The Blairgowrie 'Drunk Barrow'
Photo courtesy of Clare Cooper
Article Details
- Date:
- 1879
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The Blairgowrie 'Drunk Barrow'
The Blairgowrie Drunk Barrow was used to cart those found to be drunk and incapable to the police cells, where they would spend 24 hours or pay a 5 shillings fine. They were named and shamed in the local newspaper The Blairgowrie Advertiser.
Wooden cart used to 'transport' those incapable of getting themselves home!
‘A policeman’s lot is not a happy one’ – W.S. Gilbert
Described as ‘one of Alyth Museum’s most treasured objects’ the Blairgowrie Drunk Barrow was constructed by David Mitchell, a local joiner in 1879.
In this letter, published in the Blairgowrie Advertiser on Saturday 16 August 1879, to the Magistrates and Commissioners of Blairgowrie, Charles Ross, Police Inspector, explains why a Drunk Barrow was needed.
Blairgowrie, 11th August,1879.
Unto the Honourable the Magistrates and Commissioners of the Burgh of Blairgowrie.
Gentlemen, I beg most respectfully to report to you as follows, viz:- The police stationed in your burgh have frequently to deal with drunk prisoners. Many of such prisoners are female, who at the time are either incapable or outrageous but who must be dragged or carried in hands, or hurled on a common one wheel barrow from the lower parts of the town to the police station. Several respectable citizens have from time to time complained of their feelings being shocked, at the sight of these systems of removing specially drunk females. On Saturday last a gentleman who is undoubtedly much interested in the pecuniary prosperity of the town, pressed on me to submit this matter to your first meeting, with a view to your ordering a two wheeled barrow to be provided for this unpleasant but necessary duty.
Such a barrow need not be wide. The wheels placed at on end with two feet at the other end. Neither wheels nor any part of it require to be heavy. The barrow would require the necessary straps and buckles. The narrowness of it would render the barrow fitted to be taken in at any ordinary door. Or perhaps the Fire Engine house may have spare room to contain it. If provided, it requires to be securely kept.
In conclusion, I beg to mention that I have the consent of my Superior to lay this report before you; and that I will be happy to give you any further information I can relative to the same.
Respectfully reported by CHAS. ROSS, Inspector.
The same issue of the Blairgowrie Advertiser reported that his request had been granted:
A “DRUNK BARROW” FOR BLAIRGOWRIE
At the Police Commission meeting this week, it was remitted to the Magistrates to get a “ drunk barrow” constructed. There have been plenty of drunk people in town of late, both men and women, and as a common scavenger’s wheel-barrow borrowed for the occasion is not a very suitable vehicle for conveying to the cells women in either the violent or unconscious stages of intoxication, the police have asked for a regular “drunk barrow” with the necessary straps etc, and are to get it. Our good town is evidently advancing in the scale of “civilization”.
The Drunk Barrow was constructed by David Mitchell, a local joiner, who had a joinery business in Croft Lane, at a cost of £6.
However, it seems there was some misunderstanding concerning the cost as reported in the Blairgowrie Advertiser on Saturday 18 December 1880, under this heading:
“DRUNK BARROW”
A number of accounts were disposed of, the most important being one from Mr David Mitchell, joiner, amounting to £18 odds, the chief items in which were the cost of a fence at the dung-stance and the price of the “drunk barrow” lately obtained. The barrow cost £6 for making, and £1 5s for painting. Mr Lamb pointed out that the Committee should have obtained an estimate when the cost was to be over £5, in accordance with the standing orders. Mr Richardson said they expected the people who sold drink to contribute to the cost of the barrow, and he had asked one who said he would give something. Mr Richardson also stated the police did not use the drunk barrow so much as he thought they should do.
The Blairgowrie Advertiser on Saturday 25 December 1880 published David Mitchell’s response:
“THE DRUNK BARROW”
Sir, Referring to the report of the Police Commissioners which appeared in your last week’s issue, in which it is stated that the price of the making of the barrow was £6, and the painting £1 5s, in all £7 5s, the price of the barrow, including painting, was £6. The following is copy of entries as they appeared in my account, making up the sum charged:-
- Making barrow with wheels and fitting on ironwork and springs £2 5 0
- Paid for ironwork, per account £2 0 0
- Paid for painting, per account £1 5 0
- £6 0 0
I am – etc DAVID MITCHELL
The Blairgowrie Drunk Barrow was used to cart those found to be drunk and incapable to the police cells, where they would spend 24 hours or pay a 5 shillings fine. They were named and shamed in the local newspaper The Blairgowrie Advertiser.
For a picture of the Drunk Barrow go to