Archaeologists uncover Glasgow wall destroyed in historic battle

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 13 Oct, 17:03 · Archive

Remains of Harvie's Dyke, a fortified wall built in the early 1820s, have been discovered in Dalmarnock during an archaeological excavation.

Archaeologists have discovered remains of Harvie's Dyke in Dalmarnock, Glasgow, during the Digging The Dyke project led by the Glasgow Building Preservation Trust in partnership with Glasgow City Council, Glasgow Life, Archaeology Scotland, and historian Professor Chris Whatley. The 12-foot-high fortified stone wall was built in the early 1820s by Thomas 'Lang Tam' Harvie, a wealthy distiller who purchased the Westthorn estate. He constructed two imposing walls along his property, stretching to the River Clyde and blocking a long-established public path.

The walls were heavily fortified with iron spikes, broken glass and a watchtower armed with small cannons. On Midsummer's Eve in 1823, a crowd from nearby villages gathered and tore down the walls. This sparked a six-year legal struggle that ended in a landmark House of Lords ruling affirming the public's right of way.

Harvie paid a heavy price for the construction. His whisky was boycotted, his fortune was consumed by legal costs, and he was left bankrupt. One section of the wall still survives at Thorndyke Lane in Glasgow's east end. During excavations, archaeologists also found a rare 1791 Glasgow trade token inscribed with the city's motto, Let Glasgow Flourish. More than 400 people visited the excavation site or participated in walks, talks, tours and performances during the week-long programme as part of the 2026 Glasgow Doors Open Days Festival.

How it is being reported

• Remains of 'notorious' 12-foot wall torn down by Glasgow locals unearthed by archaeologistsHarvie's Dyke in Dalmarnock was much-hated, and its destruction sparked a six-year legal struggle and a landmark ruling in the House of Lords.Glasgow Live · 13 Oct, 16:34
• Glasgow archaeologists uncover remains of wall at centre of historic battleHarvie’s Dyke remains unearthed in Dalmarnock, Glasgow, revealing a 19th-century public right of way battle and rare Let Glasgow Flourish token.Glasgow Times · 13 Oct, 11:14

In this story: Thomas 'Lang Tam' Harvie · Professor Chris Whatley · Glasgow Building Preservation Trust · Glasgow City Council · Dalmarnock · Glasgow · Westthorn · River Clyde

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