1820.

         1820, a date to remember in Scottish people's struggle for freedom. That year the powers that be were anxious and very concerned at the unrest and radical movements springing up across the country and wider Europe. By guile, betrayal and subterfuge the state tricked the radicals into acting and so the 1820 insurrection was born, perhaps a little premature. After some bloody battles they were crushed, those captured suffered from the bloody savage hand of the vindictive state. Some were banished to Australia, others were executed, hanged and beheaded. One of those radicals James "Purlie" Wilson was hanged and then beheaded in a public state murder just at the entrance to Glasgow Green on August 30th. 1820

         To mark the occasion of this savage state murder a gathering will take place at the spot of the murder on Sunday August 29th. at 1pm. Come along and show your respect for those who gave their life for your freedom. James "Purlie" Wilson's speech from the dock at the pronouncing of his punishment, is an impassioned, statement of our right to freedom, and our undying struggle to achieve that righteous ambition. Bring your friends, banners and your street with you.

Details:

Glasgow Green opposite the Glasgow High Court

Sunday, August 29th. 1pm. 

       James "Purlie" Wilson's speech from the dock, before his state murder on 30^th August, 201 years ago. He was one of the radicals of the 1820 Insurrection.

       "I am not deceived. You might have condemned me without this mummery of a trial. You want a victim. I will not shrink from the sacrifice. I am ready to lay down my life in support of these principles which must ultimately triumph."
       "My Lords and Gentlemen, I will not attempt the mockery of a defence. You are about to condemn me for attempting to overthrow the oppressors of my country. You do not know, neither can you appreciate, my motives. I commit my sacred cause, which is that of freedom, to the vindication of posterity."
     "You may condemn me to immolation on the scaffold, but you cannot degrade me. If I have appeared as a pioneer in the van of freedom's battles; if I have attempted to free my country from political degradation; my conscience tells me that I have only done my duty.
      "Your brief authority will soon cease, but the vindictive proceedings of this day shall be recorded in history. The principles for which I have contended are as immutable, as imperishable, as the eternal laws of nature. My gory head may in a few days fall on the scaffold and be exposed as the head of a traitor, but I will appeal with confidence to posterity.”
      "When my countrymen will have exalted their voices in bold proclamation of the rights and dignity of humanity, and enforced their claim by the extermination of their oppressors, then, and not till then, will some future historian do my memory justice, then will my name and sufferings be recorded in Scottish history - then my motives will be understood and appreciated; and with the confidence of an honest man, I appeal to posterity for that justice which has in all ages and in all countries been awarded to those who have suffered martyrdom in the glorious cause of liberty."

Visit ann arky's home at https://spiritofrevolt.info 

Workers Know Your History, 1820 Insurrection.

      The 1820 insurrection is an event that the state would rather we forgot, or see it as a handful of protesters hell bent on trouble, that were brought to heel by the forces of law and order. During that era Britain was in turmoil, 1819 Peterloo massacre sparked riots in Paisley and Glasgow, as well as elsewhere. It took the full force and duplicity of the state to break the rebellion, some paying for their desire for freedom by being hanged and beheaded, others were transported to Austraila.

     Spirit of Revolt has just put up an interesting piece on this event, you can read it at their Read of the Month.

Visit ann arky's home at www.radicalglasgow.me.uk