Historic Barrhead

Archaeology and Development

by E Patricia Dennison, Simon Stronach & Russel Coleman

Situated to the west of Glasgow in East Renfrewshire, Barrhead grew rapidly in the late 18th century because it was in the right place, at the right time. It was close to the emerging commercial centres of Glasgow and Paisley and could rely on the Levern Water to power a booming textile industry. The valley in which the town grew also has a rich earlier history.

The book identifies medieval sites and charts the development of the town from the scatter of fermtouns shown on early maps. It goes on to sketch the social history of a community shaped by the industrial revolution.

Barrhead obtained Burgh status in 1893. By then the textile industry was diversifying into other activities that give Barrhead its distinctive profile: iron and brass working and sanitary engineering. Provost Shanks oversaw some of the first municipal improvements in the Police Burgh.

This survey provides an accessible and broad-ranging synthesis of existing knowledge on historic Barrhead, and will inform conservation guidance for future development. The authors look at the history and archaeological potential of key sites in the town, to inform the future management of Barrhead’s historic environment.

Info: ISBN 10: 1902771699; 84pp, full-colour broadsheet, b&w illustrations throughout;
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