Castlehead: A Historical Perspective

Castlehead, a district in Paisley, Scotland, is known for its rich history and distinguished architecture. Originally part of the hunting grounds of Walter fitz Alan in the Middle Ages, this area has evolved into a prestigious residential locale. This article delves into the early history, industrial impacts, architectural developments, and the significant contributions of its residents to the town of Paisley.

Early History and Development

Medieval Beginnings

Castlehead's early significance is rooted in its use as private hunting grounds for Walter fitz Alan, the Steward of Scotland, situated in the expansive Forest of Paisley. Ownership transitioned from the Abbey to the Maxwells in the 17th century, who established a manor that was later replaced by 'The Old House' in 1770. Notably, an 1839 map indicates a Roman presence, suggesting Castlehead's historical strategic importance.

Geographic and Social Isolation

The area's challenging terrain and separation from Paisley's bustling West End by the Paisley and Ardrossan Canal and later the Glasgow and South Western Railway contributed to its underdevelopment until the late 19th century. Initially, Castlehead was sparsely populated, with only a few buildings including a church and the Old House.

Architectural and Social Expansion

By the mid-19th century, Castlehead began to attract Paisley’s affluent, driven by overcrowding and unsanitary conditions in the town. The district became a haven for the elite, with grand Victorian villas dotting the landscape. The construction of Castlehead Church between 1781-82, refurbished in 1868, marks a significant development, becoming the final resting place for notable figures such as poet Robert Tannahill.

Industrial Impact and Residential Boom

The Coal Mining Attempt

An unexpected chapter in Castlehead's history involves a brief coal mining venture in the 1850s, which ended in financial ruin for the family involved, leading to the auction of the lands.

Real Estate Development

William Wotherspoon initiated the transformation of Castlehead into a residential area in 1861, breaking the land into feus. The layout established during this period largely remains to this day. The area's appeal was enhanced by its proximity to the railway station and the quality of its soil, attracting more residents to build family homes.

Below is a table containing the number, name, date, first proprietor and their occupation for the houses of Main, High and Low Roads

Main Road

Number	Original Name	Date	Built for	Occupation
1	Mount Pleasant	c.1820s	Rev. Banks	Minister of Canal Street U.P. Church
3	Redholme	1889	Thomas Abercrombie	Architect, Abercrombie & Symington, 97 High Street
5	Potter's Field	c.1866	Robert Abercrombie	Abercrombie & Craig Engineers, 32 Lady Lane
7	Westlands	c.1866	Alexander Begg	Dalziel & Begg Shawl Manufacturers, 112 Causeyside
9	Belmont	c.1866	Hugh Cowan	Sheriff Substitute
10	Woodend	c.1864	William McIntyre	Wholesale Stationer, Works - blackhall, shop and warehouse - 6 High Street
11	Ashgrove	c.1866	Rev. Andrew Henderson	Minister of Abbey Close U.P. Church
12	The Mound	c.1869	Hugh Muir	Unknown
14	Castlehead House	1770	James Maxwell of Castlehead	Merchant and Landowner
-	Castlehead Cottage (Demolished)	1700s	James Maxwell of Castlehead	Merchant and Landowner
15	Ferndean	c.1866	Thomas Greenlees	Thomas Greenlees & Co. Manufacturer of Woollen Goods
16	Warriston	c.1862	Thomas W Macalpine	Drysalter, 48 Moss Street, Store – George Place
17	Bellevue	c.1866	Alexander Speirs	Speirs & Gibb Coal Merchants & Fireclay Manufactures, Stoney Brae/Underwood Depot
18	Rosemount	c.1862	Archibald Hodge	Accountant for J&P Coats
19	Priory Park	c.1874	John Young	John Young & Co. Timber Merchants, Burgh Saw Mills
20	Wallace Bank	c.1864	James McMurchy	Shawl Manufacturer
21	The Elms (Demolished 1938)	c.1880	William Gardner	Logan & Gardner Shawl Manufacturer
22	Bloomfield	c.1864	Robert F Dalziel	Dalziel & Begg Shawl Manufactures
23	Ecclestoun	c.1877	Rev. George Clazy	Minister of Reformed Presbyterian Church, 38 Oakshaw Street
24	Englethwaite	c.1864	Archibald Barr	Yarn Merchant
25	Auchinean	c.1872	William Murray	David Murray & Son, House Painters and Decorators
26	Netherton	c.1870	Thomas Greenlees	Thomas Greenlees & Co.
28	Langholm	c.1875	Rev. F MacDonald	Minister of Martyrs’ Church
29	South Manse	c.1878	Rev. C McDonald	Minister of South Church
30	Moredun House	c.1873	John Armour Brown	Brown & Polson, Corn Flour & Starch Manufacturers
31	Mossgiel		E Murray
32	Balgonie	c.1875	George McKenzie	Photographer, 5 Gilmour Street/Willowbrae, Piershill, Edinburgh
33	Fairholme	c.1882	W.B. McLennan	Campbell & McLennan, Shawl Manufacturers
34	Knockbrecken	c.1875	Robert Millar	J&R Millar, Manufacturers
35	The Laurels		Joseph Lochhead	McInnes, McKenzie & Lochhead, Writers, 7 Gilmour Street
36	Southdene	c.1875	John Millar	J&R Millar, Manufacturers
37	The Cottage		George Watt	Wine & Spirit Merchant
38	Dunscore	c.1877	John K Crawford	M. Whitehill & Co. Shawl Manufactures
40	Dunrod	c.1878	John Stirling	Wine & Spirit Merchant

