Heritage and local history

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Renfrewshire has a long and fascinating history. We have some of the most beautiful and significant historic buildings and locations, and a rich industrial heritage.

Click on the links below for more information:

Famous people
Historic buildings and locations
History of our towns and villages

You might also be interested in using your burial records information to research local history or your own family history.

Famous people

• Alexander Wilson, known as the 'Father of American Ornithology'
• Christian Shaw, famous for her involvement in the Renfrewshire witchcraft trials
• David Stow, famous for innovation in education and teacher training
• James Robertson, founder of the world famous marmalade producers
• John Clark, key figure in Paisley's thread-making industry
• John Polson, cornflour manufacturer born in Paisley in 1825
• John Witherspoon, signatory of the Declaration of Independence
• Robert Tannahill, renowned as 'the Paisley poet'
• Sir Peter Coats and Thomas Coats, thread manufacturers and famous benefactors
• Sir William Arrol, responsible for the Forth Bridge, Tay Bridge and Tower Bridge
• T G Abercrombie, architect of several landmark buildings in Paisley
• William Gallacher, founder of the Communist Party of Great Britain

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Historic buildings and locations

• Anchor Mills
• Blackhall Manor
• Castle Terrace, Bridge of Weir
• County Square
• India of Inchinnan
• John Neilson Institution
• Paisley Abbey
• Paisley Central Library
• Paisley Town Hall
• Renfrew Town Hall
• Russell Institute
• Sma' Shot Cottages
• Thomas Coats Memorial Church

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History of our towns and villages

• Bishopton
• Bridge of Weir
• Brookfield
• Elderslie
• Erskine
• Houston
• Howwood
• Inchinnan
• Johnstone
• Kilbarchan
• Langbank
• Linwood
• Lochwinnoch
• Paisley
• Renfrew

For more information on Renfrewshire's history, contact the Local Studies Library by

• email: locstuds.els@renfrewshire.gov.uk
• phone: 0141 889 2360
• fax: 0141 887 6468
• write to:
  Local Studies Library
  Central Library
  68 High Street
  Paisley
  PA1 2BB

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