01 April 2021
|
On 1 April 1820, the proclamation that sparked the Radical War in Glasgow was issued. ...
The proclamation which would spark the Radical War in Glasgow was issued on 1 April 1820. The uprising was led by the weavers of Glasgow who demanded reform following a period of economic unrest.
Leaders of the uprising placed placards around Glasgow on the evening of 1 April, calling for a national strike, and by 3 April, around 60,000 people had ceased work.
Before the strike could progress, the Radicals were inflitrated by government spies and the ringleaders - Andrew Hardie and John Baird - were executed. Another nineteen men were transported to New South Wales and were finally granted an absolute pardon in 1835.
Subscribe to History Scotland magazine today and receive your first 2 issues for just £2! Enjoy Scottish history at home and have your magazine delivered straight to your door while saving money. Click here to claim this offer.
The image shows a monument to Hardie and Baird, at the Tolbooth in Stirling - copyright Kim Traynor.