Works bell Henry Dübs locomotive works, 1863 T.1964.25
Courtesy of Culture and Sport Glasgow (Museums)“I think this bell was used to signal the start of a shift at North British. In my day, we just clocked in – anyone late got their pay docked.”
Willie Dewar, former North British Locomotive employee
I remember the shipyard horns and thousands of men going to work, the streets were so crowded, all carrying their pieces and tea and sugar tins.
Ach aye, I remember the piece bell. It was so you knew you could go get your piece - but not any peace!
Is there a bell that you dread hearing? Do you remember the hooters of the yards? Or of other factories or works?
We had to clock in. They’d dock 15 minutes off you - even if you were just a minute late. One night I hit this bell and it daaaaaanged for quite a long while.
When I was on the night shift we used to go and sit in the howf and have a break. It was nice and warm and cozy and we’d all have a bite to eat and something warm to drink. We all really dreaded the bell going because it’d mean we’d have to go back out into the freezing cold and dark.
