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Scotland (Counties as in 1851-1901) => Scotland => Lanarkshire => Topic started by: ele on Wednesday 26 January 05 23:50 GMT (UK)

Title: The Gorbals, Glasgow (a place)
Post by: ele on Wednesday 26 January 05 23:50 GMT (UK)
Can someone shed some light on what or where The Gorbals, not sure if i'm spelling correct.., is, was, what?!

My Granddad referred to hanging around or at The Gorbals in Glasgow... he was born 1912, so 1924-35...

Thank you Ele...
Title: Re: The Gorbals, Glasgow (a place)
Post by: moiramount on Thursday 27 January 05 00:07 GMT (UK)
i think it was a housing estate in glasgow, but a scots person would tell you better.

                       moira
Title: Re: The Gorbals, Glasgow (a place)
Post by: Iria on Thursday 27 January 05 00:13 GMT (UK)
Hi Ele

try this website

http://www.condorrat.freeserve.co.uk/gorbals_story.htm


Jim Kerr of 80's Group Simple Minds Was Born there Before he moved to Toryglen


Regards

Iria
Title: Re: The Gorbals, Glasgow (a place)
Post by: acorngen on Thursday 27 January 05 00:28 GMT (UK)
The Gorbals are about 5 minutes walk from Glasgow city center and situated on the opposite side of the Clyde.  The area is mainly high rise flats and very rough neighbourhoods.  It makes Brixton in London look tame.  Jimmy Boyle the notorious early 60's gangster was born and raised there.

The shops in the Gorbals have metal bars all around the shop assitant because of the robberies being rife.  All that said I used to visit an ex girlfriends family friend there and never had too much trouble but I would sooner live rough than in the Gorbals.

Rob
Title: Re: The Gorbals, Glasgow (a place)
Post by: Iria on Thursday 27 January 05 00:33 GMT (UK)
Hi Rob

I think its fasinating to here about The Gorbals.. I come from Toxteth in Liverpool and i could always Imagine the to parts of the city Being the same.. By the way are you a Hoops or a Gers

regards

iria
Title: Re: The Gorbals, Glasgow (a place)
Post by: ele on Thursday 27 January 05 08:21 GMT (UK)
Thank you all...

I think my sweet Granddad may have associated with some rough characters!! We are related to Boyles, but not Jimmy... Well not that I know of, not sure if I would like to know! Granddad's Gran was a Boyle, haven't really gone that way in my search..

I will have a look at the site recommened later..

Thanks.. Ele

Title: Re: The Gorbals, Glasgow (a place)
Post by: acorngen on Thursday 27 January 05 15:13 GMT (UK)
Hi Rob

I think its fasinating to here about The Gorbals.. I come from Toxteth in Liverpool and i could always Imagine the to parts of the city Being the same.. By the way are you a Hoops or a Gers

regards

iria

Ira,

I am neither and I am not scottish either.  I just lived at kilmarnock for a few months.  I used to follow Killie whilst I was up there and still have one eye on their progress.  After spending one afternoon in the barras which is  a massive market and which is situated in the heart of the hoops fan base and seeing what was occurring I think Id rather stay neutral

Rob
Title: Re: The Gorbals, Glasgow (a place)
Post by: RJ_Paton on Thursday 27 January 05 22:12 GMT (UK)
The gorbals was originally amongst the first extension of the City of Glasgow to the south of the river in the 18th Century.

Initially settled by various gentry who built a series of larger houses it slowly over the years went downhill and the area became a byword for slum housing and overcrowding.

Many so called housing initiatives saw the heart ripped out of the area and high rise flats built (not overly well) .

