British Imperialism and its Legacies: Railways

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Glasgow was the centre for railway production and operation in Scotland in the 1800s and 1900s. The city was the site of Scotland’s first railway, the Garnkirk and Glasgow (opened 1831), and soon after lines were planned and built across the city, linking to Scotland’s other cities and towns. Some of the finance for these projects came from those who had benefited from the compensation scheme for slave owners, awarded in 1834.

The city was also known for its locomotive building, and was home to the largest locomotive building firm in Europe., Many of the products were shipped out to railways in the colonial possessions, then used to exploit both the natural and human resources of those places.

Glasgow Museums’ collection includes objects from the earliest days of railways in Scotland, to steam locomotives built for both domestic and export markets and associated operational and promotional material for Scottish railways and foreign companies.

Broader term

British Imperialism and its Legacies: Industry and profits of Empire

Narrower term

British Imperialism and its Legacies: Export Locomotives

British Imperialism and its Legacies: Scottish railway development