Robert Cleghorn

The grave of Rev Robert Cleghorn, Craigton Cemetery

Little is known of his early life. He is thought to have been born around 1755.[1] He studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh, graduating with an MD in 1783. He was in general medical practice as a GP in Glasgow from 1785, then in 1788 began lecturing in medicine, then in 1791 began lecturing in chemistry. In 1818, he was awarded a professorship in chemistry and materia medica at the University of Glasgow, a role continued until his death.[2] At this point he lived at Spruells Land on the north side of the Trongate.[3]

As a physician he worked at the Glasgow Royal Asylum at Gartnavel, and Glasgow Royal Infirmary, previously known as the Old Town Hospital.[4] His position at Gartnavel was filled by Dr John Balmanno.[5]

He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh in 1790, his proposers being Andrew Dalzell, Dugald Stewart and James Gregory.

He died in Shawfield House near Rutherglen on 18 June 1821.[6]

He was originally interred in Blackfriars Churchyard, but the body had to be moved in 1875 when a railway was built through the churchyard. He was reburied in Craigton Cemetery with a monument designed by Greek Thomson and sculpted by John Mossman.[7] The graves lies near the south-west corner within the second row from the south path.

He was married to Margaret Thomson (1752–1791). They had a daughter, Helen Cleghorn (1790–1853)

• President of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow 1788–1791
• Honorary president of the Royal Medical Society in 1781 and full president in 1783.
• Member of the Glasgow Literary Society
• Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries (Scotland)

He was portrayed by Sir Henry Raeburn.[8]