The area was also the setting of the film and book "No Mean City" ..... and it is upon these now ancient pieces of fiction that the area's "tough" reputation is still spread.

see http://www.glasgowguide.co.uk/images_gorbals.html for some modern images
or http://www.theglasgowstory.co.uk/ for more of the city
Title: Re: The Gorbals, Glasgow (a place)
Post by: acorngen on Thursday 27 January 05 23:47 GMT (UK)
Lets not forget to that history it is also the birth place of the Ned the forerunner of todays chav.  The difference is Chav's dont wear shell suits lol


Rob
Title: Re: The Gorbals, Glasgow (a place)
Post by: RJ_Paton on Friday 28 January 05 00:36 GMT (UK)
On the contrary .... the Gorbals heyday was long before the advent of the "Ned" ...  Teddyboys maybe, but Neds  no way... and shellsuits hadn't even been invented when the Gorbals tough reputation was at its height.

But at its height it was also a close knit working class community

Title: Re: The Gorbals, Glasgow (a place)
Post by: RJ_Paton on Friday 28 January 05 00:41 GMT (UK)
Ele, just to add a little geography the start of the gorbals is just a short distance away from the Saltmarket/ King Street area of Glasgow where Millars Place was situated (your previous enquiry)
Title: Re: The Gorbals, Glasgow (a place)
Post by: anne jane on Friday 28 January 05 07:06 GMT (UK)
I was born in the Gorbals and lived there for 13 yrs and can honestly say that they were the happiest years of my life.  There was a great community spirit everyone looked out for each other and yes there was a small minority who did cause trouble but you get them everywhere you go.

One of the places where men would congregate was Gorbals Cross which was situated between Norfolk St and Gorbals St and photos of the Cross are on the Virtual Mitchell website. That is probably where your grandfather would meet his friends

There is a site which I think would be of interest to you it's www. gorbalslive.org.uk then click on to anecdotes there you will find people reliving their memories of life in the Gorbals.

Hope this will be of some help to you

Janie
Title: Re: The Gorbals, Glasgow (a place)
Post by: acorngen on Friday 28 January 05 20:54 GMT (UK)
On the contrary .... the Gorbals heyday was long before the advent of the "Ned" ...  Teddyboys maybe, but Neds  no way... and shellsuits hadn't even been invented when the Gorbals tough reputation was at its height.

But at its height it was also a close knit working class community



In respect to my post I said it WAS the birth place of the ned not that the gorbals started because of NED's I accept that there was other fashion styles prior to the neds of today.

Rob
Title: Re: The Gorbals, Glasgow (a place)
Post by: RJ_Paton on Friday 28 January 05 21:08 GMT (UK)
We will obviously have to agree to differ ..... the Gorbals was not the birthplace of the "NED" .... nor was it the birthplace of the Teddyboys to whom I referred.

It was once an upper class area which fell on hard times and within which as the houses were neglected by those who could have done something about it rather than build more poor houses and cram them full.
It (the area) helped give rise to the birth of socialism, it gave the world some notable characters on both sides of the fence and yes   the  people grew up short of cash and what many nowadays consider the necessities of life but there was a community spirit which grew and prospered.

That times were hard for the people that lived there there is no doubt. That there were criminal elements living in some parts again no doubt .... but as has been said they were in the minority .....

That the fiction of the no mean city image has been foisted upon the area is not its fault but rather the failure of the commentators.

sweeping generalisations whether for good or bad are often far wide of the mark and bear little resemblence to the reality of things.

as for Jimmy Boyle 
Quote
  Jimmy Boyle is an acclaimed sculptor, a prize-winning writer, a drugs counsellor and a wine expert.
Title: Re: The Gorbals, Glasgow (a place)
Post by: ele on Friday 28 January 05 22:57 GMT (UK)
Thank you all again..

Will show messages to my Dad and maybe it may jog his memory on a few of Grandad's stories... he had more than a few, and as a young child/teenager when he lived with us, I switched off! like kids do... (my son is now doing it to me).. 

I must add that my Granddad may have come from some rough areas but produced a very open minded, intelligent man who stayed young in mind and if only I could remember his dam stories!!

and thank you Janie. The Virtual Lib. has quite a few photos of where my earlier family lived and where my Grandad was born.. My Dad was speechless, and believe you me, THAT was a first! It's great to actually see pictures, especially from Australia.. and to find some where your family lived is fantastic..

