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Writer's pictureGavin Divers

Paisley: A Hotbed of Radicalism

Benjamin Disraeli's Prophecy

In his 1880 novel "Endymion," British Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli made an intriguing reference to the Scottish town of Paisley. While the phrase "Keep your eye on Paisley" is often quoted as a prediction of the town's future prosperity, Disraeli actually used it to describe Paisley as a dangerous hub of revolutionary zeal.



Disraeli's novel is set during the period from 1819 to 1859, and reflects the town's involvement in political agitation for parliamentary reform, particularly in the 1820s when Radical movements were gaining momentum in England. Paisley had experienced considerable turmoil following the Peterloo Massacre in Manchester in 1819, with a week of rioting breaking out in the town. Disraeli was aware of these events and recognized that the educated and organized labor force working in Paisley's textile mills posed a threat to the

status quo.



The Weavers' Revolt

The weavers, in particular, formed the nucleus of the Radical War of 1820, which saw strikes and demonstrations following the Napoleonic Wars. The spirit of resistance among Paisley's workers persisted, notably in the fight for the "sma' shot," a small, unseen thread vital to the weaving process for which workers received no payment until 1856. To this day, the struggle is commemorated with Sma' Shot Day, a holiday marking the victory of Paisley's weavers.


A Legacy of Activism

Paisley's radical traditions continued well into the 20th century. Willie Gallacher, born in Paisley in 1881, became one of the founding members of the Communist Party of Great Britain and its last Communist MP. He dedicated his life to improving workers' conditions. Another important figure of the Red Clydeside movement was Mary Barbour, born in nearby Kilbarchan in 1875. She led the South Govan Women's Housing Association through the 1915 Glasgow rent strikes, which forced the government to introduce rent controls and protection for tenants.


Disraeli's Invented Prophecy

While Disraeli's words were fictional, they captured a very real and deep aspect of Paisley's history. The town was deeply steeped in working-class struggle and radical politics, a legacy that continues to shape its identity today. Paisley's story serves as a reminder of the power of ordinary people to challenge injustice and fight for a better future.

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