High Road

Number	Original Name	Date	Built for	Occupation
2	Ellangowan	c.1866	David Murray	Provost and Collector of Inland Revenue
4	Newton Bank	c.1866	James McKean	Wine & Spirit Merchant, 63 Causeyside
6	Double Villa	c.1868	James Parlane	J&R Parlane, Printers, Bookbinders, 97 High Street, Works – School Wynd
8	Tullieallan	c.1875	David Wilson	M. Whitehill & Co. Shawl Manufactures
9	Edgehill	c.1868	Mrs Eliza Glen	No occupation
10	Morven	c.1873	Andrew D Gibb	Speirs & Gibb Coal Merchants & Fireclay Manufactures, Stoney Brae/Underwood Depot
12	St. James Manse	c.1874	Rev. James Brown	Minister of St. James Street U.P. Church

Low Road

Number	Original Name	Date	Built for	Occupation
1	Edgemont	c.1875	George Dobie	Tobacco and Candle Manufacturer, Orchard Street
2	Braefoot	c.1867	John Greenlees	Matthew Greenlees & Son, 7-8 Forbes Place
3	Ravenswood	c.1871	John K Crawford	M. Whitehill & Co. Shawl Manufactures
4	The Willows	c.1867	Thomas MacRobert	Writer & JP Clerk-depute, County Place (MacRoberts Solicitors)
5	Marion Grove	c.1868	James Parlane	Draper & Silk Mercer, 10 High Street
6	Hayfield	c.1867	Allan Coats	W&A Coats, Ham Curers and Grocers, 68 Broomlands
7	Marion Grove (Extended)	c.1870s	John Parlane	Draper & Silk Mercer, 10 High Street
8	Firgrove
9	Gowanlea	c.1868	Robert A Gardner	Secretary of Life Insurance Co.
10	Norwell
11	Annfield Villa	c.1868	Mrs J Muir	Accountants, 23 Moss Street/Draper & Silk Mercer, 96 High Street
12	U.F.C. Manse
13	Rockbank	c.1866	William Robertson	Robertson & McGibbon, Drapers & Silk Mercers, 17 High Street
14	Hazelwood
15	-	c.1866	Alexander Mackintosh	Joiner & Packing Box Maker, 12 Newton Street
16	Glenfield Cottage	c.1868	William Brownlie	Manager of Glenfield Starch Works
17	Glencairn	c.1869	Alexander Cairns	A&R Cairns, Wholesale Confectioners - 2 High Street, works - 32 High Street

Notable Residents and Contributions

Influential Families and Philanthropy

Castlehead has been home to many of Paisley's most influential families, who contributed significantly to the community. Archibald Craig and Robert Allison are notable for their substantial donations towards the restoration of Paisley Abbey. Other residents supported various causes, including the construction of the Russell Institute and the Arthur Allison Memorial Hall, showcasing a strong tradition of local philanthropy.

Contributions to Local Infrastructure

The area's residents were instrumental in the development of local infrastructure. The Greenlees family, related to the J. & P. Coats dynasty, established the Netherton Shipping Company, reflecting the district's connection to Paisley’s industrial growth.

Architectural Heritage

Preservation and Conservation

Castlehead’s architectural significance is evident in its designation as a conservation area. The district's layout and many original Victorian villas have been preserved, maintaining its historical charm and appeal.

Educational Contributions

William Bow's donation of his house for educational use and support for apprentice schemes reflects the community's commitment to education and skill development, further enhancing Castlehead’s societal contributions.

Conclusion

Castlehead is not just a residential area but a historical emblem of Paisley's past. From its medieval roots to its role in the town’s industrial era and contributions to local culture and architecture, Castlehead represents a unique blend of history and progress. Its story is a testament to the resilience and transformation of a district that has retained its historical significance while evolving to meet modern needs.