Nestled in the heart of Paisley, "The Last Post" pub is more than just a place to enjoy a pint—it's a living piece of history. The building that now houses the pub was once Paisley’s main post office, an iconic structure that has played a significant role in the town's past. This article takes you on a journey through the rich history of this building and the wider heritage of Paisley, exploring everything from its architectural significance to the town's industrial achievements.
The Last Post: From Post Office to Pub
"The Last Post" takes its name from its former use as Paisley’s central post office, a vital hub for communication in the town. The original post office building was designed by renowned architect WW Robertson and was completed in 1893. The grandeur of the building reflects its importance at the time, with an extension added in 1912, designed by WT Oldrive, to accommodate the growing needs of the community. After serving as a post office for over a century, the building closed its doors to postal services earlier this year and has since been transformed into the pub we see today, preserving its historical essence while giving it a new lease of life.
The Legacy of Charles Heath
Among the historical highlights featured in "The Last Post" is a tribute to Charles Heath, an engraver whose work left a lasting mark on British history. Born in 1785, Heath was responsible for engraving the portrait of Queen Victoria on the master die for the Penny Black—the world’s first adhesive postage stamp—in January 1840. His work played a crucial role in the development of the postal system and is a fitting tribute within the walls of this former post office.
A Glimpse into Postal History
The pub also showcases an original envelope from 1867, addressed simply to the "Inspector of Poor, Paisley." Remarkably, this letter found its way from Dunblane to Paisley’s sorting office with minimal information, illustrating the efficiency and importance of the postal system during that era.
Visitors can also view photographs of postal workers from different periods, providing a fascinating insight into the history of the postal service. These images capture various figures, including a postwoman from around 1940 wearing a Girl Guide-style hat, a mail cart driver from 1903 with a felt bowler hat, a postman from 1905 sporting a good conduct stripe, and a postwoman from 1915 donning a shako with the officer’s number SE24 visible on her coat collar.
The Paisley Pattern: A Textile Tradition
Beyond its postal history, Paisley is perhaps best known for its association with the Paisley pattern, a design that has become synonymous with the town. The printing of Paisley pattern shawls was almost a separate industry in itself, with the first shawls being printed on the silk gauzes that had made Paisley famous in earlier years. Whitehall and Wilson Ltd, a local company, has recently revived this art, printing these intricate designs onto fine silk. A beautiful example from their archive is displayed in the pub, showcasing the rich textile heritage of the town.
The origins of the Paisley shawl can be traced back to the Kashmir shawl, brought to Britain by officers of the British East India Company as gifts for their wives and sweethearts. These original shawls were painstakingly made, often taking 2 to 3 years to complete, making them highly coveted and expensive. As demand grew in the early 18th century, Paisley, alongside Paris and Vienna, began producing imitations of these shawls, ultimately leading to Paisley becoming a one-industry town by 1840.
Today, the Paisley pattern remains a popular motif in the worlds of fashion and home furnishings. Many well-known manufacturers have sought access to Paisley Museum’s extensive archive of designs, leading the museum to create its own trademark. This trademark ensures that authentic Paisley designs continue to be recognised worldwide. Samples of fabric from the work basket of Mary Hamilton, a former worker at Paisley mills, are also on display, offering a tangible connection to the town’s industrial past.
Robertson’s Jam Factory: A Sweet Success
Another noteworthy aspect of Paisley’s industrial heritage is the story of Robertson’s jam factory. Founded in 1864 by James Robertson, a Paisley grocer, and his wife Marion, the factory began with a simple innovation—turning a barrel of slow-selling Seville bitter oranges into marmalade. The result was a clear, sweet but tangy marmalade with fine pieces of shred, which retained the tonic value of the fruit while removing its bitterness. Marion is credited with naming the marmalade "Golden Shred," a nod to its beautiful glowing colour. The success of this product led the Robertson family to give up their grocery shop and establish their first factory in Paisley. Today, the Robertson’s brand continues to thrive, with factories in Ledbury and Manchester.
Paisley Abbey: A Spiritual Landmark
No exploration of Paisley’s history would be complete without mentioning Paisley Abbey. Founded in 1163 as a monastery of the Cluniac Order, the abbey was established by Walter Fitzalan, the first hereditary High Steward of Scotland and an ancestor of the Royal House of Stewart. The West Front of Paisley Abbey, depicted in an illustration from around 1850 by RW Billings, remains one of the most significant historical landmarks in the town.
A Lasting Legacy
"The Last Post" not only serves as a reminder of Paisley’s postal history but also stands as a testament to the town’s rich industrial and cultural heritage. From the Paisley pattern shawls that brought international recognition to the town, to the success of Robertson’s marmalade and the spiritual significance of Paisley Abbey, the pub encapsulates the essence of Paisley’s past. As you enjoy a drink in this historic setting, take a moment to reflect on the stories and achievements that have shaped this remarkable town.
Conclusion
In transforming Paisley’s former post office into "The Last Post" pub, a vital piece of the town’s history has been preserved for future generations. This building, which once connected the people of Paisley to the wider world, now connects us to the town’s rich past. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, "The Last Post" offers a unique opportunity to experience Paisley’s history in a truly immersive setting.
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