When delving into the history of Glasgow, one may encounter a few roadblocks when searching for information on women before the 1570s. The surviving Glasgow Burgh Records, which begin in 1573, and the Kirk Session Records, starting in 1581, are incomplete and inconsistent, making it challenging to gather specific data on women during this period. However, by combining these sources with the patchy records of the Glasgow Presbytery, we can gain insight into the issues that concerned women during this time.
Prior to the Scottish Reformation of 1560, Glasgow was a bishop's burgh. After the Reformation, the town was transformed into a theocracy, tightly ruled by the provost, bailies, council, and ministers. In this setup, women's roles were largely limited to providing services to the town. The Burgh Records feature women incidentally, recording payments made to town hall cleaners, petty offenders, and suppliers of food and wine for special occasions.
However, a more revealing aspect of women's lives during this period emerges through the burgh court records. Brawls between women were a common occurrence, often settled in court. These disputes frequently involved physical altercations, with cases of throwing urine, dirt, or stones at each other. For instance, in April 1574, Marian Alderston was accused of throwing urine over someone, while Janet Dunlop was found guilty of troubling Agnes Martin by throwing dirt at her window and spoiling her food. In another case, Elspeth Clogy was accused of biting Christian Sauchie and causing injury.
These stairhead brawls, as they can be described, are almost timeless in their nature. However, other offences were more directly related to the market-place and economic practices of the time. These records provide a unique glimpse into the daily lives of women in 16th-century Glasgow, highlighting the challenges they faced and the ways in which they interacted with their community.
As we delve into the archives of 16th century Scotland, we often find ourselves transported to a world vastly different from our own. Yet, amidst the unfamiliarity of medieval life, we discover glimpses of humanity that resonate deeply with our own experiences. Recently, a fascinating collection of court records has shed light on the lives of women in Scotland during the late 16th century, revealing a tapestry of crimes, misdemeanors, and everyday struggles.
One of the most striking cases from February 1577 involves Margaret Millar, who was found guilty of barricading her door, refusing access to the town's bailies, and cursing the officers. This bold act of defiance was likely sparked by the bailies' attempts to weigh her candles, a task that may have been perceived as an infringement on her autonomy. Millar's case serves as a testament to the strong will and determination of women in the face of authority.
In the same period, fishwives were warned against regrating in the market, highlighting the importance of regulating trade and commerce in the community. This caution was likely aimed at preventing price gauging and maintaining a fair market for all. The fishwives, often the backbone of the local economy, played a vital role in ensuring the town's prosperity.
Violent crimes, unfortunately, were not uncommon during this era. Two notable cases involve attacks on women in the market. In July 1575, a man was found guilty of personally assaulting Elizabeth Brokas, spilling her syboes in the process. Similarly, in May 1576, Katherine Hart was struck on the mouth with a salmon fish by an unknown assailant. These incidents underscore the importance of protecting women's safety and dignity in public spaces.
Theft and trespassing were also prevalent issues plaguing women in 16th century Scotland. In April 1574, three women were found guilty of taking a shortcut through Duncan Finlay's yard, resulting in the destruction of his grass. Meanwhile, Bessie Douglas was repeatedly warned about allowing her cows to stray through the kirkyard dyke and graze on the burial ground. These incidents highlight the ongoing struggles of women managing their daily lives amidst the constraints of their environment.
In a surprising turn of events, special measures were taken in August 1589 to safeguard the doocots and doves in the town, particularly those owned by Marion Scott on Glasgow Green. The introduction of these measures was prompted by a spate of attacks on the dove stock, which were being shot and slain by unknown perpetrators. This episode not only demonstrates the importance of protecting wildlife but also the agency and influence of women like Marion Scott.
Finally, the case of Margaret Reid, who was banished from the town in November 1595 due to a string of thefts, serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of criminal behaviour. Reid's catalogue of offences ultimately led to her exclusion from the community, highlighting the gravity of her actions.
These fragments of 16th century Scottish history offer a fascinating glimpse into the daily lives, struggles, and triumphs of women during this period. As we reflect on these stories, we are reminded of the resilience, determination, and humanity that define us all, regardless of time or place. By exploring the past, we not only gain a deeper understanding of our shared history but also forge a connection with the women who came before us, their experiences, and their stories.
I know, I know, the first post in this series might have you been a bit of a slog. And I get it, I really do. The "sterr heid rammies" would become exhausting.
But here's the thing: our women's history is so much more than just the drama and conflict. There's beauty, strength, resilience, and so much more to explore. And that's exactly what I plan to do in the upcoming posts.
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