Some statistics next about Blantyre Population and Employment. These figures are from 2011, and show some interesting details. From the 17,000 people in this town, most people are aged between 45-64, closely followed by ages 25-44. Most household comprise of just one person and of households with cars, most have 1 car. A figure of […]
With thanks to the very kind June Stone, the former warden of Devlin Grove who has graciously given me this original “Pictorial Review” published by the Hamilton Advertiser in 1930. At almost 90 years old, it cost a whopping 5 shillings at the time, around £20 in today’s money and is absolutely jam packed full […]
We can only imagine the horrors of war, and what state of mind many of the First World War soldiers were in when they were deployed to the trenches on the European Mainland. Blantyre man Hugh Boyle, from Auchentibber like other soldiers felt it necessary to draft a small will, knowing chances of death in […]
Andy Lynch shared this “Certificate of Merit”, which belonged to his mother, Ellen Frew. The certificate is dated 1941/42 and was given as an award at Calder Street Junior Secondary School. Things like this interest me immensely, like being able to know those awards were given out on the last day of term to […]
James D Brown of Calderside has provided a little insight into the rent of Brownsland Place, the tenement that once stood across from the War Memorial in Auchenitbber. Well, the tenement does still exist in some way, although only the lower ground floor with windows and doors all boarded up. James kindly scanned a copy […]
Every now and again, a great little piece of memorabilia turns up. Like this card from August 1912, an invite for William Haig and his wife to attend the opening of Calder Street School. The invite went out from Blantyre School Board for William Allan Haig and partner to attend the opening of the […]
James Brown of Calderside House, High Blantyre shared these images, adding, “This is the mid 20th Century travel permit of Janet Neill, my grandmother. She was born in Auchentibber at Brownsland Place although later lived at Fernslea Avenue. “ Janet was born in 1892 and This is a good example of early travel visa with a […]
An interesting letter from David Livingstone to his brother Robert Livingstone, written in 1852. Its a rare insight of brotherly affection, asking to keep his younger brother “on the level” and is peppered with religious reflections. It’s clear that David was thinking he wasn’t going to see his younger brother for a long, long time. […]