The Radical Wars of 1787-1820

The Radical Wars started in Glasgow in 1787 with the first organised strike in UK history and went on until the Scottish Uprising and the Battle of Bonnymuir in 1820. The aims were political as well as economic reform. Thousands of men and women were involved in skirmishes, anti-conscription riots and illegal strikes throughout Scotland from Aberdeenshire to Dumfries and right across the Central Belt. Para-military armies were raised on both sides. Two castles were stormed and there was at least one massacre. 88 men were charged with high treason. There were secret trials with judges and lawyers brought up from England, resulting in hangings, beheadings and transportations to Botany Bay. The story of the Radical Wars was suppressed at the time and is now largely forgotten. This is an important part of your own history. Come and see the images and hear the tale as told by a member of the 1820 Society.