Winter in Glasgow
Square Mile of Murder
- Tickets
-
Free - ticket required
- Dates and times
-
Tuesday 1st Dec 2026
6:00am
- Age
- 16+ years
- Venue
The Mitchell Library is at the heart of Glasgow's infamous Square Mile of Murder - the site of four notorious crimes that took place during the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Special Collections at The Mitchell has a number of resources, including original documents, where you can read about these cases and draw your own conclusions.
Join our librarians to explore resources relating to four notorious cases:
Madeleine Smith
The privileged daughter whose torrid love letters were read out in court. Did she murder her lover or was the case found 'not proven' because of her well-to-do background rather than lack of evidence?
Jessie McLachlan
Lucky not be hanged, servant Jessie McLachlan still spent 15 years in Perth Prison for a horrific murder that no-one - except the judge and jury - thought she had committed. And the prime suspect? Never brought to trial for lack of evidence.
Dr Edward Pritchard
When Dr. Pritchard's wife and mother-in-law died within a month of each other, an anonymous tip-off alerted the police to the possibility of foul play. Their bodies were exhumed, poison discovered and the philandering Pritchard became the last man to be publicly hanged in Glasgow in front of 100,000 spectators.
Oscar Slater
Wrongly-identified as the man seen leaving a crime scene, Oscar Slater spent 18 years in prison for a murder he did not commit. Although innocent, he happened to be foreign, Jewish and living with a woman who was not his wife.
These murders, with the exception of the case of Dr.Pritchard, remain unsolved.
This event is part of our exhibition, 'Agatha Christie: A World of Mystery' at the Mitchell Library. In partnership with the British Library.
For more information, please call 0141 287 2988 or email mitchelllibrary@glasgowlife.org.uk
Accessibility guides
The accessible entrance to The Mitchell Library is on Granville Street.
Read our autism-friendly guide to the Mitchell Library
We also have a supply of books in Braille, large print and audio.
Accessible toilets
This accessible toilet is approximately 26m (28yd 1ft) from the main entrance. This accessible toilet is located to the rear right as you enter.
Assistance dogs
Guide and assistance dogs are welcome and a bowl of water can be provided.
Hearing loop
There is a fixed loop hearing assistance system.
This venue does not play background music.
Wheelchair access
There is a wheelchair to borrow. To borrow the wheelchair, please contact a member of staff.
Motorised scooters are allowed in public parts of the venue.
Baby changing
Baby feeding
Cafe or restaurant
The Café is located on the ground floor and open Monday to Saturday 9am to 4.15pm.
Click here to see the Café menu
Computers
PC, printing and photocopying services are available for public use.
Photocopying: Cash only. Black and white: A4 - 16p, A3 - 30p. Colour: A4 - £1, A3 - £2. Costs are per sheet.
Printing: A4 black and white - 15p. A4 colour - £1. Costs are per sheet.
Parking
Please note that there is on-street parking surrounding The Mitchell Library. This is metered from 8am-6pm. Monday to Friday. As this is a local residential area, please use these spaces considerately. Alternatively, there is a NCP Car Park on India Street next to Charing Cross Train Station which is a 2 minute walk away.
Photography and video recording
On occasion, Glasgow Life will be on the premises to film and take photos.
Study spaces
Study desks available on Levels 2, 3 & 4, with free Wi-Fi throughout. Most desks are for one person, but there are two group study desks located on Level 3.
Study carrels are available to book.
Free wifi
We provide free WIFI access and further access to over 50 PCs for public use
Location Map
A range of free and accredited digital skills courses designed to suit you. From the basics to help get you back in to work to coding for a career boost, Glasgow Code Learning is learning that fits your lifestyle. View our courses and session times.
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