Author: The Hampden Collection

“And now there are eleven.”, I said, turning to face Mary, who always makes an entrance.“I hand-delivered the letters and explained our situation.”, said Mary.“Thanks. And their reaction?”“Your biggest clients are reasonable and will wait. Others are disgruntled and are moving to Carey & Fortis.”Underneath my skin, I could feel my blood boil, and my … Continue reading Chapter 195 – Challenge Into Opportunity →

"We must continue all essential work and put all non-essential work on hold.", I said to my assembled team.I turn to Charles, our recently appointed Lawyer, "How can we excuse ourselves from our contractual commitments?"Charles finished top of his class at Edinburgh Law School, "There is a new legal term, which recently entered English civil … Continue reading Chapter 194 – Act of God →

I stand in the middle of my Thompson & French team, and it reminds me of those football matches, where our Captain gathers us and restates our mission. I signal Margaret Scott to stand beside me.“Everyone, I have distressing news. Robert is seriously ill with Fever, and one-third of our staff are sick. The male … Continue reading Chapter 193 – The Team game →

My carriage awaits in front of the Berkeley Street Tenement, with David Mackintosh opening the doors.“David, for once, I will be your coachman. Robert is sick, a third of my workforce are not leaving this building until they are well, and in the meantime I will take back the Glasgow Office’s reigns.”David nods, hands me … Continue reading Chapter 192 – Devotion, Occupation, Vocation →

I walk up to Mrs Struth's top flat. This beautiful tenement building is immaculate under Mrs Struth's regimental cleaning regime, ensuring no speck of dust, stain, or blemish exists on the staircase. Above the top flat's door, a sign reads, 'Cleanness of body was ever esteemed to proceed from a due reverence to God, to … Continue reading Chapter 191 – Fever Stops All →

I knock on the door of the first flat in the tenement block, and Hugh Hudson answers with a troubled face. “What’s wrong?” I ask.“Robert is sick. He has a fever.”, said Hugh.My stomach sinks, “Has the doctor examined him?”“Yes. Mrs Struth sent for him immediately, and he prescribed everything possible. Only time will tell.”Mrs … Continue reading Chapter 190 – Sickness and worry →

The Committee disperse, and I ask Archibald Rae, our Secretary, “What teams are you inviting?”“The Glasgow teams: Thistle, Granville, Clydesdale, Drumbreck and Southern. I will post the letters tomorrow.”, said Archibald.“You are missing one. Please invite the young men of Rangers.”, I said, remembering the score I have to settle with young Moses McNeil.Archibald looks … Continue reading chapter 189 – Games Are On →

In true Queens Park style, we elect a sub-committee to organise our first Athletics Festival, and Robert Smith is elected chair. We meet at Dick’s Bar to commence the process.“We started here five years ago. From humble athletic pursuits, we have grown into Scotland’s leading light on the football field. Athletics is an excellent way … Continue reading Chapter 188 – Preparation, Planning, Process →

Following incredible ingenuity, persistence and enjoyment, we are celebrating our fifth year of existence. We have thrived for eighteen hundred and twenty-seven days, establishing a club playing in Scotland and England and leading the organisation of the first international football association match. We are following the lead of our Scottish rugby brethren, who organised the … Continue reading Chapter 187 – Club Foundation Stones →

The first rays of Glasgow summer pierce through the window, illuminating my diary, which states Sunday, 30th June 1872. I close the journal and pick up the letter from Islay. Emelia is a wondrous wordsmith, and the letter contains all the stories from the last three weeks since I left. The children are happy, playing … Continue reading Chapter 186 – Committee and Constitution →