According to the justices, on 2nd June 1908, Thomas Murray, a miner living at 9 Shuttle Row took drastic action to put food on the table. Shuttle Row, pictured around this time was a slum and conditions were most difficult. It was said that on that day, he approached the entrance to the nearby Linoleum […]
On 3rd August 1908, three Blantyre people stood up in court having been charged with a breach of the peace. It was said that on the morning of 12th July that year at Causewayshot (where Cloudhowe Terrace is now), Mrs Helen Stewart, Hugh Lavery and Mrs Mary Lavery pled not guilty to fighting with each […]
In early August 1908, the hay at Low Blantyre was being cut and stacked. Hard work for all the farm hands, made all the more difficult by a period of prolonged, warm weather. This story takes place near Blantyre Mill Farm, just off Station Road in fields which would later be occupied by village housing. […]
With modern supermarkets and a culture of foodbanks, charitable organisations and better food choice in modern times, it’s difficult to comprehend the lengths some families once went to ensure food was on their table. When people fell on difficult times, turning to crime was often the result of simply trying to feed hungry families. When […]
It was a cold, dark night on Friday 22nd October 1909. Like many menfolk, miner, David Stewart had been out at a public house spending some of his wages on drink. However, David would be worse for wear by closing time and his subsequent actions would have consequences. David returned to his home in Auchintibber, […]
Saturday 12th February 1910 saw a savage domestic incident at the Village spill out into the street, then later relived in Court. A warning this story, some 111 years old does contain upsetting content. John Irvine, a miner living at Waterloo Row had been paid that weekend and had spent the day drinking in Blantyre […]
I’ve been exploring some Blantyre related stories from 1910 lately. In February 1910, a seemingly respectable appearing young lad of 16 stood in court accused with multiple thefts. It was Mid February 1910 and the lad deemed as a ‘message boy’ acting on behalf of others was taking the rap for the thefts, rather than […]