In June 1892, Colonel Harington Stuart, the Unionist candidate for mid Lanark, campaigned in Blantyre, addressing crowds at various meetings. He advocated for an eight-hour workday for miners, opposed Home Rule, and supported local options on liquor regulations. His speeches were well-received, earning him unanimous support.
In the 1890s, Lachlan Taylor operated a plumbing and gasfitting business in Blantyre, known for quality repairs at reasonable prices. His family business, established in 1832, expanded to fitting gas cookers and exploring electrics. This historical overview highlights businesses from 130 years ago, preserving their legacy for future generations.
Some long forgotten history about Blantyre business. Thomas Cross was an early painter and decorator based from High Blantyre. In 1892, he operated from Gardiner Place on Main Street, a former tenement which once sat where the entrance to the carpark is now, next to Day Today and Ladbrokes. Being a painter and decorator in […]
Moria Lees donated a collection of pre-WW1 postcards that highlight the significance of communication before modern technology. These colorful cards, exchanged mainly among the Miller family, depict everyday life and relationships. Their friendly messages, primarily travel greetings, ceased abruptly in the summer of 1914, reflecting the coming turmoil of war.
Imagine we can take an actual photo of somebody in Blantyre from the 1890’s and transform it into a short video. Well, here in 2026, that’s now possible. This is Mary Ann Ritchie, the wife of photographer, David Ritchie. The couple, back in 1895 lived at School Lane in High Blantyre having moved from Strathaven. […]
Tonight, we honor Robert Burns, Scotland’s national poet, born in 1759. His poetry, reflecting love, hardship, and equality, has left a lasting impact, with famous works like Auld Lang Syne. As we celebrate his legacy, we embrace tradition and Scottish pride on this special Burns Night. Slàinte mhath!
Martin Weir, a dedicated metal detectorist, has shared fascinating discoveries from the Blantyre area, including ancient Mesolithic and Bronze Age artifacts. His latest significant find is a hammered silver penny from the reign of King Henry III, minted in Dublin around 1251-1254. This discovery sparks curiosity about its historical journey.