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Houston
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Houston location map
Houston is located approximately five miles west of Paisley.
Houston village
Houston was once called Kilpeter, meaning "the chapel of Peter". The Kilpeter lands were granted to Hugo (or Hugh) de Padvinan in the 12th century, and the village which grew up around his castle were called "Hugh's toun", which became "Houston". In the 18th century a new owner demolished part of the castle and used the stones to build a new village further away. The Houston Inn is one of the few buildings still in existence from this time.
Weaving was the main industry of Houston from the late 17th century into the 19th century. In 1793 the Crosslee cotton mill opened on the River Gryffe, and in the 19th century Houston became well-known for the production of high quality embroidery.
Today Houston is a conservation area and a popular commuter village.
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The Barochan and Mercat Crosses
The 8th century Celtic Barochan Cross once stood at a crossroads south of Barochan mill, not far from Houston. It is now housed inside Paisley Abbey for safekeeping and to prevent further damage to its detailed carvings.
The Mercat Cross still stands in South Street, Houston and is a well-known landmark. Its base may date from as early as the 14th century.
The Mercat Cross still stands in South Street, Houston and is a well-known landmark. Its base may date from as early as the 14th century.
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Houses of Houston
Of these three magnificent houses, sadly only Houston House remains. Craigends House was situated to the east of the village of Crosslee, near Houston. It was
a spectacular Baronial mansion, built in 1857 and owned by the Cunninghame family. The house lay empty from the 1960s and became increasingly derelict.
It was demolished in stages, with the last remains being removed in 1980.
a spectacular Baronial mansion, built in 1857 and owned by the Cunninghame family. The house lay empty from the 1960s and became increasingly derelict.
It was demolished in stages, with the last remains being removed in 1980.
Barochan House, pictured below, was built in the late 16th century to replace an earlier house which had been destroyed by fire. It was home to the Fleming family for approximately 600 years. Most of this house was demolished in 1947.
Houston House, which belonged to the Houston family, was built around 1872 on the site of Hugo de Padvinan's castle, after it had been demolished. A small part of the castle was incorporated into the house. Today the house is divided into flats.
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Kilellan
Kilellan was a parish with its own church until united with Houston in 1760. Kilellan had no village, but covered many small farms and a mill and a smithy. The name "Kilellan" means the "chapel of Fillan". St Fillan was an Irish monk who was in this area around the year 740.
Only the remains of Kilellan church can still be seen. Kilellan manse is still lived in and is thought to be the oldest inhabited house in Renfrewshire.
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Finding out more
The Local Studies Library holds a collection of materials relating to the history of Houston, including books, newspapers and maps. You can contact the Local Studies Library by:
- email: locstuds.els@renfrewshire.gov.uk
- phone: 0141 889 2360
- fax: 0141 887 6468
- write to:
Reference and Local Studies Library
Central Library
68 High Street
Paisley
PA1 2BB
