Paisley Weavers, Hammermen and Tailors' records

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In 1658, Paisley Town Council first granted a charter making it possible for the trades people of Paisley to form societies. The purpose of these societies was to protect their trade and exclude strangers from carrying on the trade within the town’s boundaries.

In addition, these societies looked after their retired members, supported the families of deceased members and saw to the education of their children. Members paid a joining fee and an annual contribution to the funds of the society. A 'Boxmaster' or 'Collector' presided over each society with the support of a committee. The Tailors' Society was the first to be granted a charter in 1658, followed by the weavers in 1702 and the hammermen in 1761. In addition, shoemakers, maltmen, wrights, merchants, masons, fleshers, bakers and brewers were all granted charters by 1781.

The decline of exclusive privileges of trade began in the second half of the 18th century. With the abolition of the exclusive Privilege of Trading in Burghs in Scotland Act of 1846, such privileges were finally abolished. Thereafter the trade societies became purely charitable organisations often taking on friendly society status.

Renfrewshire Libraries Local Studies Library collection includes:

• minutes of the Paisley Society of Tailors 1658 - 1764
• minutes of the Hammermen Society 1761- 1803
• an alphabetical name index to the minutes of the Incorporation of Old Weavers in Paisley 1729 - 1900
• the Weavers’ minute books on microfilm 1702 - 1946

Please note that these trades records do not contain any information of help to a family historian other than to confirm membership of trade associations.

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