, I have twelve editions of ‘The Boys Journal’ containing Jules Verne’s new serial, ’Journey to the Centre of the Earth’, to keep me amused. The train enters London’s Kings Cross, where smoke darkens the sky, sweeping me back to the scene of … Continue reading Chapter 68 – Palaces of Westminster →

James Hogg and I board the 8am Edinburgh train, providing two hours briefing on the Dean of Guild Contract.  “I have let the team proceed with minimal supervision from me.”, admits James. “This is a tough test, whilst setting up the Edinburgh office.” “James, why do you think I have given you this?”, I asked. … Continue reading Chapter 67 – Our Insurance Policy →

I pull on corduroy trousers, fasten my waistcoat and wool cutaway jacket. The red silk lining is particularly comforting. My pocket watch is tucked in carefully and finish my football spectator’s outfit with a wool cap.  There is a bark behind me.  “As if I would go without you?”, I said to Swissy. “Remember your … Continue reading Chapter 66 – Southern Football Club →