This is an extract from Lanarkshire Directory from 1862. Written by A McPherson that year, there is a brief description of Blantyre and a list of prominent business contacts. Still a smallish population that decade, this was the “Who’s Who” of notable people in Blantyre that year.
Blantyre is becoming a favourite place of residence for the merchants of Glasgow and is likely to become more so. It is chiefly noted for the extensive cotton spinning and cotton dyeing works, which were founded by David Dale in 1785, they now belong to Messrs Henry Monteith & Co, and afford employment for about 1,000 hands. (Pictured). The Village of Low Blantyre is owned by the firm, and is tenanted by the millworkers exclusively. The houses are built regularly and neatly kept, though we are afraid they must be crowded inside. A handsome schoolhouse has been erected near the centre by the Company. The existence of a literary association among the workers attests the fact of there being some public spirit in the private village. On Sabbath the School is used as a Chapel, and the Company, we understand, contribute handsomely towards the maintenance of public worship. The Company has also thrown a very fine suspension bridge across the Clyde, which is here seventy nine yards wide. The river sweeps beautifully past the declivity, on the top of which the village is built, and lends its power to help the busy workers inside the mills.
High Blantyre is about a mile further south. There used to be a mineral Spring at Park, strongly impregnated with sulphur dissolved by means of hydrogen gas, which used to be much resorted to about the middle of last century by families from Glasgow. The Mining in the neighbourhood has stopped its flow.
The Directory
Anderson, George, Stonefield
Barclay, William, Baker, High Blantyre
Bryce, James, LLD, BowesHill
Bryson, John, Blantyre Store
Burns, James, Stationmaster
Cameron, Alexander, Grocer and Spirit Dealer, Stonefield
Christie, William, house agent, High Blantyre
Clark, James of Crossbasket
Clark, John, Smith, High Blantyre
Craig, Allan, Spirit Dealer, High Blantyre
Craig, James, Farmer, Bellsfield
Craig, Thomas, Spirit Dealer, Clive Cottage
Downie, Dr, Stonefield Cottage
Downie, John, Priory Villa
Downie, William, Grocer, High Blantyre
Dunn, David, Cashier, Blantyre Works
Fullarton, Robert, Inspector of Poor, High Blantyre
Gardner, John, Farmer, Broompark
Gardner, John, Farmer, Auchinraith
Gardner, William, Farmer, Priestfield
Gardner, William, Farmer, Auchinraith
Gloag, Rev JP, MA. Manse
Graham, William, Grocer, Blantyre
Gray, Robert, Grocer, Stonefield
Jackson, James, Farmer, Coatshill
Jackson, John, Farmer Barnhill
Jackson, Mrs. Bardykes
Kerr, Robert, Clerk, Blantyre Works
McGlashan, James, Westneuk House
MacDonald, Rev Robert, FC Manse
MacKay, Duncan, Wright, Auchinraith
Maxwell, Thomas, of Shott
Millar, Matthew, Spirit Dealer , Stonefield
Miller, William, Manager, Blantyre Works
Moore, JW, Greenhall
Naismith, James, Farmer, Coatshill
Naismith, John, Baker, High Blantyre
Ness, John, Teacher, Blantyre Works School
Penman, Grizel, PO High Blantyre
Rae, James, Shoemaker, High Blantyre
Reid, J, Blantyre Lodge
Scott, James, Farmer, Auchinraith
Shaw, Robert, Thornhill
Spreull, James, Woodburn
Stevenson, James, Greencroft
Stevenson, Robert, Greencroft
Templeton, John, Rosebank
Templeton, John, Smith
Thomson, William, Wright, Auchinraith
Walker, James, Rosebank
Watson, Robert, Homeston
Wilson, Thomas, Bardykes
Young, Thomas, PO Blantyre
