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Johnstone
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Johnstone location map
Johnstone is situated approximately three and a half miles south west of Paisley.
The growth of Johnstone
On the 23 January 1782 George Houston, the laird of Johnstone, invited people to view the land which he had marked out into building plots for sale.
The plots were each big enough for a house and garden, and were planned in a series of regular streets. The street names still exist today: High Street, George's Street, Collier's Street, McDowall's Street and Church Street. The plan proved popular, and the town of Johnstone was born. In 1782 the population was 1500.
By 1831, industrial development had increased the population to 5,600. This rapid growth led to overcrowding and slum conditions, a problem which continued for many years. In the 1930s the local authority addressed the problem by building the first in a series of new housing schemes.
By 1831, industrial development had increased the population to 5,600. This rapid growth led to overcrowding and slum conditions, a problem which continued for many years. In the 1930s the local authority addressed the problem by building the first in a series of new housing schemes.
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Industry
In the 18th century and into the 19th century there was a coal mining industry in Johnstone. Unfortunately the mines were prone to flooding and fires, which made them dangerous and difficult to work in. In 1860 there was a disaster at the Benston Pit near Howwood Road in which five miners were killed. The pits were closed down soon afterwards, and mining in the Johnstone area came to an end.
The rapid growth of the town was due mainly to the success of the thread and cotton industry. The first mill in Johnstone was built in 1782 on Mill Brae, and others quickly followed until there were between 15 and 20 mills at the industry's peak. Part of that first mill remains today, known as Paton's Mill.
This advertisement for a Johnstone thread manufacturer in 1890 shows the extent of their mill complex.
This advertisement for a Johnstone thread manufacturer in 1890 shows the extent of their mill complex.
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Johnstone Castle
Johnstone Castle was originally known as the house of Easter Cochrane. When George Houston took over the estate in 1733 it was renamed Johnstone Castle. The Houston family extended and improved the house over the years until it was one of the finest houses in the area.
The estate lands were gradually sold off, and the last laird of Johnstone died in 1931. During the second world war the castle and grounds were used by the Army. Allied soldiers trained there, and German prisoners of war were housed in the grounds. The last of the estate land was bought by the local authority in 1956 for housing. The castle was demolished, except for the original tower which dates back to the 15th century. Today the tower is privately owned and is currently being renovated.
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Buildings of Johnstone
The bandstand in Houston Square in Johnstone town centre is an unusual local landmark. It was gifted to the town by George Ludovic Houston in 1891. Apparently he overheard someone remark that Johnstone was dull, and he decided to remedy that situation!
The High School on Ludovic Square was built in 1896, but destroyed by fire in 1960. Johnstone's High Parish church dates from 1792, and its elegant spire was added in 1823.
The Town Hall on Ludovic Square was built in 1868 and demolished in the early 1970s. The fountain in the foreground is made of Aberdeen granite and was built in 1886 as a gift to the town. The Thorn Primary School was built in 1904 and demolished in 1990.
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Finding out more
You can find out more about the history of Johnstone by contacting:
Paisley Central Local Studies Library
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
Johnstone Library
email: libraries.els@renfrewshire.gov.uk
phone: 0141 812 5331
fax: 0141 812 4977
write to:
Johnstone Library
Houston Court
Johnstone
PA5 8DL
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