Brid Graney emailed to say, “Hello. I recently found out that my great grandfather from Ireland worked in Blantyre from 1898 and died in 1908. He was buried in St. Peter’s Dalbeth. My family and I are planning a visit to the cemetery in June and would like to make a short visit to Blantyre. I know he lived in Calder Street and later at 230 Glasgow Road. Do you know whether the building at Glasgow Road is still there or whether that part of the road has been redeveloped? Is there anything specific you would recommend visiting while I’m there. I plan to go to St’ Joseph’s Church. Many thanks for any help at all? With regards, Bríd (Graney).”
Hi Brid. I cannot comment on your great grandfather as you’ve not given me his name. However, I can provide more information on 230 Glasgow Road. 230 was a former address on the north side of the road. It was a small double storey stone tenement building which opened out on to the pavement.
It was adjoining to a small print office, which following WW1, was owned by the Clifford Family of printers. From the 1920s, the tenement was also owned by the Clifford family. It’s pictured here on the left during the 1930s with children playing outside.
Living latterly in his life in Glasgow Road, he would have been familiar with the ding of bells and trundle of the tramcars passing by outside his window. The house faced directly on to Stonefield Parish School, a site which is now Blantyre library.
You’re right in saying the building was demolished. It is now just a vacant part of the Public Park, but easy to find given its location near the junction of Victoria Street. I hope your trip goes well and this is of some help.
Featuring Blantyre Project Social Media with permission. Strictly not for use by others on or offline, our visitors said:
Terry McMahon I Finally got to visit St. Joseph’s earlier this month – beautiful building. It was Poignant to be in the Church where my Grandparents were married 101 years ago. The Parish records are not onsite though. The young priest who kindly showed us around said all have been sent to the Diocese to be digitalized. It’s expected they’ll be available in several months.
Mary Mcguire Lovely for you to have visited the church where your grandparents married
Robert McNeill The photo is the old gazette office on left Nessie’s school on right across the road (Unseen) Victoria street next to Nessie’s near start of photo cozy corner pub further on .gibsons shop at bottom of Victoria street (unseen) also David Livingstone public park just at start of photo also public toilets.
Anne Callaghan Such character !
Blantyre Project makes me sad. Its like Blantyre wiped the slate clean and started again but made it worse.
Tom Loggie What a great photo got great memories of the park and my school
Betty McLean Lovely street too bad it was destroyed.
Anne Gilmour Callaghan Was born in the first apex building, long time ago
Mary Mcguire My family lived in 83 Glasgow Road Kelly’s Building. Happy days
Marian Maguire Blantyre was a lovely wee town that could have been renovated instead of demolishing all the lovely old buildings. Also Mrs Mary Murphy R.I.P. who lived in Stonefiels Cres. No 5 I think, was part of the Clifford family, her family still live in Blantyre.