In Summer 1913, Britain was gripped by a bizarre and strange disease which seemed to be killing honey bees and Blantyre didn’t escape. The phenomenon was known as the “Isle of Wight” disease thought to be caused by a micro insect or mite (acarine) which got into bee hives. Allegedly originating in the Isle of […]
My very good history colleague Robert Stewart told me recently about a carving that was part of the stonework on the Co-op’s former central premises on Glasgow Road, near Herberston Street. Robert said, “Carved on the corner of the building was a skep (pictured). A straw beehive, with lots of bees flying around it. […]
Whilst this postcard of Blantyre Works Mills dates from 1905, I think it depicts a slightly earlier scene. By 1905, the mills had fallen into decline , yet in this postcard, nicely colourised, the scene looks pristine and new, (and effect i think of the colourisation and touching up the photo). The large mill buildings […]
In Summer 1869, the Paisley Herald reported a story about bees living in and around the Suspension Bridge at Blantyre Mill. (i.e the bridge crossing the Rover Clyde to Bothwell). This was an era before Coal mining really took hold and Blantyre was still largely rural with apparently a multitude of bee hives. Around 1866, […]