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Digging the Dyke: Radical Community Archaeology Project

In the early 1820s, wealthy Glasgow distiller Thomas ‘Lang Tam’ Harvie bought Westthorn estate in Dalmarnock and built huge walls around his property. One, Harvie’s Dyke, ran to the Clyde, blocking a long-established public pathway along the riverbank.

On Midsummer’s Eve 1823, a crowd from surrounding villages gathered to tear down the hated wall. Their actions sparked a six-year struggle, culminating in a landmark House of Lords ruling that defended and defined rights to public pathways.

Incredibly, a large section of the western wall survives at Thorndyke Lane. Funded by Calton and Shettleston Local Area Partnership, this project brings together historian Professor Christopher Whatley, author of a recent book on the protests, Glasgow Building Preservation Trust and Archaeology Scotland.

Working with local young people, the team will record the surviving remains and search for evidence of the eastern wall and Harvie’s notorious ‘watchtower’, which he armed with live cannons. Alongside the archaeology, there are plenty of other free events and activities on offer.

OPEN DAYS

Come along to the excavations and survey at Harvie’s Dyke, chat to the archaeologists and get a chance to handle some 1800s artefacts. No booking required.

Please note that this event is not being coordinated by Dig It!. While Dig It! takes every opportunity to ensure that this information is accurate, we advise that you contact the event organiser before attending the event to avoid disappointment. As “39% of transport emissions come from cars” according to Net Zero Nation, Dig It! also encourages you to walk, wheel, cycle or use public transport to arrive at this event if possible.

Accessibility Information

Harvie’s Dyke is at the bottom of Thorndyke Lane, just off London Road.

The dig site is around 300m southeast along the Clyde Walkway, about a 15-minute walk from Dalmarnock Station.

Regular buses run along London Road. From Glasgow Green, it is approximately a 15-minute cycle or 45-minute walk along the Clyde Walkway.

For accessibility information, please contact info@archaeologyscotland.org.uk.

More Info