Ep 5. Glasgow's Age of Steam

In this episode of Britain's Most Historic Towns, host Professor Alice Roberts takes viewers on a journey through Glasgow's Age of Steam. Glasgow was once known as the Second City of the British Empire and was a key player in the industrial revolution, with its shipbuilding and engineering sectors driving its economy.

Roberts begins by exploring the River Clyde, which played a central role in the city's growth during this period. She visits the Denny Ship Model Experiment Tank, a unique facility that was built in the 1880s to test ship designs. The tank allowed engineers to create accurate models of ships and test their stability and performance before building them full-size. Roberts learns about the important role that shipbuilding played in Glasgow's economy and how it impacted the lives of its people.

Next, Roberts visits the iconic Finnieston Crane, a towering structure that is a testament to Glasgow's industrial heritage. The crane was used to load and unload heavy cargo from ships and was a common sight on the Clyde during the early 20th century. Roberts explores its history and learns about the skills and techniques required to operate such a colossal piece of machinery.

Moving on, Roberts takes a closer look at the city's engineering feats and visits the former site of the Saracen Foundry. The foundry was once the largest engineering works in the world and produced everything from locomotives and naval guns to bridges and cranes. Roberts speaks to experts to understand the impact that this industrial behemoth had on Glasgow and how it helped to shape the city's identity.

The episode also delves into Glasgow's social and cultural history during the Age of Steam. Roberts explores the tenement houses that were a common sight in Glasgow during the period and learns how they were constructed to accommodate the city's growing population. She also visits the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, which was built in the late 1800s and became a symbol of Glasgow's cultural renaissance. Roberts discovers how the city's booming economy allowed for the development of significant cultural institutions like this.

Finally, Roberts explores the darker side of Glasgow's past and learns about the working conditions that many people faced during the Age of Steam. She visits the former site of a cotton mill and speaks to historians to understand the hardships that workers faced, including long hours and dangerous conditions. Roberts uncovers the stories of the workers who fought for better conditions and the role that trade unions played in improving their lives.

Overall, Glasgow's Age of Steam provides a fascinating insight into one of the most important periods in Glasgow's history. Roberts skillfully weaves together the stories of individuals and institutions to paint a vivid picture of the city's growth and development during the industrial revolution.