BLOGEXTRA 6 - St Roques Chapel, Paisley - written 22nd September 2011.

Though no traces of this chapel remain, the supposed site was pointed out by a writer named Mr D Semple. He based the location of this site from traditional information and the fact that human bones had been found at near the top of Castle Street on several occasions (behind the former Co-op supermarket), indicating that there was a graveyard attached to the chapel.

The chapel belonged to Paisley Abbey and was dedicated to St Roche. It was also called "Rock", "Roque", or "Rollock".

This chapel had seven roods of land (appx. 1.75 acres/0.71 hectares) belonging to it. Its income formed part of the money given by James VI in 1576 to found a grammar school.

By 1612 the chapel was ruinous and its remains were removed in that year for use in building the Town's Hospital on the north side of the High Street.

In March 1951 a field investigation revealed no evidence, and Paisley Museum also had no additional information.

BLOGEXTRA 5 - PAISLEY: WHAT DID THE ROMANS EVER DO FOR US? - written 1st November 2010.

In 1845, the New Statistical Account claimed that "the general voice of antiquaries" considered Paisley to be the Vanduaria of Ptolemy, quoting Principal Dunlop's account of the late 17th century. He stated the dykes on Oakshaw were so high that men on horseback could not see over them. There was also a dyke along the north side of Oakshaw hill reaching the River Cart. He mentions two other hills – one to the west (Woodside) and to the south (Castlehead).

The Oakshaw fort lay abandoned for centuries until the 17th century when the growth of trees was cut down, and a bowling green laid. This was later the site of the John Neilson Institute building, which still stands. Mr David Semple of Paisley, who supplied much archaeological material to the Ordnance Survey , narrowly watched the excavations for the foundations of the Institution but that neither vaults nor antiquities of any kind were discovered to support the Roman claim.

By the mid-1800’s the site at Castlehead, was still in a high state of preservation, but was eventually flattened and built upon. The Woodside site had been looted for it’s building material by the late 1700’s. Once again, no hard evidence to support these sites were ever Roman.

There appears to be no real evidence at all for a Roman site at Paisley, which evidently owes its origin to Principal Dunlop, and to Ptolemy's siting of Vanduaria in the region of Renfrewshire. The description of the "praetorium" suggests an Iron Age fort, but the other earthworks, which must have been fairly extensive, are harder to account for. No location for Vanduaria has yet been established.

Tradition says Causeyside Street was a Roman road, leading to the site of a Roman causeway. One portion diverging through Gordon's Lane to the ford at Bladda, at the site of today's Watermill Hotel, and the other portion leading to the foot of St Mirren Street. This same tradition also says Paisley Abbey was built on the site of a small Roman temple. Unfortunately no evidence to support either suggestion.

There is a Roman fort on Barochan Hill, north of Houston, dating from around AD80 or AD81 where pottery, coins and metalwork have been found. Unfortunately this doesn’t quite count as being in Paisley.

Coins have been found near Stanely Reservoir, Blackstoun Oval Ferguslie Park, Honeybog Hill near Barshaw Park, north of Incle Street, Gleniffer Braes Country Park and Glenburn reservoir. Unfortunately individual coins don't count as proof of occupation.

Considering the area’s suggested importance to the Romans, shouldn’t there be more finds? I contacted John Pressly at Paisley Museum who confirmed they hold nothing of Roman origin from the current town centre. This doesn't mean they were never here; it's just that we may have yet to find something.

So until we find definite proof of Roman occupation in Paisley, the strongest Roman connection in Paisley will remain inside La Dolce Vita restaurant in Moss Street. This fine Roman soldier greets every visitor.

BLOGEXTRA 4 - THE GREAT WALL OF PAISLEY ABBEY - written 13th September 2010

Channel 4's 'Time Team' program have been invited to investigate the Great Wall of Paisley Abbey in 2011. So far no decision has been made by the producers.

