Just prior to the David Livingstone Centre being renovated and turned into the Museum in the late 1920’s, it had become in a deplorable state. The render discoloured and old had fallen off the wall, dampness had set in. The windows rotted, brickwork crumbling, water ingress into the building and woodwork rotting too.
The iron stair railings red rusted, the stone steps, old, worn and collapsed. Yet, still people lived here, despite owners William Baird & Co (the colliery owners doing next to little to maintain the property).
I love this old photo showing that state of disrepair. Its a stark reminder of the conditions people endured and lived in what was then essentially a condemned building.
Featuring Blantyre Project Social Media with permission. Strictly not for use by others on or offline, our visitors said,

