The Glasgow Glutton

In the 19th century, a Glasgow man used his large appetite to become a legend. Robert Hall, otherwise known as Rab Ha’ ate so much as a teenager, that his own mother kicked him out rather than pay to feed him. This larger than life character gave up any idea of funding his appetite through honest hardwork. Instead, he put his incredible ability to good use.

Rab became a well-known beggar, happy to sleep wherever he found a dry spot and feeding himself through various eating challenges. He would wander from place to place, anywhere that crowds gathered, with the rich inhabitants of Glasgow supplying him with huge quantities of food before gambling with each other on the outcome. These feats of food destruction made Rab so famous, he was soon known by his nickname: The Glasgow Glutton.

On a boat trip to Rothesay and back, one challenge almost finished Rab off. Two men wagered over the Glutton’s ability to demolish 7 pounds of ship’s biscuit and he readily accepted. This would be one of Rab’s few failures but not because of his stomach. Instead, he complained that the biscuits were so tough, his jaw was cracking from all the chewing.

He offered the men a proposal of double or nothing on their bets. Thankfully they accepted, with Rab then guzzling down a large quantity of brose made with oatmeal. The challenge was successful, and the Glasgow Glutton’s reputation was saved.