Remembering Glasgow’s Forgotten Women
Wednesday 12 December, 2018 – 6.30 p.m. – 8.00 p.m.
Maryhill Burgh Halls, 24 Gairbraid Ave, Glasgow G20 8YE
Hosted by Women’s Support Project
You are invited to an informal evening looking at the history behind the “Glasgow System” – a time in our city’s history which saw the collusion of the church, local authorities, police and medical profession to enforce the social repression of women.
The “Glasgow System” was set up in response to the city’s growing concern about prostitution, sexually transmitted disease and the moral health of society. The system resulted in thousands of women being incarcerated in the Glasgow Magdalene Asylum, Lochburn House, the Lock Hospital and Duke Street prison. Those imprisoned came were generally termed “prostitutes”, an umbrella term at the time which encompassed single mothers, socialists, mill girls, actresses as well as those who sold sex for money. Lochburn House only closed its doors in 1958.
Thousands of women were placed in these institutions, many never being released.
These women were not afforded the luxury of a fair and just society. They committed no crime. They were never convicted of any wrongdoing, so in essence they had no right to appeal.
‘We would like a Commemorative space with a plaque to remember the women who were incarcerated in institutions as part of the Glasgow system, especially those women who were said to be involved in prostitution.’
‘We would love you to join us to hear your thoughts on how these women and their mistreatment can be acknowledged.’

This section: Books, Talks, Poetry and Creative Writing Events, What's On Glasgow West End: cinema, clubs, theatre, music, events, festivals, community and more
Related Pages
- Carlton Jug Band Residency – Avant Garde
- Still Glasgow at GoMA
- French Film Festival 2025 at GFT
- Scottish Open Badminton Championships 2025
- Martin McAloon – Steve McQueen 40th Anniversary
- Andy Irvine at Cottiers
- Penelope Trappes and Run at Cottiers
- Marginalia – The Stand Comedy Club
- Nationhood: Memory and Hope – Street Level Photoworks
- Cottiers – Bar, Restaurant, Theatre, Glasgow West End
- Chiels and Quines – A Tribute to Sheila Templeton
- Come and Sing Traditional Carols at Christmas
- Outi Karhu – Let The Light In album launch
- Life is Dance at GFT
- Palestine 36 at GFT
- Bugonia at GFT
- Scotland Loves Anime 2025
- Frankenstein at GFT
- Taiwan Film Festival in Scotland 2025
- Action Time Vision: Grant McPhee, Katy Lironi & Douglas MacIntyre with Nicola Meighan
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.