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Writer's pictureGavin Divers

Castlehead: A Historical Perspective

Castlehead, a district in Paisley, Scotland, is known for its rich history and distinguished architecture. Originally part of the hunting grounds of Walter fitz Alan in the Middle Ages, this area has evolved into a prestigious residential locale. This article delves into the early history, industrial impacts, architectural developments, and the significant contributions of its residents to the town of Paisley.


Early History and Development


Medieval Beginnings

Castlehead's early significance is rooted in its use as private hunting grounds for Walter fitz Alan, the Steward of Scotland, situated in the expansive Forest of Paisley. Ownership transitioned from the Abbey to the Maxwells in the 17th century, who established a manor that was later replaced by 'The Old House' in 1770. Notably, an 1839 map indicates a Roman presence, suggesting Castlehead's historical strategic importance.


Geographic and Social Isolation

The area's challenging terrain and separation from Paisley's bustling West End by the Paisley and Ardrossan Canal and later the Glasgow and South Western Railway contributed to its underdevelopment until the late 19th century. Initially, Castlehead was sparsely populated, with only a few buildings including a church and the Old House.


Architectural and Social Expansion

By the mid-19th century, Castlehead began to attract Paisley’s affluent, driven by overcrowding and unsanitary conditions in the town. The district became a haven for the elite, with grand Victorian villas dotting the landscape. The construction of Castlehead Church between 1781-82, refurbished in 1868, marks a significant development, becoming the final resting place for notable figures such as poet Robert Tannahill.


Industrial Impact and Residential Boom


The Coal Mining Attempt

An unexpected chapter in Castlehead's history involves a brief coal mining venture in the 1850s, which ended in financial ruin for the family involved, leading to the auction of the lands.


Real Estate Development

William Wotherspoon initiated the transformation of Castlehead into a residential area in 1861, breaking the land into feus. The layout established during this period largely remains to this day. The area's appeal was enhanced by its proximity to the railway station and the quality of its soil, attracting more residents to build family homes.


Below is a table containing the number, name, date, first proprietor and their occupation for the houses of Main, High and Low Roads

Main Road

Number

Original Name

Date

Built for

Occupation

1

Mount Pleasant

c.1820s

Rev. Banks

Minister of Canal Street U.P. Church

3

Redholme

1889

Thomas Abercrombie

Architect, Abercrombie & Symington, 97 High Street

5

Potter's Field

c.1866

Robert Abercrombie

Abercrombie & Craig Engineers, 32 Lady Lane

7

Westlands

c.1866

Alexander Begg

Dalziel & Begg Shawl Manufacturers, 112 Causeyside

9

Belmont

c.1866

Hugh Cowan

Sheriff Substitute

10

Woodend

c.1864

William McIntyre

Wholesale Stationer, Works - blackhall, shop and warehouse - 6 High Street

11

Ashgrove

c.1866

Rev. Andrew Henderson

Minister of Abbey Close U.P. Church

12

The Mound

c.1869

Hugh Muir

Unknown

14

Castlehead House

1770

James Maxwell of Castlehead

Merchant and Landowner

-

Castlehead Cottage (Demolished)

1700s

James Maxwell of Castlehead

Merchant and Landowner

15

Ferndean

c.1866

Thomas Greenlees

Thomas Greenlees & Co. Manufacturer of Woollen Goods

16

Warriston

c.1862

Thomas W Macalpine

Drysalter, 48 Moss Street, Store – George Place

17

Bellevue

c.1866

Alexander Speirs

Speirs & Gibb Coal Merchants & Fireclay Manufactures, Stoney Brae/Underwood Depot

18

Rosemount

c.1862

Archibald Hodge

Accountant for J&P Coats

19

Priory Park

c.1874

John Young

John Young & Co. Timber Merchants, Burgh Saw Mills

20

Wallace Bank

c.1864

James McMurchy

Shawl Manufacturer

21

The Elms (Demolished 1938)

c.1880

William Gardner

Logan & Gardner Shawl Manufacturer

22

Bloomfield

c.1864

Robert F Dalziel

Dalziel & Begg Shawl Manufactures

23

Ecclestoun

c.1877

Rev. George Clazy

Minister of Reformed Presbyterian Church, 38 Oakshaw Street

24

Englethwaite

c.1864

Archibald Barr

Yarn Merchant

25

Auchinean

c.1872

William Murray

David Murray & Son, House Painters and Decorators

26

Netherton

c.1870

Thomas Greenlees

Thomas Greenlees & Co.

