On Monday 4th November 1895, about 1pm, some Blantyre children were amusing themselves at the edges of the River Clyde. The location was the “Sewage Burn” near the Pedestrian Suspension Bridge and amongst the children was three year old James Crawford, the son of miner John Crawford.
Little James had left his house at Newlands, The Village, Blantyre and joined the other children on their lunchtime fishing adventure down to the water’s edge that winters day. As he leaned forward to search for minnows, James tripped on a stone and unfortunately fell into the river. A passing man named Currie, saw this happening and went into the water, fetching James out, who was still showing signs of life.
However, little James passed away on the riverbank with all efforts made to save him, unsuccessful, the tragic events unfolding there in front of all passers by.
Interested in the term “the sewage burn”, this likely came from the nearby village, discharging into the Clyde, so not really a pleasant place to play. However, kids were accustomed to fishing in Blantyre’s rivers as this photo of the era shows. Photographed by early photographer David Ritchie, this appropriate picture shows children with their fishing rod under a sewage pipebridge. This isn’t the Clyde but is thought to be further up the High Calder sometimes around 1900.
Once again though, the mighty River Clyde showing how easy it was for young lives to be lost. Rest in Peace James Crawford. With thanks to Alex Bowie for this photo.
