Glasgow Green is the city's oldest park. Indeed it was in 1450 that the lands were gifted to the people of Glasgow for the purpose of "common grazing." Later on the Green was then used fro traditional "scotch washing" (i.e. tramping washing in large tubs!).
The Green has also been an important political venue. Over the centuries workers have gathered her on many an occasion to protest about injustice and to demand change. In the early 1830's there were massive demonstrations associated with the Reform Bill. Later the suffragettes used to assemble on these open spaces. And it was on the Green that, up to his untimely death in 1923, that John Maclean addressed crowds about the evils of war and the need for socialism.
It is fitting then that on the Green we also find the People's Palace. Built in 1898, it's a museum that pays tribute to the working people of Glasgow.. Inside displays deal with poverty, with health, with housing and with the world of work.
My favourite piece in the Palace is a desk that John Maclean bought in 1915. It is littered with pamphlets and it's at this desk that Maclean wrote some of his most memorable polemics.
The Green is always open. For Palace opening times call 0141 271 2951.
The right of Free Assembly on the Green was granted by one of the early Stewart Kings. This right was destroyed by Labour's Public Order Acts, which is against Article 11 of the EU Human Rights Charter.
Elspeth King and Michael Donnolly built up the Museum and had to reapply for their jobs by Pat Lalley, Labour, and were made redundant. Elspeth built up the Smith Museum in Stirling and recently retired.