Paisley Abbey was once surrounded by a wall of dressed stone. The wall extended from the north transept of the Abbey northwards along the Fisher-row, now Lawn Street, then east along what is now Incle Street, south to Seedhill and the River Cart and then west along the river to a point about 100 feet west of Abbey Bridge. The wall was regarded as one of the wonders of Europe, and was a popular attraction with visitors to the abbey and surrounding district.

Abbey walls were usually built 10-15 feet high, but some believe this structure was higher still. The image on the left, sketched in 1797 shows a section of a high wall. Based on it's location next to the abbey, we calculated this wall's height at 22 feet. It was ruinous in 1797 so we wonder if this was a part of the great wall?

At the northwest corner, called the Waw Neuk, was a tablet bearing an inscription indicating that the wall was built in 1484 by George Shaw, abbot. This area still called Wallneuk to this day. This stone is help by Paisley Museum, along with a shield bearing the Royal arms, taken from the north side of the wall. When in situ, this shield had one bearing the arms of the High Stewards on its right, and another, with the abbot's arms on the left. The wall was also ornamented with statues at frequent intervals. The Abbey Park was feued off for building ground in 1781. Until then the wall had remained nearly entire but after that date most of its stones were used for buildings located in the 'New Town' and construction of the Abbey Bridge in 1763. As late as 1909 a few fragments of the wall were still visible near the eastern end of the Abbey Bridge.

The was once a main gateway, built by Abbot Tervas between 1445 and 1459. It consisted of an arched passage, above which a tower was added by Abbot Shaw. It stood about 30 feet northwest of the northwest turret of the Abbey, and was demolished in 1763. Foundations were discovered during street alterations in 1874. Evidence of the gateway can be seen on Timothy Pont's map of 1580.

BLOGEXTRA 3 - SMA' SHOT DAY, 1930'S STYLE. - written 30th June 2010

The annual textile works' outing, known as Sma' Shot day, was traditionally held on the first Saturday in July. The excursion and the day's holiday was a privilege won by all workers at the Paisley thread mills. It is now a day of celebration to mark a significant victory by the workers over their employers, or 'Corks' in 1856. The Charleston drum, reputedly carried at the Battle of Waterloo leads a march through the streets, and ends with the torching of a 'Cork' in top hat.

Lets' go back in time to the 1930's. It was common for thousands of buddies to leave Paisley and head 'doon the watter' to the likes of Largs, Saltcoats or Dunoon for the day, or on any of the dozens of day trips arranged. In 1933 the longest day trip to date was arranged. Around 600 members of the Ferguslie Mills South Finishing Department headed for London. They left by train on the Friday night, and on arrival the next morning, were dazzled by the sights of London from a fleet of motor coaches ready to tour them around the city. However, 1934 would take some beating.

An estimated 10,000 people left Paisley on the 50 excursions arranged. This included 400 of the Anchor Mills Gassing Department travelling to Blackpool, 350 from the Ferguslie Mills East Side Finishing Department heading for Llandudno, and 200 from the Ferguslie South Side Finishing Department off to Colwyn Bay.

By far the largest excursion was the 1,250 travellers in 41 coaches travelling to Braemar. Buses queued from the head of Cotton Street to the south end of Bridge Street. There was no coach number 13. At 7.40am the convoy began to move. The front bus had a megaphone, and as the convoy passed thought Glasgow, towns and villages, the locals were met with a "Good morning...this is the Paisley Mill Girl's excursion to Braemar on Sma' Shot Day", creating amazement then a cheer in return.

The first stopping place was Stirling at 9.40am, where a cup of tea was served. 25 minutes later the convoy left for Perth, via Blairlogie, Menstrie, Pool of Muckart, Gleneagles and Auchterarder. Perth was reached at noon, where lunch was served in York House, The Victoria Hotel and the City Hall. 1 Hour 15 min later they were on the move again, through Old Scone, Blairgowrie and through Glen Shee. There was anxiety about the coaches negotiating the 'Devil's Elbow' hairpin bend, but everything went according to plan.

