Glasgow, Susan Calman’s Great British Cities, 5 April 2024, Channel 5

In the Glasgow episode of Susan Calman’s Great British Cities, airing on Friday 5 April on Channel 5, Calman, a Scottish comedian and presenter, returns to her home city to uncover its hidden history and the people who shaped it.

The University of Glasgow, Calman’s alma mater, is the first stop on her journey. Here, she meets Professor Maria Fletcher to learn about Madge Easton Anderson, a pioneering female lawyer who blazed a trail for Calman’s own career. The University also holds personal significance for Calman, as she received an honorary degree in 2018 for her work in broadcasting, comedy, and campaigning for LGBT rights and mental health awareness.

Calman then ventures into the Victorian era’s entertainment scene at the world’s oldest surviving music hall, the Panopticon. With producer Grant Kidd as her guide, she uncovers the shocking truth behind the era’s freak shows.

The episode also sees Calman delve into one of Glasgow’s most infamous areas, known as the ‘Square Mile of Murder’, where she investigates the case of Oscar Slater with writer Dr Stuart Hepburn. Slater’s trial is considered a significant miscarriage of justice, leading to substantial changes in Scottish legal procedures.

Moving to the River Clyde, Calman meets expert Ian Johnstone to discover the forgotten story of John Elder, a shipbuilding genius who revolutionised the industry and made “Clyde built” a mark of excellence worldwide.

Glasgow Green, one of the city’s beloved public parks, holds a tragic secret. Calman meets expert Carolyn Wilson to uncover the truth behind a century-old disaster at the iconic Templeton Carpet Factory.

At the Mitchell Library, Calman explores the work of Glasgow’s forgotten architect, Alexander Greek Thomson. Despite personal losses, Thomson devoted his life to designing safer housing for the city’s booming population in the 1800s.

Finally, Calman joins guide Ashleigh Wilson to uncover the origins of Glasgow, from the legendary tale of St Mungo to the lesser-known story of his mother, St Enoch, whose influence continues to shape the city.

Susan Calman’s Great British Cities offers an insightful and entertaining journey through Glasgow’s history, revealing the people and events that have shaped this iconic city.

Susan Calman’s Great British Cities airs on Channel 5 HD at 9:00 PM, Friday 5 April 2024.