1930s Auchinraith Row on left
You’ll notice I say “row” and not “rows” here. Unlike most other miners rows houses in Blantyre, Auchinraith Row was a single row of miners homes. Built in 1874 by Messrs Merry and Cunningham these homes remained the property of the colliery which was sited nearby. The row sat to the East of the modern day Timber homes on Auchinraith Road, although the row itself was in a cul-de-sac. In this photo from the 1930’s the houses were parallel to the railway line and Auchinraith school can be seen in the background.
The homes were basic indeed. A room and kitchen only with outside shared toilet, washhouse and communal well. These were relatively poor standard homes for the miners.
1910 Auchinraith Rows Map
This 1910 maps shows in some detail how the row was situated along Auchinraith Road, with Auchinraith Pits 1 and 2 very close by. It certainly would have been a short commute! These homes shouldn’t be confused with Merry’s Rows which led off, further down Auchinraith Road.
The address of the row became Auchinraith Terrace and was noted on 1936 map as such. However, the name Auchinraith Terrace disappeared from this location when the rows were demolished. Salvaged, a new Auchinraith Terrace was created in the Springwell’s area when those homes were later built. Auchinraith Row sat at the entrance of what is now modern Murray Crescent.