Walk in Watt’s footsteps on Glasgow Green

History fans are being given the chance to walk in James Watt’s footsteps – and hear some new poems inspired by the great man and celebrate the 200th anniversary of Watt’s death.

A special history walk is being held on Glasgow Green – the place where Watt had his eureka moment to develop the steam engine using a separate condenser.

Walk places are free – but are limited. Please book via Eventbrite.

The event will end at the Watt statue on Glasgow Green with a reading of eight new poems on Watt – each by different authors – commissioned by the Federation of Writers Scotland. These new poems are being published on the anniversary date by St Mary’s Church, Handsworth – where Watt is buried.

Poets Performing Their Work from Pamphlet ‘Horsepower’ Celebrating James Watt

About James Watt

James Watt (1736 – 1819) was one of the greatest Scots and inventors of all time. There are monuments to him, and institutions named after him throughout Britain, and we use his name every time we buy a light bulb. His greatest discovery took place on Glasgow Green. To mark the day of his death 200 years ago, please join the Friends of the People’s Palace, Winter Gardens and Glasgow Green on this special occasion to look at the Glasgow of James Watt.

“I had gone to take a walk on a fine Sabbath afternoon, early in 1765. I had entered the Green by the gate at the foot of Charlotte Street and had passed the old washing house. I was thinking upon the engine at the time, and had gone as far as the herd’s house, when the idea came into my mind that, as steam was an elastic body, it would rush into a vacuum, and if communication were made between the cylinder and an exhausted vessel, it would rush in to it, and might be condensed without cooling the cylinder….. I had not walked further than the golf house when the whole thing was arranged in my mind.”

– James Watt to Robert Hart of Glasgow, 1813

Event on Facebook

Admission: FREE

Tickets/booking: Tickets for the walk must be booked in advance through Eventbrite.
Those wishing to hear the poems, and not wishing to walk, please assemble at the Watt statue at 3 p.m. No tickets are needed for this.

Email for enquiries: [email protected]

Telephone number for enquiries: 0780 9231 895

Access to the venue (parking/transport links/access for people with disabilities): Parking at Glasgow Green, Greendyke Street, Saltmarket, Glasgow G1 5DB, or on the main carriageway near Templeton’s on the Green, Glasgow G40 1DW
Three blue badge spaces at the People’s Palace, Glasgow Green, Glasgow G40 1AT. The walk is not suitable for wheelchairs or those with walking difficulties. Public transport info here.

Any additional relevant information: This is an open-air event, and will take place regardless of the weather. Please dress appropriately.

Organisers: Friends of the People’s Palace, Winter Gardens and Glasgow Green, with license from Neighbourhoods and Sustainability, Glasgow City Council.