The first Glasgow directory was published in 1783 by John Tait. This image is taken from a facsimile reprint published in 1871 by Robert Forrester. Page 53 includes surnames from Montgomery to Noble.
John McLachlan was a beadle, or bedellus, at the Old College, University of Glasgow. Known as "Honest John", he held the office from 1775 to 1822. One of the Bedellus' duties was to keep the students in order. He arranged the seats for dignitaries on days of public functions, posted notices of academic nature and proclaimed masses, festivals and holidays. He also attended the Rector and on ceremonial occasions carried the Mace. In the 18th century the incumbent was required to regulate bonfire setting, purchase College supplies and keep note of the time during the hour-long Blackstone Chair examinations.
Reference: Mitchell Library, GC 914.14351
Reproduced with the permission of Glasgow City Council, Libraries Information and Learning
Keywords:
beadles, bedellus, Blackstone Chair, directories, examinations, family history, genealogy, John Tait's Directory, University of Glasgow
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