History articles
Improvements around Abbey Close, 1860 – 1933 is a short book talking about the removal of post reformation housing around Paisley Abbey and is accompanied by many before and after pictures. This volume (aIT-RH3) is currently out of print, and has been made available for consultation for a few weeks. If you download please make… More Improvements around Abbey Close, Paisley
The Paisley Rentals of 1605 & 1685. Recently published these rentals are a resource for any genealogist looking at Paisley Ancestors or the Paisley landscape. To request an invitation please use our Contact Form saying ‘History Cafe 2’ and provide your name and email. This History Cafe session will look at the people and areas… More Online History Cafe 2 – 26 June 2020: Paisley Rentals 1605 & 1685
Today withing the Choir of Paisley Abbey sits the “Tomb” of Marjory Bruce, daughter of Robert Bruce, King of Scotland and wife of Walter Stewart, 6th High Steward of Scotland. While researching a Walter Stewart for a chapter in ‘Conquered by No One’ on the Declaration of Arbroath, my attention was once again drawn to… More The “Tomb” of Marjory Bruce
Have you ever walked down Weighhouse Close in Paisley and wondered what the old single story building and yard between the Private Car park and the Mrs Coats Home for Girls used to be? After doing some investigation, i have realised that this and the associated buildings probably make up one of the last complete… More John Stevenson & Sons
During this period of uncertainty we would like to remind you that you can buy vouchers for our heritage walks and talks. Any vouchers bought between 16th March and the 28th June 2020 will be valid for use until the 31st June 2021. Each voucher costs £6 Buy 1 Voucher Buy 2 Voucher Buy 4… More Walk & Talk Vouchers 2020
Lobnitz shipyard in Renfrew mostly built and specialised in Dredgers and Dregde equipment for clients worldwide. During World War II the construction of dredgers contunued, though mostly for Admiralty contracts. This article looks at the Mulberry Harbours and HMS Pelorus.… More Lobnitz at War
From the New Paisley Repository No.4 Saturday, January, 15th. 1853 SONG. To the Air – ” CAPTAIN PATON.” Composed after reading the life of Peter Burnet, commonly known in Paisley by “BLACK PETER.” PETER BURNET was born on the estate of Thos. Todd, Esq. in the state of Virginia, in the year 1764.… More Peter Burnet – “Black Peter”
County Square, Paisley Paisley’s 19th century County Buildings & Jail, sat between county Square and the River White Cart. They replaced Paisley Tollbooth that sat at the corner of the High Street and Moss Street. In turn The County of Renfrew decided that their space in the buildings was too small and in 1887 they… More County Buildings & Jail
Today if you mention Paisley ship building to residents or visitors they are very surprised. Paisley’s ship building heritage has a long history, from building canal boats at Saucel, to numerous ship yards on the White Cart. Fleming & Ferguson has its origins in 1885 when William Y Fleming bought over the Phoenix shipyard of… More The “Newshot”, Fleming & Ferguson, Paisley 1943
