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Streets of Bridgeton/Calton
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Abercromby Street - Calton
Graveyard
page 2 of 3
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The auld Calton
Cemetery, holds the remains of three weavers shot down by the military in 1787,
striking for a decent wage following a slump in the cotton trade and a
reduction in their wages.
Although the strikers had resolved "not to offer violence to any man or
his work", the arrival of Glasgow's 39th military regiment caused fear
and consternation among the many strikers and supporters, and following an
attempt to arrest the striker leaders, the the Magistrate, Sheriff and Lord
Provost were pelted with stones, which led to the order that the military
fire direct into the crowd.
This lead to the death of three male weavers with three others mortally
wounded, following which there were mass arrests, whippings, deportation and
jailing of many suspected of involvement in the strike.
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............ on the side wall is a monument which states:
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"This is the property of THE WEAVING BODY under charge of the five
districts of Calton, erected by them in memory of ...... John Page......Alexander Miller.....and James
Ainsley."
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 Dec.2002
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These memorial stones were renovated by the Glasgow Trades Council and re
dedicated by an assembly of trade union delegates on the 27th June 1931to the
memory of the martyred members named on the adjacent stone. And also to the
memory of those named for their Trade Union activities and zeal for for the
welfare of their fellow members.
"They though dead emulate them.
We'll never swerve, we'll steadfast be, well have our rights, we will be
free.
They are unworthy of freedom who expect it from hands other than their
own."
The monument is further dated 1957 when an additional piece of renovation
was completed. This in my opinion is a significant part of the Bridgeton and
Caltons trade union history which should not be forgotten.
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| my thanks tae Glesga Pal Ronnie McPhee for contributions
towards this webpage |
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