On January 1, 1892, a fire erupted at the Masonic Hall in Blantyre, believed to be caused by a faulty gas bracket after a New Year’s dance. The police quickly intervened, extinguishing the flames and limiting damage to several hundred pounds, attracting significant attention from bystanders.
New Years Incident, 1892
Next, a long forgotten story from 134 years ago. The scene was at Baird’s Rows, which is now modern day Calder Street. The date 1st January, New Years Day, 1892. Patrick Cashill, miner, Baird’s Rows, Blantyre, was taken into custody in connection with the death, early that Friday morning, of Owen Devine, who lodged with […]
Retracing Livingstone’s Steps
Worth a watch. TV presenters Ben Fogle and Dwayne Fields head into the heart of Africa, to retrace David Livingstone’s path in 2 part TV series, “Expedition Search for the Nile” An excellent documentary on Channel 5, which will be available for a time on catchup channels. Charting Livingstone’s Expedition in Africa right through until […]
Another great find at Blantyreferme
Max McInness discovered a mysterious worn metal object while metal detecting in Blantyreferme. Shaped like a shield, it may have been part of a badge or ornament, likely dating from the Victorian era to the early 20th century. Despite its age, faint engravings of a bird suggest hidden historical significance.
Metal Detecting in Blantyre: Discoveries Underfoot
Max McInnes discovered a small, cast metal object while metal detecting at Blantyreferme. The piece, depicting a horse-drawn artillery cannon and featuring the motto “UBIQUE,” is believed to date from the late Victorian or early 20th Century. Its worn condition suggests it has been buried for over 100 years.
Robert Heron, survivor of the Pit Disaster
Nate Mancuso messaged me asking, “Hello, Paul. I recently learned that my great-great-grandfather, Robert Heron, was one of the few survivors of the Blantyre Colliery Explosion of 1877. I know he was born in Lanarkshire around 1840 and died in Wishaw around 1911. I was wondering if you have any information on him or can point […]
Blantyre High School Badge
I’m sure this will bring back a lot of memories of school for Blantyre residents. The Blantyre High School former badge. It adorned all the burgundy blazers in the 1970s and beyond. Did you know the emblum had BHS across the front for “Blantyre High School”. Then there were 2 buildings, representing the Priory and […]







