A link to the much maligned Archibald McLellan (1795-1854)http://gdl.cdlr.strath.ac.uk/mlemen/mlemen060.htmDefence of the Cathedral by the Trades' House in 1579 during the Reformation by David Roberts (1796-1863).Roberts produced this historical image for Scotland Delineated, a magazine published in monthly instalments from 1847 until 1854. It illustrates the story (doubted by some historians) that in 1579 the city magistrates were persuaded by the religious reformer and Principal of the University of Glasgow, Andrew Melville, to pull down the cathedral and use the masonry to build several small churches. Demolition was about to commence when members of the Trades House took up arms and rushed to the defence of the historic building
(click to enlarge)
Undated :
A view of Glasgow Cathedral from the southwest, drawn by Robert Billings in 1847.The Blackadder Aisle can be seen protruding from the south transept. The transepts do not themselves project from the main building, being relatively short, and so do not create the shape of a cross common in most cathedrals. A line of gargoyles provides extra decoration above the windows on both levels.
This would be the first view striking most visitors at the time, on the approach from High Street. Billings describes the experience: "To reach it the traveller has to pass through a line of sordid filthy streets; and its first appearance is not inviting, from the unfortunate predominance of the north-western Tower, or Belfry, the upper portion of which is the work of a comparatively late period."
The north western tower's predominance was not to last, as it was demolished in 1848. The southwest tower, or consistory, had been removed in 1846. This is believed to the only surviving illustration from the years between the demolition of the two western towers
One thing that puzzles me, M'Ure, states that:
within this steeple there were two large bells. The larger one, 11 feet 4 inches in circumference, was rung every day at 8 A.M.; and the lesser one, 8 feet 10 inches in circumference, was rung every night at 10 o'clock.
Now look at the below quote:
The Great Bell
In the steeple of Glasgow is a great bell, which is twelve feet one inch in circumference, and has a grave and deep tone. In 1789, it was accidentally cracked by some persons who got admission to the steeple. It was, therefore, sent to London, and cast anew.
This bell, again cracked, now lies in the cathedral chapter-house. It was replaced in 1896 by a new bell, the gift of John Garroway, Esq., manufacturer in Glasgow.
http://en.allexperts.com/e/s/st/st._mun ... lasgow.htmGiven that:
"M'Ure, who could never have been at the pains of measuring either of these towers, coolly states that the church " hath a session house on the north side, and a consistorial house on the south side thereof the length of each being 30 feet and 50 feet wide."
So either M’Ure had his dodgy tape measure out again when he sized the bell or it grew some 9 inches during the 2nd re-casting process.
John M’Ure (Campbell)
