The Shawfield Mansion was built by Daniel Campbell of Shawfield in 1711 and stood at the foot of Glassford Street. A central staircase served the four apartments on the first floor and the front was decorated with a doric cornice and balustrade.
In 1725 the mansion was the scene of an infamous riot. Many Glaswegians blamed Campbell (the MP for the Clyde Burghs, 1715-1734) for the passing of an Act of Parliament imposing a 2d (less than 1p) tax on Scottish malt. Fearing the worst, Campbell packed up his valuables and fled the city with his family. On the night of 24 June, the day after the passing of the Act, rioting Glaswegians sacked the mansion. On 25 June, in further rioting, several people were killed and wounded by soldiers who had been sent to the city to help preserve law and order.
Prince Charles Edward Stuart stayed in the mansion between December 1745 and January 1746. The prince is said to have met his mistress Clementina Walkinshaw (1726?-1802) there.
Reference: Mitchell Library, GC 941.435 GOR
Reproduced with the permission of Glasgow City Council, Libraries Information and Learning
Keywords:
Clyde Burghs, houses, malt taxes, mansions, Members of Parliament, MPs, riots, Shawfield Mansion
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