Paisley History
Explore the rich heritage and fascinating history of Paisley
87 articles
The Good Templars Halls: A Lost Landmark on the River Cart
One unusual old postcard offers a striking view of the Good Templars Halls in Paisley, seen from across the River Cart.
The Story Behind Paisley’s Famous “Coffin End”
The nickname was traditionally associated with the West End Cross area of Paisley, a busy junction that was once marked by a distinctive clock tower and surrounded by a collection of historic buildings.
The Paisley Pattern Story: From India to Global Icon
Discover how the iconic Paisley pattern travelled from ancient Persia and India to become synonymous with Scotland's largest town, transforming global fashion forever.
Sma' Shot Day Explained: Paisley's Unique Workers Holiday
Discover the fascinating history behind Sma' Shot Day, Paisley's unique workers' holiday celebrating the town's weaving heritage and labour rights victory.
Burning Sunshine: The Ingenious Campbell-Stokes Recorder at Coats Observatory
The Campbell-Stokes recorder is basically a glass ball acting as a magnifying glass. As the sun moves across the sky throughout the day, this sphere focuses the sun's rays onto a specially prepared paper strip beneath it.
Royal Recognition: Queen Elizabeth II Celebrates Paisley's Historic Half-Millennium 1988
In 1988, Paisley welcomed a significant state occasion as the town commemorated five centuries since achieving burgh status.
Tailing the Linn
In the heart of Paisley there is a picturesque waterfall known as the Hammills. This was once described as “The little Niagara Falls” of Paisley. In the long, hot Victorian summers, this spot provided a great attraction to the young boys of the town. It was here at the “Laigh Linn” as it was locally
T.G Abercrombie
One of the great notable sons of Paisley is architect Thomas Graham Abercrombie born in Paisley in 1862 to William Abercrombie and Robina Andrews Graham.
St Mirren History
Its first ground was at Thistle park, Greenhill (1877), followed by Shortroods (1878), Abingdon Park (1879-81), Thistle Park (1881-83), Westmarch (1883-84), Fullerton Park (1894-95), StMirren Park, Love Street (1895-2010) before moving to Greenhill Road in 2009.
The Witches
In 1697, when witchcraft was against the law in Scotland, Paisley saw a famous case of witch-hunting. Christian Shaw, the ten-year-old daughter of the laird of Bargarran near Erskine, fell mysteriously ill.
When a Steeplejack fell to his death in Paisley
One of the most famous old stories or urban legends in Paisley relates to three things set in stone below Trinity High Church, the highest steeple in the Oakshaw area of Paisley.
Sma Shots
This cottage is the only survivor of the original Shuttle Street which was built from 1735 to the early 1750s, and belongs to the world of the hand loom weavers.
Paisley’s Lost Railways
Public transport played an important part in people’s lives in the past and old photographs and stories can often trigger distant memories.
Paisley Model Yacht Club
The Paisley Model Yacht Club celebrated its 120 years since founded with a race in October and the STV Riverside Show made the below film that was shown on TV on 21 October.
Paisley Ice Rink
During the dark days of the 1940 “phoney war”, when rationing, gas masks and baffle walls were the order of the day, a new exiting winter sports stadium, the ice rink, first opened its doors to large crowds of people. East lane had never seen such crowds since the days when Abercorn Football Club pl...
Paisley Grammar School
Paisley Grammar School, known for a period following 1896 as thePaisley Grammar School and William B. Barbour Academy, is a non-denominational state comprehensive secondary school in Paisley, the largest town in Renfrewshire, Scotland. The school was founded in 1576 and was formerly a selective gram...
Paisley Books
If you are interested in Paisley we have some great books to buy which will tell you more on Paisleys past, just select a book from below and you will be taken to your choice.
Paisley Abbey History
Today, Paisley Abbey remains the heart of the community, with different events taking place throughout the year. These events have included vocal concerts, art exhibitions and rock gigs. If you are interested in history, archaeology, heritage and architecture, the Abbey is certainly worth the visit.
Medieval Drain
The main drain of the Monastery of Paisley was a stone lined tunnel 2m high and 1m wide. A stretch of 90m was discovered in 1990.
Renfrewshire Witch Hunt 1697
In the winter of 1697, the quiet streets of Paisley witnessed one of Scotland's most remarkable and tragic witch trials—a legal and social upheaval that would become the last mass witch prosecution in Scottish history.
3 Concordes in Paisley
On a remarkable day in September 1974, Glasgow Airport became the focal point of the aviation world when three Concorde aircraft arrived simultaneously—a sight that few in Scotland would ever forget.
Dooslan Stane
The Dooslan Stane or Stone is a landmark connected with the textile industry. The stone was a meeting place of the Weavers Union in the South of Paisley and was used as a “soapbox”. It was originally inscribed with its history (now largely faded). It was moved from its original site in the corner of...
Church of the Holy Trinity & St Barnabas
The Scottish Episcopal Church is a self-governing province of the worldwide Anglican Communion. Within that family our nearest sisters are the Church in Wales, the Church of Ireland and the Church of England.
First Aid Post Disaster
ANOTHER air raid warning, another few hours spent in the shelter – and so to bed – such was life during the Second World War.