Rachel Hamilton

Rachel Hamilton (1829–1899), also known as "Big Rachel", was best known for her role in the Partick Riots of 1875.

Not to be confused with Rachael Hamilton.
Rachel Hamilton
Born1829
Died1899
OccupationLabourer
Known forThe Partick Riots

Early life

Hamilton was born in Ireland, but lived in Partick in Scotland.[1] She was 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighed around 17 stone. She held a variety of unusual jobs including working as a labourer in Tod and MacGregor's shipyard, as a forewoman navvy in the Jordanhill Brickworks and as a farm labourer.[2]

The Partick riots

The Partick Riots took place on the centenary of Daniel O'Connell's birth on 6 August 1875 and lasted for three days. The Irish immigrants decided to celebrate O'Connell's birth with a march and other Glaswegians rose up in protest. Partick's population expanded by over 50% during the 1870s, from 17,700 to 27,400.[3] The centre of what was said to be a major civil disturbance was at Partick Cross.[4] Partick was responsible for its own policing as a police burgh. Hamilton was one of around 30 locals sworn in as special constables, who were responsible for driving the rioters back.[5]

Her story is now included as part of a walking tour run by Glasgow Women's Library that highlights notable local women.[6]

References
  1. "Rachel Hamilton (1829–1899)". Illuminated Letters. 2013-04-29. Retrieved 2017-06-21.
  2. ABACUS, Scott Graham. "TheGlasgowStory: Big Rachel". www.theglasgowstory.com. Retrieved 2017-06-21.
  3. Greenhorne, William (1928) History of Partick 550-1912 p. 154
  4. Inga Brandes (2006). Being poor in modern Europe: historical perspectives 1800-1940. Peter Lang. p. 127. ISBN 978-3-03910-256-3.
  5. "Big Rachel and the battle of Partick Cross". www.scotsman.com. Retrieved 2017-06-21.
  6. "At Large: From Big Rachel to the bombing of the Botanic Gardens". HeraldScotland. Retrieved 2017-06-21.
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