Author: The Hampden Collection

The hardest of working weeks is over. All the preparation and planning will be richly rewarded tonight. The last item is a gift for Emelia, encompassing my heartfelt gratitude for supporting me through these difficult times. I venture to Scotland's first indoor shopping arcade. One of John Baird's finest creations using Parisian style architecture. The … Continue reading Chapter 35 – Evening Delight Awaits →

Our office staff wrap up and stride into the wintry night. Glasgow streets have improved greatly. The Police Board was enacted 4 years ago to acquire and install street lighting. Their speed is awe-inspiring with 10,000 street lights illuminating whichever path you chose across the city. Robert and James, my deputies, come with me to … Continue reading Chapter 34 – The Great Debate →

Moments in life define us. This is a team. We plan, prepare and deliver as one. We win together. We learn together. All eyes bore into the unopened envelope. Emotions have created a thick atmosphere of anticipation.  The envelope is pristine. Gilt edged portraying its importance. I carefully cut through the wax seal and remove … Continue reading Chapter 33 – A Defining Moment →

Snow crunches under my boots. Glasgow’s Street of Hope has a new glistening carpet. I walk into Thomson & French. My place of hopes and dreams. Candles and coal fires are lit. Warmth and light are the world’s most important commodities. Today we find out if our bid is successful. The great guardians of Glasgow’s … Continue reading Chapter 32 – Hopes & Dreams →

A great winter chill has arrived from the East. Additional layers fend off the piercing blades of wind. This day is called Advent. In Latin it means “Coming” and signals the start of celebrations towards Christmas. However there is another event in greater proximity. I hurry along Buchanan Street. The other members of the Sub-Committee … Continue reading Chapter 31 – Winter Is Coming →

The first rule of this club reads “provide recreation and amusement to all of its members”. Our annual review was delivered at our Committee Meeting. Recreation is abundant. Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturday nights are consumed with practice and exercise. Formal matches are rare however our practice matches are played with unshakable regularity. Several formats promote … Continue reading Chapter 30 – Amusement and Recreation →

My wife Emelia rises early. We have hardly slept. Arabella, our daughter, was up most of the night waking her two brothers constantly. Her distress is a real concern. Eyes heavily laden I guiltily head to work.  Glasgow is a tumultuous city. On a high, it’s buzzing with roaring industry and pulses with invention. On … Continue reading Chapter 29 – An Unrivalled Experience →

London, 20 November 1870 Dearest friend, I am so glad that you alerted me to the great game. I headed to the match at Kennington Oval, a cricket ground established in 1845 and the venue for this fascinating contest. Alcock captained the English side and your friend Robert duly took his place in the Scottish … Continue reading Chapter 28 – Letter From London →

Our cartography business is prospering. Established in 1861, Thompson & French is growing like the great Glaschu. 50 years ago Glasgow had a population of some 200,000 souls. The velocity of change is staggering and is nearing 500,000 at the last count. This human expansion provides the beating heart of the city.  Glasgow claims to … Continue reading Chapter 27 – The Great Opposition →

Robert Smith is requested to be Queens Park FC’s sole representative in the upcoming match against England. He is one of my great friends and I cannot talk about him more proudly. A man of great ambition, who confidently strode off for London last year to make his new path. A fearsome forward player and … Continue reading Chapter 26 – The Brothers Smith →