21. John Henry Alexander Monument Designed by J.Hamilton 1851
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An actor, owner and manager of the Theatre Royal in Dunlop Street - uniquely split into two sections so that comedy and tragedy could be played at the same time. One night in 1849, 65 people were killed in a crush caused by someone falsely shouting ‘fire’, Mr Alexander is said to have roared himself hoarse trying to prevent the disaster and never recovered, as he died shortly after.
Sculpted by Handyside Ritchie, the plan is of a Saltire topped with a circular temple. Robert Forrest was originally commissioned as sculptor but it was transferred to Hamilton after his own untimely death. The front section is an elaborate proscenium stage, with footlights, and the figures of tragedy and comedy complete with laurel wreath all representing Alexander’s final curtain call |
22. Reverend Dr Robert Muter Monument Designed by J.Stephen 1844
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Reverend Muter was a popular preacher of Duke Street United Associate Congregation. His monument consists of four fluted Doric columns supporting a square entablature. A small sarcophagus is located within the columns and supported on a massive base. It was designed by John Stephen (1807-1850) of architects Scott, Stephen & Gale.
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23. The Very Reverend Duncan Macfarlan's Monument Designed by J.A.Bell 1863
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Born in Auchengray in September 1771, The Very Reverend Macfarlan succeeded his father as Minister of Drymen Church in 1792.
He became Principal of Glasgow University in 1823 and was made Minister of Glasgow Cathedral in 1824, posts which he held for over thirty years till his death in 1857. Reverend Macfarlan became Dean of Chapel Royal, 1820-1824 and was twice chosen to be Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland (in 1819 and 1843). Reverend Macfarlan also attended the laying of the Bridge of Sighs foundation stone in 1833.
He died in Glasgow on 25 November 1857. This majestic neo-gothic tower was erected in his honour in 1863. Designed by J.A.Bell, the bronze profile was by W.Brodie. |
24. Ewing of Strathleven Monument Designed by J.Baird 1857
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James Ewing (1775-1853) attended the University of Glasgow. In 1814 he took over the management of his father’s West Indian merchant company. He served as Lord Provost of Glasgow and was twice the Lord Dean of Guild.
He resided in Crawford Mansion in Queen Street, the rookery of which earned him the nickname 'Craw Ewing'. Indeed it was in this house in 1828 that the Necropolis proposal was formally discussed and the idea progressed. After the 1834 Reform Bill Ewing became one of the two first representatives for Glasgow in the House of Commons. As well as promoting the Necropolis he promoted the Royal Exchange, Duke Street Prison and Glasgow Savings Bank. |
On 18th December 1827, as chairman of the committee of subscribers, with full Masonic honours, Ewing laid the foundation stone of the new Royal Exchange. As mentioned in the introduction it was Lord Provost Ewing who led the ceremony for laying the foundation stone of the Bridge of Sighs in 1834.
After losing his seat in parliament Ewing purchased the estate of Levenside and retired. On his death in 1853 he left a fortune of £280,000 - a sum equivalent to more than £22 million at today’s prices. Of this fortune £70,000 was bequeathed to charitable institutions (now equivalent to more than £5 million pounds) and £30,000 to ‘decaying Glasgow merchants, their widows and the education of their sons. The large polished pink Peterhead granite sarcophagus was sculpted by J.Mossman and originally bronze bass relief panels with Ewing’s portrait adorned the side. Unfortunately they were stolen.
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