THE famous "Harvie’s Dyke" was
erected about seventy years ago by Thomas Harvie, then proprietor of
Westburn, for the purpose of blocking up the footpath along the margin of
the Clyde, from Glasgow to Carmyle, which had previously been in
possession of the public from time immemorial. Great indignation was, of
course, excited at the time by the encroachment upon popular rights.
Indignant articles, letters, and pasquinades appeared in the local
journals, and at length, in the summer of 1823, the ire of the citizens
was roused to such a degree that a numerous party, principally composed of
weavers and other operatives from Bridgeton and Parkhead, armed with
pickaxes and crowbars, laid siege to the obnoxious barrier and
levelled it with the dust.
Passing afterwards in triumph to the
opposite extremity of the Westburn estate, which was likewise defended by
a strong wooden palisade, they continued the work of destruction by
setting it on fire. While engaged in this patriotic, though certainly
illegal operation, intelligence was brought to the excited crowd that a
party of dragoons, who had been sent for, were approaching, when an
immediate dispersion ensued. Several of the ringleaders were afterwards
apprehended and sentenced to various periods of imprisonment for their
share in the transaction. The wall was speedily rebuilt, and for several
years thereafter the thoroughfare was completely suspended.
Thanks, however, to the public
spirit of certain gentlemen connected with the city, among whom were the
late Mr. George Rodger, of Barrowfield Printworks, Sandy Rodger, the poet,
and Mr. Adam Ferrie (who subsequently went to Canada), the warfare was
resumed in the courts of law. Subscriptions in support of the popular
cause were liberally forwarded by all classes of citizens; and, after a
lengthened litigation, the case was finally terminated by a decision of
the House of Lords in favour of the right of passage. The estate
afterwards passed into other hands, and as no attempt at let or hindrance
has since been made, the public continue to enjoy the right of passage
along the beautiful bank by which the arable portion of the land is
encompassed.
