Paisley 1895

This plan of Paisley is from “The Royal Scottish Geographical Society’s Atlas of Scotland” produced by J.G.Bartholomew in 1895. The descriptive text that follows is compiled from the “Gazetteer of the British Isles” published by Bartholomew in 1893.
 

Paisley – River port and manufacturing town, Renfrewshire, on White Cart Water (3 miles from its confluence with the Clyde), 6 miles W. of Glasgow and 396 miles NW. of London by rail.  Town population 55,638.  Market-day, Thursday.  Paisley, originally called Passeleth, sprang from the Abbey of Paisley, which was founded by Walter, High Steward of Scotland, about the year 1163.  This abbey was burned by the English in 1307, and was not rebuilt till the 15^th century.  Paisley was made a burgh of barony in 1488, and was granted a crown charter in 1665.  It is now a great seat of manufacture.  Paisley has long been famous for its plaids and shawls, but owing to changes in fashion the trade in these shawls has much declined.  Tapestry, embroidery, tartan, and carpet manufacturing are also carried on.  There are extensive starch and corn-flour works, bleaching and dye works, chemical works, and a ship-building yard.  The river Cart has been deepened from 8 to 12 ft., and a new docks have been constructed.