The first bus arrived at 3.40pm and the remainder within 30 minutes. About an hour was spent in the town, with the departure at 5pm, and the convoy travelled on a different route via Blairgowrie and Crieff. 'High tea' was served here, while being entertained by a band of pipers. Some of the girls wandered too far and missed their bus. They managed to get to Stirling where they rejoined their coaches. The convoy left Crieff at 9.45pm (2¾ hours behind schedule) and headed for Stirling and a quick cup of tea, and then via Kilsyth and Kirkintilloch and Glasgow to Paisley. The coaches arrived back only one hour late, at 12.30am, to be met by an expectant crowd.

BLOGEXTRA 2 - THE DAY QUEEN VICTORIA CAME TO PAISLEY & RENFREW - written 17th May 2010

Queen Victoria’s visit to the west of Scotland was planned to correspond with the International Exhibition at Kelvingrove Park, Glasgow, and to open new municipal buildings in Glasgow. She came to Paisley on Thursday 23rd August 1888 to mark the fourth centenary of the creation of the Burgh.

This was the first visit to Paisley by a monarch since King James VI arrived on 24th July 1617. He visited the then Earl of Abercorn at his Place of Paisley. Victoria stayed as a guest of Colonel Sir Archibald Campbell Campbell at Blythwood.

She arrived at Renfrew at 8am by a Royal train of 13 carriages into a private platform erected at Fulbar Street Station. After entering a landau, she was conveyed to Blythswood House.

In the afternoon Queen Victoria carried out a visit of Renfrew. She was accompanied by the Princess Beatrice, the Princess Alice of Hesse, and the Grand Duke of Hesse. The tour started from Blythswood Place, Renfrew, and headed down Hairst Street, Fulbar Street and to Fulbar Street Station. The train left at 4pm. By then the rain began to fall, and continued until the evening.

The train soon arrived at Abercorn Station, which featured an arch covered with red cloth. On top of the arch was the Royal Arms, surmounted by the flags of all nations.

The route went down Renfrew Road, onto Lawn Street, Gauze Street, Cotton Street, Abbey Street to Abbey Road and the Clark Town Hall. A couple of mounted police and a detachment of six hussars travelled in advance of the Royal carriage. A stand was erected for 1,500 people within the railings of the Abbey grounds in Abbey close. The presentation of the address to Her Majesty took place in front of the Clark Town Hall at 5pm. The route continued along High Street. The arch in the High Street at the Cross was decked with evergreens, coloured red with the word ‘welcome’ in gilt letters. There was a large photo of the queen near the centre, surrounded by many coloured flags. From here the High Street was a mass of colour, with drapes, evergreen plants, flowers, flags and banners. And then to the Free Library and Museum where she accepted a bouquet of flowers. The entourage continued along Wellmeadow Street, Well Street, Underwood Road and Caledonia Street, and then along Greenock Road towards Walkinshaw and back to Blythswood House.

A thousand poor people were supplied with dinner in the Drill Hall. This was also done on the day of the Royal Jubilee in 1887. Public buildings were ornamented with flags and bunting and there was fireworks display. At the Town Hall were demonerops palembanius, draceneas crotons, kentia fosteriano, palms and ferns. These plants were all from the conservatories of Mr Stewart Clark.

Triumphal arches were erected at three points; Renfrew Road, the Cross and the Musuem. The whole of the two-mile route was marked by brilliantly-coloured and decorated venetian masts, bearing ‘festoons of bannerets’. The masts had gilt tops, and bore shields surrounded by flags. The railway bridges at Wallneuk, Well Street and Underwood Road were decorated with evergreen, flags and drapery. It was estimated tens of thousands of people lined the route through Paisley.

A marble tomb of Robert III, commemorating the Stewarts buried in Paisley Abbey, was gifted by Queen Victoria .

BLOGEXTRA 1 - EXCLUSIVE: THE NAMES OF THOSE WHO LOOK DOWN ON PAISLEY - 7th May 2010

We put these people on a pedestal, and they look down their noses at us.

