Author: The Hampden Collection

“Can you stop thinking about Queen’s Park for one moment?” said Anne, glowing red and grabbing back the Lennox Herald.I immediately compose myself, “Read on, Anne.”Anne shuffles in her chair, straightens her back and reads aloud, “At a meeting of young men, held on Tuesday evening 20th August, a foot-ball club was formed here. A … Continue reading Chapter 229 – Vale of Leven →

Agnes hands me the Glasgow Herald at breakfast the following morning, where the opening article is entitled: 'Inauguration of the Tramway System in Glasgow'."The tramway opened for public use, and the excitement during the entire day was extraordinary. At each station, there was a rush to gain seats.", I said, reading the article aloud."The final … Continue reading Chapter 228 – Anne Armstrong Elliot →

The tram pulls into the Cambridge Street Depot, and everyone gathers at the lead tramcar, where the Lord Provost ascends its steps. I look around at the gathering, and Mary, Margaret and Ann of Thompson & French, stand out amongst Glasgow's gentry."The world changes today.", I whispered into Mary's ear."Every day, we change it.", said … Continue reading Chapter 227 – Changing the world →

Our tram traverses the Clutha, with its usual hive of activity as Scotland's busiest waterway. On top of an open-top tram smoothly gliding along new rails, the views up the river are an absolute pleasure."This tramway is genius, linking Glasgow's West End with the two central stations in the city, Caledonian Railway Station in Cowcaddens, … Continue reading Chapter 226 – Glasgow’s New Artery →

The journey begins at five minutes to noon, when there is a loud cheer from the assembled masses. The seven trams are each pulled by four horses, three abreast with one in front, under the guidance of their immaculately dressed postilion in uniform. The postilion’s entire job is controlling speed, with only one direction possible … Continue reading Chapter 225 – Glasgow’s Tram Experience →

The tram is bustling with noise from my excited Thompson & French staff. Everyone from the upper deck makes their way down, standing on the stairwell, craning to hear what I have to say. I quickly rehearse my speech in my head while the chatter dampens. My talks have become legendary within the ranks of … Continue reading Chapter 224 – Persistence Dies Trying →

I make my way toward Henry Carey and Edward Fortis. "Gentlemen, you look surprised.""We'll let you have your final, small victory.", said Henry Carey, cutting the air with an upper-class swipe of indignation."Have you considered our proposal?" asked Edward Fortis."I am intrigued you were unable to deliver your ultimatum?"Edward and Henry start laughing. "We both … Continue reading Chapter 223 – Advertising Glasgow’s Finest →

Mary and I make our way through the crowds. The Lord Provost, Magistrates, and Town Councillors are next to meet and greet.I spot Henry Carey and Edward Fortis manoeuvring their way to the front. “Mary, time to move.”We briskly move to the front, ahead of the bustling Englishmen. Mary turns around and gives them a … Continue reading Chapter 222 – Lord Provost’s Blessing →

The carriage stops on the corner of Shamrock Street and St George’s Road. Mary and I disembark, “Start in a lucky street.”, said David, reaching down to shake my hand, acknowledging his Irish ancestry.There is no emotion within my exhausted veins; however, this symbolic gesture provides a welcome boost.We walk towards the large crowd. “Who … Continue reading Chapter 221 – Dreams Drive Destiny →

My hallway clock strikes seven times, and I breathe deeply, releasing my stomach’s nervousness. Two years, ten days ago, Parliament passed the Tramways Act 1870, and today, Monday 19th August 1872, Glasgow’s streets will change forever.The last nine days resembled bedlam. The day after the funerals, we mustered a broken workforce, rolled up our sleeves, … Continue reading Chapter 220 – End of Beginning →