Glasgow experienced a period of rapid growth during the early part of the 19th century. This period of rapid growth led to desperate urban deterioration both physically and, according to contemporaries, morally as the slowly expanding physical limitations of the city failed to keep up with the explosive population growth. Glaswegian reformers recognized this and attempted to rejuvenate the physical and moral conditions of ‘the second city of the empire’ and remake it into a vibrant and moral metropolis.  Government became much more involved in civic planning during this time, conceptualizing itself as a ‘moral guide’, capable of harnessing the strong current of change and putting it to good use in Glasgow. (Maver 83-4)

One example of this physical rejuvenation was the improvement of the city water supply. In response to sporadic outbreaks of cholera the city government organized the construction, and then took control of the operation, of the water source of Loch Katrin in 1852. (Maver 90-1)The decision to municipalize this important urban resource was done in the face of opposition from business elements in the city who wished the waters of the Loch to be run as a privately operated resource. The city government used its successful takeover and distribution of this clean water as an example of ‘moral governance’ by the government on behalf of the city.

The municipal government then began to capitalize on this success. Clearing slums, in the name of public health, began in 1856 with Parliament's passage of the Nuisance Removal Act. (Maver 92)  Beyond the moralistic regeneration of the city’s physical environment, moralistic tendencies are also intertwined in the remaking of Glasgow’s social environment. The building and popularization of theaters began as early as 1804 with the construction of the Queens Street Playhouse. A key figure in the popularization of theater during the period was illusionist John Henry Anderson. Anderson stimulated popular interest in the theater through elaborate acts of magic and a flamboyant style. (Maver 102-104) Moral reformers, usually stemming from the Scottish presbyterian tradition were quick to seize on this new popularity, and worked to close down traditional ‘vice-ridden’ entertainment, such as the Glasgow Fair. The fair had, by this time moved away from its economic beginnings, and had become a yearly forum for drinking, dancing, and dangerous popular immorality, attracting patrons to street shows that contained a ‘touch of the horrible.’(Maver 106-107) Religious zeal of this type was also applied to the temperance movement, which attempted to shift the focus of Glaswegian social life away from alcohol towards more moral beverages, such as tea and coffee. (Maver 106-107) These actions were thus conscious attempts by reformers to shift Glasgow’s physical and moral character into line with middle class ideals of philanthropy, education, and moral rightness.

- Jon Doolittle