So you think you know Paisley? Paisley is gifted with a fine selection of statues, considering the size of our town. Whenever we visit the town centre, we all see these statues, but can you name them, and better still, do you know why they are there?

1/ ST MIRIN - Born c.560, died c.620. Saint Mirin was an Irish monk and missionary, and a contemporary of Saint Columba and a disciple of Saint Comgall. When he arrived in the area now known as Paisley, the area had recently been abandoned by the Romans. The land was in the possession of a powerful local chieftain, who took a liking to Mirin. The saint was alloted a small field near the Hammills where he established his church. This plot was called St Mirin's Croft until it was later developed. Saint Mirin's name is remembered elsewhere in Scotland, such as the island of Inchmurrin (Mirin's Island) in Loch Lomond and a farm called Knockmurran (Mirin's Hill) near Coylton in Ayrshire. There is a St Mirin's Well near Kilsyth in Stirlingshire. Paisley's football team is named after him also. The bronze statue, at the corner of Incle Street and Glasgow Road, designed by Norman Galbraith, and was unveiled in 2007.

2/ GEORGE AIKEN CLARK - Born 1824, died 1873. George was the brother of James and John Clark who formed J&J Clark at Seedhills and were the first to introduce spool cotton sewing thread. The family were successful, wealthy industrialists who employed thousands of workers in their thread mills in Paisley, Glasgow and America. George moved to Newark, New Jersey to care for their mill there, where he died. In his will he left £20,000 to build a town hall for Paisley, and so returned the subscriptions already collected for the construction. The hall was called the George A Clark Hall. The statue at the corner of Gauze Street and Abbey Close, by the Town hall, and was erected by the inhabitants of Paisley in recognition of his munificence to his native town in 1885.

3/ SIR PETER COATS - Born 1808, died 1890. Sir Peter Coats of Woodside and his brother Thomas developed the thread manufacturer J&P Coats, which was to become one of the world's largest manufacturing enterprises in the world. He retired from the company in 1856 when his brother Thomas took control of the company. He was knighted in 1869 and was noted for his philanthropy. The Coats family paid for much in Paisley including the museum, art gallery, library, observatory, Fountain Gardens, and the Thomas Coats Memorial Church. The family also paid for an expedition to Antarctica, where there is now an area called Coats Land. The statue on Gauze Street, by Dunn Square, was erected by public subscription at the same time as the statue of his brother Thomas Coats of Ferguslie, in 1898.

4/ THOMAS COATS - Born 1809, died 1883. Thomas Coats of Ferguslie learned technical training as an apprentice at McDowall, the Johnstone engineering firm. This gave him a good grounding in the practical aspects of textile machinery, which helped he and his brother Peter develop the thread manufacturering company J&P Coats. On Peter's retirement in 1856, Thomas took control of the company. Thomas Coats best known gifts to Paisley were the Observatory and the Fountain Gardens. He was a supporter of many local societies and charities and was deeply involved in education. He became the first chairman of the education board in 1873 and remained in that position until his death. After his death the Thomas Coats Memorial Church was built by his family in his memory. His death in 1883 was marked by a public funeral with 2,000 people following his coffin.

5/ REV. JOHN WITHERSPOON - Born 1723, died 1794. Witherspoon was ordained in 1745 and his first ministry was at Beith. He was later a minister at Laigh Kirk (now the Paisley Arts Centre) from 1757 to 1766. He published essays, articles and sermons which soon gained him recognition throughout Britain, Europe and America, to where he emigrated. Witherspoon was the only clergyman to sign the American Declaration of Independence. He died at his home in Princeton in 1794 and was buried in the cemetery there. A memorial plaque to Witherspoon can be seen in Paisley Abbey. The statue stands outside the University of the West of Scotland Paisley Campus, created by local sculptor Alexander Stoddart and unveiled by HRH the Princess Royal June 2001. A similar statue has been erected at Princeton University where Witherspoon was Principal.

