The Sunday Spotlight - Discover Glasgow’s Hidden History at Ramshorn Graveyard: Free Tours to Begin This Summer
A Walk Through Time in the Merchant City
EXCLUSIVE by Gary Fanning
Nestled in the heart of Glasgow’s Merchant City, the Ramshorn Graveyard has remained a quiet but crucial witness to the city’s history.
It’s easy to walk past without giving it much thought, but this burial ground, which dates back to 1719, holds the final resting place of many of Glasgow’s most influential figures form the city’s early economic boom.
But this summer, Glasgow’s Ramshorn Graveyard will open its gates to the public in a way it hasn’t before.
Visitors will be able to take guided tours around this hidden historical gem in the heart of the Merchant City.
Operated by the Friends of Ramshorn Graveyard, these free tours (donations only) will delve into the stories of some of the city’s most fascinating figures, all while raising awareness of this often overlooked site.
A Place Steeped in History
Located on Ingram Street, the Ramshorn Graveyard predates the famous Glasgow Necropolis by over a century.
The graveyard has been the final resting place of many notable figures who helped shape the city’s early economic development.
It is also home to a wealth of fascinating, lesser-known stories that David Hughes, Chairman of the Friends of Ramshorn Graveyard, is eager to share as the new tour guide.
“Many pass by and don’t know anything about it, or probably haven’t been in it. Yet it probably reflects the early economic development of Glasgow,” says David who is passionate about unveiling the forgotten stories. “There’s a lot of interesting characters in there.”
Fascinating Figures of the Past
As David points out, the graveyard houses the remains of influential people who helped shape Glasgow’s rise as an industrial powerhouse.
John Anderson, founder of Anderson College that eventually became Strathclyde University, rests here, alongside David Dale, the philanthropist who established the New Lanark Mills, the Foulis Brothers who opened the Royal Academy of Fine Arts along with the university in the High Street, and Andrew Buchanan, a key figure behind Buchanan Street. And Archibald Ingram, of Ingram Street, a tobacco merchant.
“There are lots of tobacco merchants buried in there,” David continues. “And just as quickly as they could make a fortune, they could easily go bankrupt too, depending on their ships, the weather, or the wars.
“There are quirky characters too,” David mentions the tale of Pierre Emile L’Angelier, who met a tragic end in the notorious Madeline Smith murder case. “People often say, ‘I remember reading that story’, he adds.
The Resurrectionists and the Gruesome History of Body Snatching
One of the most intriguing—and dark—stories associated with the graveyard is the tale of the ‘body snatchers’ or resurrectionists, who famously stole corpses from the graveyard to supply medical schools with bodies for dissection in the early 1800s
Medical students at Glasgow University needed bodies for their anatomical studies, and the practice of body snatching became rampant.
David explains: “One of the only cases that went to court was a body stolen from the Ramshorn Graveyard—the body of Mrs McAlister. There was a lot of unrest, and the case was brought before court, but they couldn’t prove anything. It was part of a much larger issue in the city at the time.”
This eerie aspect of Glasgow’s past ties directly to the graveyard and offers an unsettling glimpse into the world of early medical science.
Moses Stevens is buried there. He donated his entire estate to his son, also called Moses Stephen, who was fatherless and after his death he donated all the land to the council which is today Bellahouston Park and Haggs Castle Golf Course.
The Ramshorn Graveyard Today
Although the graveyard has long been a site of rest, it is now opening its gates to the public in a new way, thanks to the efforts of the Friends of Ramshorn Graveyard.
Starting in June, David will be offering free tours of the graveyard, giving visitors a chance to walk in the footsteps of Glasgow’s merchants and discover the hidden history beneath their feet.
“Our goal is to raise awareness of this fascinating site,” David says. “We’ll be offering tours every week through the summer months, with donations only. It’s a great opportunity to discover a part of Glasgow’s history that is often overlooked.”
Glasgow’s Hidden Oasis: A Place for Reflection
The Ramshorn Graveyard is not just a place of history—it’s a tranquil oasis in the midst of an urban landscape. “It’s a quiet space, tucked away in the middle of the city,” David adds. “When you’re in the graveyard, it’s easy to forget you’re in the middle of Glasgow.
“It’s an oasis in an urban environment. A burial place for the merchants who helped create the second city of the Empire.”
The tours will not only focus on the historical figures buried here but also on the unique characteristics of the site itself.
Visitors will also learn about the various sections of the graveyard, from the original cemetery to the walled sections surrounding the church.
The Importance of Ramshorn Graveyard in Glasgow’s History
Beyond the graveyard itself, the surrounding Ramshorn Church (now owned by Strathclyde University) offers yet another piece of Glasgow’s rich heritage.
Built in 1824 and designed in a fine Gothic style, the church is a stunning example of 19th-century architecture. The stained-glass windows inside are a testament to Glasgow’s once-dominant role in the stained-glass industry.
The Friends of Ramshorn Graveyard are working on making the church more accessible to the public. David and his team hope that, through tours and further research, more people will understand the significance of the site and its people.
An Invitation to Explore Glasgow’s Past
This summer, as Glasgow celebrates its 850th anniversary, the opening of the Ramshorn Graveyard tours presents an ideal opportunity for locals and visitors alike to discover the rich history of the Merchant City.
Whether you're interested in learning about tobacco merchants, revolutionary Glasgow figures, or simply looking for a quiet escape in the heart of the city, the tours will offer a glimpse into the past like never before.
David and his team are inviting everyone to explore a part of Glasgow’s past that has long been hidden in plain sight. “It’s free,” David concludes. “But the stories you’ll hear will stay with you long after you leave.”
Details
Free tours (donations welcome)
Tours will run 11am -12 pm every Wednesday through June, July, and August
Tours last approximately 1 hour.
Visit the Ramshorn Graveyard on Ingram Street, Merchant City
Wear appropriate shoes, as the graveyard can be muddy in wet weather
Persons under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
Places are limited and booking is essential
The Friends of Ramshorn Graveyard are a voluntary group and any donations received will go towards helping with running costs.
To book a tour, email: tours@ramshorngraveyard.org stating which date you wish to book and how many in your party.
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