28

Langholm

c.1875

Rev. F MacDonald

Minister of Martyrs’ Church

29

South Manse

c.1878

Rev. C McDonald

Minister of South Church

30

Moredun House

c.1873

John Armour Brown

Brown & Polson, Corn Flour & Starch Manufacturers

31

Mossgiel


E Murray


32

Balgonie

c.1875

George McKenzie

Photographer, 5 Gilmour Street/Willowbrae, Piershill, Edinburgh

33

Fairholme

c.1882

W.B. McLennan

Campbell & McLennan, Shawl Manufacturers

34

Knockbrecken

c.1875

Robert Millar

J&R Millar, Manufacturers

35

The Laurels


Joseph Lochhead

McInnes, McKenzie & Lochhead, Writers, 7 Gilmour Street

36

Southdene

c.1875

John Millar

J&R Millar, Manufacturers

37

The Cottage


George Watt

Wine & Spirit Merchant

38

Dunscore

c.1877

John K Crawford

M. Whitehill & Co. Shawl Manufactures

40

Dunrod

c.1878

John Stirling

Wine & Spirit Merchant

High Road

Number

Original Name

Date

Built for

Occupation

2

Ellangowan

c.1866

David Murray

Provost and Collector of Inland Revenue

4

Newton Bank

c.1866

James McKean

Wine & Spirit Merchant, 63 Causeyside

6

Double Villa

c.1868

James Parlane

J&R Parlane, Printers, Bookbinders, 97 High Street, Works – School Wynd

8

Tullieallan

c.1875

David Wilson

M. Whitehill & Co. Shawl Manufactures

9

Edgehill

c.1868

Mrs Eliza Glen

No occupation

10

Morven

c.1873

Andrew D Gibb

Speirs & Gibb Coal Merchants & Fireclay Manufactures, Stoney Brae/Underwood Depot

12

St. James Manse

c.1874

Rev. James Brown

Minister of St. James Street U.P. Church

Low Road

Number

Original Name

Date

Built for

Occupation

1

Edgemont

c.1875

George Dobie

Tobacco and Candle Manufacturer, Orchard Street

2

Braefoot

c.1867

John Greenlees

Matthew Greenlees & Son, 7-8 Forbes Place

3

Ravenswood

c.1871

John K Crawford

M. Whitehill & Co. Shawl Manufactures

4

The Willows

c.1867

Thomas MacRobert

Writer & JP Clerk-depute, County Place (MacRoberts Solicitors)

5

Marion Grove

c.1868

James Parlane

Draper & Silk Mercer, 10 High Street

6

Hayfield

c.1867

Allan Coats

W&A Coats, Ham Curers and Grocers, 68 Broomlands

7

Marion Grove (Extended)

c.1870s

John Parlane

Draper & Silk Mercer, 10 High Street

8

Firgrove




9

Gowanlea

c.1868

Robert A Gardner

Secretary of Life Insurance Co.

10

Norwell




11

Annfield Villa

c.1868

Mrs J Muir

Accountants, 23 Moss Street/Draper & Silk Mercer, 96 High Street

12

U.F.C. Manse




13

Rockbank

c.1866

William Robertson

Robertson & McGibbon, Drapers & Silk Mercers, 17 High Street

14

Hazelwood




15

-

c.1866

Alexander Mackintosh

Joiner & Packing Box Maker, 12 Newton Street

16

Glenfield Cottage

c.1868

William Brownlie

Manager of Glenfield Starch Works

17

Glencairn

c.1869

Alexander Cairns

A&R Cairns, Wholesale Confectioners - 2 High Street, works - 32 High Street


Notable Residents and Contributions


Influential Families and Philanthropy

Castlehead has been home to many of Paisley's most influential families, who contributed significantly to the community. Archibald Craig and Robert Allison are notable for their substantial donations towards the restoration of Paisley Abbey. Other residents supported various causes, including the construction of the Russell Institute and the Arthur Allison Memorial Hall, showcasing a strong tradition of local philanthropy.


Contributions to Local Infrastructure

The area's residents were instrumental in the development of local infrastructure. The Greenlees family, related to the J. & P. Coats dynasty, established the Netherton Shipping Company, reflecting the district's connection to Paisley’s industrial growth.


Architectural Heritage


Preservation and Conservation

Castlehead’s architectural significance is evident in its designation as a conservation area. The district's layout and many original Victorian villas have been preserved, maintaining its historical charm and appeal.


Educational Contributions

William Bow's donation of his house for educational use and support for apprentice schemes reflects the community's commitment to education and skill development, further enhancing Castlehead’s societal contributions.


Conclusion

Castlehead is not just a residential area but a historical emblem of Paisley's past. From its medieval roots to its role in the town’s industrial era and contributions to local culture and architecture, Castlehead represents a unique blend of history and progress. Its story is a testament to the resilience and transformation of a district that has retained its historical significance while evolving to meet modern needs.

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