At the heart of Paisley’s rich industrial and cultural history lies the story of Gilbert Smith, a name long forgotten but now rediscovered thanks to meticulous research by his 4x great-grandson, James Meikle Smith. As Paisley’s first librarian, appointed in 1810, Smith played a pivotal role in fostering literacy, knowledge, and intellectual discussion in a time when books were a privilege of the few.
For nearly 200 years, Smith’s final resting place remained unknown—his grave unmarked and lost to time. However, through dedication and perseverance, James Meikle Smith pieced together historical records, eventually leading to the rediscovery of his ancestor’s grave. Today, a memorial stands in his honour at Castlehead Church on Canal Street, reaffirming his place in Paisley’s history.
This article explores Smith’s contributions as Paisley’s first librarian, the town’s literary and radical political landscape, and the incredible journey that led to the rediscovery of his grave.
The Birth of the Paisley Subscription Library
The early 19th century was a transformative time for literacy and learning in Scotland. Public education was still in its infancy, and books were expensive, making subscription libraries the primary means for the middle and upper classes to access literature, scientific knowledge, and political thought.
The Establishment of the Library (1803)
Founded in 1803, the Paisley Subscription Library was one of many institutions across Scotland aimed at self-education and intellectual development. It operated on a paid membership basis, with around 200 subscribers at its peak. The library’s collection housed over 3,000 volumes, including works on philosophy, history, politics, and religion. It initially opened inside the Saracen’s Head Inn, a well-known gathering place for political and literary discussions.
Move to the Coffee Room (1810)
By 1810, the library had moved to a refurbished Coffee Room, coinciding with the Jubilee celebrations of King George III. This shift reflected its growing importance as a centre for Paisley’s literary and cultural development.
Gilbert Smith: The First Librarian of Paisley
In 1810, Gilbert Smith was appointed as the first librarian (or "keeper") of the Paisley Subscription Library. His role was fundamental in shaping the intellectual landscape of Paisley.
His Role and Daily Responsibilities
Managing and cataloguing books in an era before the Dewey Decimal System.
Assisting subscribers, helping them choose books suited to their interests.
Handling borrowing records manually, ensuring the return of books in an orderly manner.
Maintaining order in the library, preventing theft or damage to books.
Smith’s work played a crucial role in Paisley’s intellectual development, bringing knowledge to a community eager for education and self-improvement.
Challenges He Faced
Limited accessibility – Since the library was subscription-based, working-class citizens had little access.
Censorship concerns – Radical political movements in Paisley meant that some books may have been controversial, requiring careful oversight.
Physical book maintenance – In an era before book repair techniques were common, preserving the collection was a constant challenge.
Paisley’s Political Climate and the Role of Libraries
Paisley in the early 19th century was a centre for radical political thought and activism. The town’s weaving community, known for its high literacy rates, was deeply involved in movements advocating better wages, workers' rights, and parliamentary reform.
The 1820 Radical War
In 1820, Paisley became a hotspot for radical protests demanding economic and social justice. Weavers and artisans, many of whom were self-educated through libraries, were at the forefront of these movements. The Paisley Subscription Library likely housed political literature that influenced discussions on reform and democracy.
Could Smith have been part of these conversations? While there is no direct record of his involvement, it’s likely that he oversaw the circulation of political works, making the library an indirect participant in Paisley’s reformist struggles.
The Long-Lost Grave: A Genealogical Mystery Solved
After serving as Paisley’s first librarian, Gilbert Smith passed away in 1822. His final resting place remained unknown for nearly two centuries until James Meikle Smith, his 4x great-grandson, uncovered historical records that led to the discovery of his unmarked grave.
The Discovery of Smith’s Grave and the Memorial
Using resources such as:
Paisley Museum archives
Castlehead Church records
The Grave-Diggers’ Books
James Meikle Smith was able to pinpoint the burial site. A memorial stone was erected at Castlehead Church on Canal Street in honour of Smith’s contributions to Paisley’s intellectual history.
The New Memorial and Legacy
A memorial now stands at Castlehead Church, ensuring that Gilbert Smith’s contributions to Paisley’s literary history are never forgotten. The commemoration ceremony was led by Liz McFarlan, Locum Preacher of Castlehead Church, marking the end of a remarkable journey of rediscovery.
Why Gilbert Smith’s Story Matters Today
Libraries and the Power of Knowledge – Smith’s work reminds us of the importance of libraries in fostering literacy and intellectual growth.
The Role of Genealogy in Unearthing Forgotten Histories – James Meikle Smith’s research highlights the power of personal genealogy in bringing lost histories back to life.
Social Inequality in 19th-Century Scotland – Smith’s unmarked grave for nearly two centuries serves as a sobering reminder of class divisions.
Final Thoughts: Gilbert Smith’s Legacy Lives On
Gilbert Smith was more than just Paisley’s first librarian—he was a guardian of knowledge and a key figure in the town’s intellectual life. Thanks to James Meikle Smith’s perseverance, Smith’s story has been restored to its rightful place in Paisley’s rich historical tapestry.
Acknowledgements
A huge thanks to James Meikle Smith for his dedicated research in locating Gilbert Smith’s grave and ensuring that a memorial stone was placed at Castlehead Church. Additionally, Balnave Wallace played a key role in sharing this story and bringing wider attention to Gilbert Smith’s legacy.
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