6/ ALEXANDER WILSON - Born 1776, died 1812. Wilson was born at Seedhill and like many weavers at the time, enjoyed writing poetry, having soem published poems in 1790 by John Neilson. He emigrated to North America in 1794, and was the first person to record the birdlife of the area. His published work on NOrth American birds "American Ornithology" ran to nine volumes, and described and illustrated all of the known birds of America for the first time. He has several birds named after him, including the Wilson plover and the Wilson warbler, and is regarded as the 'father of American Ornithology'. He died at Philadelphia. The statue in the grounds of Paisley Abbey, was unveiled in 1874, and paid for from funds raised at choral concerts. A memorial to Wilson stands on the banks of the River Cart at the Hammills waterfall in Paisley. It is inscribed "Remember Alexander Wilson 1766-1813. Here was his boyhood playground."

7/ ROBERT TANNAHILL - Born 1774, died 1810. Tannahill is Paisley's most famous poet. He admired Burns and helped found one of the two earliest Burns Clubs, the Burns Anniversary Society in Paisley in 1805. The Club is still active to this day and claims to be the oldest formally constituted Burns Club in the world. Tannahill was so revered in the 1800's that during construction of the Wallace Monument near Stirling, a bust of Tannahill was positioned along side a number of National heros, including Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, John Knox, David Livingstone and Robert the Bruce. His lack of success in having his works published sank his into depression, and he was found dead in a culvert at the Candren Burn in Paisley. His remains were interred in an unmarked grave in the burying ground adjacent to the West Relief Church (now Castlehead Church). In 1866 a granite monument was erected by public subscription. His statue was erected in 1883 from the proceeds of eight concerts given by the Tannahill Choir on the Braes of Gleniffer from 1876 to 1883.

8/ ROBERT BURNS - Born 1759, died 1796. Burns was born in Alloway, Ayrshire, and received a relatively good education. He was to turn his attention increasingly towards the passions of poetry, nature, drink and women which would characterise the rest of his life. He married Jean Armour whith who he had two children, and by the age of 27 had already become famous across Scotland. He was hailed as the Ploughman Poet because his poems complemented the growing literary taste for romanticism and pastoral pleasure. Jean Armour had family connections in Paisley, and made the trip to the town on many occasions. Originally planned for Dunn Square, the Council of the time rejected the plan, and it was located at the Fountain Gardens. This statue unveiled in 1896 and was erected from the proceeds of concerts given on the Braes of Gleniffer by the Tannahill Choir 1884 to 1885.

9/ QUEEN VICTORIA - Born 1837, died 1901. Queen Victoria is the longest serving British monarch starting from June 1837 and lasting 63 years and 7 months until her death in January 1901. Her reign is the longest of any female monarch in history. Her husband, the Prince Consort died of typhoid fever in 1861, due to the primitive sanitary conditions at Windsor Castle. His death devastated Victoria, who was still affected by the death of her mother in March of that year. She entered a state of mourning and wore black for the remainder of her life. She avoided public appearances, and rarely set foot in London in the following years. Her seclusion earned her the name "Widow of Windsor." Victoria's self-imposed isolation from the public greatly diminished the popularity of the monarchy, and even encouraged the growth of the republican movement. She did undertake her official government duties, yet she also chose to remain secluded in her royal residences, such as Balmoral Castle. She did visit Paisley in August 1888, when our fourth anniversary as a burgh was being celebrated. Victoria's statue stands in Dunn Square, and was presented to the town by John Baird Hunter MD in April 1901.

10/ DUNN SQUARE LADY - Dunn Square was paid for by money offered by Paisley Liberal MP William Dunn (1833-1912) and presented in June 1894. This gift is commemorated by the Art Nouveau drinking fountain of a mother and children called "Love's Young Jealousies", and was erected in 1910. We are not sure who the lady is, but it appears on the day she was modelling, she had to dress in a hurry.

 
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