Rachel Hamilton
Tall woman who became special constable
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The basics
Quick Facts
| Intro | Tall woman who became special constable | |
| A.K.A. | Big Rachel Rachel Johnston | |
| A.K.A. | Big Rachel Rachel Johnston | |
| Places | Ireland | |
| was | Police officer | |
| Work field | Law | |
| Gender |
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| Birth | 1829, Ireland | |
| Death | 1899 (aged 70 years) |
The details
Biography
Rachel Hamilton (1829–1899), also known as "Big Rachel" was best known for her role in the Partick Riots of 1875.
Early life
Rachel was born in Ireland, but lived in Partick in Scotland. She was 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighed around 17 stone. She held a variety of unusual jobs including working as a labourer in Tod and MacGregor's shipyard, as a forewoman navvy in the Jordanhill Brickworks and as a farm labourer.
The Partick riots
The Partick Riots took place on the centenary of Daniel O'Connell's birth on 6 August 1875. The Irish immigrants decided to celebrate with a march and other Glaswegians rose up in protest. Partick's population expanded by over 50% during the 1870s expanding from 17,700 to 27,400. The centre of what was said to be a major civil disturbance was at Partick Cross. Partick was responsible for its own policing as a Police burgh. Hamilton was one of around 30 locals sworn in as special constables and they were responsible for driving the rioters back. Her story is now included as part of a walking tour run by Glasgow Women's Library that highlights notable local women.