Thanks...
Title: Re: The Gorbals, Glasgow (a place)
Post by: acorngen on Saturday 29 January 05 12:29 GMT (UK)
With regards to Jimmy Boyle.  He may well be an acclaimed sculptor etc and a prison reformer and he was also a leading exponent in trying to turn younger people away from crime he was still a notorious criminal who became good.  He is also to some extent one of my hero's.  To withstand what he did in Barlinnie, to withstand and come out strong when the Government and prison service did all they could to contain what they saw as an attack on them personally. 

Would he have come out the man he is now though if it wasn't for the special unit?  No I don't think he would have.  His sculptoring saved him from more crime and he should be an inspiration to us all.  From the dreggs of life come the stalwarts of society.

Anyway thats all personal opinion.  Whatever the views of the gorbals by myself or others the fact is at one time they were a well to do era and then they fell into decay and today look like the slums of any major city.

Rob
Title: Re: The Gorbals, Glasgow (a place)
Post by: anne jane on Saturday 29 January 05 13:02 GMT (UK)
Hi Ele

Your grandfather would most certainly have known or spoken about the boxer Benny Lynch and you will find more info on him at www.bennylynch.co.uk

Janie

Title: Re: The Gorbals, Glasgow (a place)
Post by: ele on Friday 04 February 05 12:51 GMT (UK)
Thanks again for your help.. Benny does ring a bell with my Dad.. Grandad was well into boxing. His father was a Bare Knuckle fighter at the Glasgow Greens late 1800's and my Dad also a boxer. Do you know of any history on bare knuckle fighting at the Glasgow Greens.. probably done behind closed doors I would imagine..

Thanks for the Gorbal Cross info. I will take a look further. Triggered my Dads memory of Grandads stories of police on horse back turning up to where they used to hang out and taking marbles to throw on the ground to bring the police off the horses.. and sewing razor blades into the lapels of jackets incase of a fight!!

Have a great day... Ele.
Title: Re: The Gorbals, Glasgow (a place)
Post by: anne jane on Friday 04 February 05 13:24 GMT (UK)
Hi Ele

I don't know anything about bare knuckle fighting in the Glasgow Green but if you go on to www.glesga.ukpals.com I am sure that someone there will answer your questions.  It's also a great site for everyone who is looking for any info or help on the east end of Glasgow

Janie
Title: Re: The Gorbals, Glasgow (a place)
Post by: RJ_Paton on Friday 04 February 05 17:03 GMT (UK)
http://heritage.scotsman.com/cfm/heritagenews/headlines_specific.cfm?articleid=1187222003&subset=archive
is another site about a former Gorbals Bare knuckle boxer who was subsequently awarded the VC
Title: Re: The Gorbals, Glasgow (a place)
Post by: RJ_Paton on Friday 04 February 05 17:07 GMT (UK)
Re sewing razor blades into the lapels of jackets ..... purely self defense  :P

The logic being that if someone were to grab hold of you intending to headbutt you (the famous Glesga Kiss) they would do so by grabbing hold of your jacket lapels.
Therefore with the razor blades sewn in there they would injure themselves and give you that additional time needed to deliver a telling blow.  ::)
Title: Re: The Gorbals, Glasgow (a place)
Post by: anne jane on Friday 04 February 05 17:17 GMT (UK)
That's an excellent and informative site

Many thanks

Janie
Title: Re: The Gorbals, Glasgow (a place)
Post by: carolineasb on Friday 04 February 05 17:38 GMT (UK)
Rob

It's blatantly obvious that you have not been near Glasgow for a very very long time.

Glasgow has enjoyed much regeneration/rebuilding in the last 20 odd years.

In fact "The Gorbals" have totally changed in the last 20 odd years - it may still have high rise flats but many of the awful "slums" are gone giving way to lovely new builds.  Of course, it is not one of the best areas in Glasgow but every city has good and bad areas.  Even in areas that are not the best, many of the people are still the best!!!

I speak not as a Glaswegian but a Paisley Buddie that is at present working on the perimeter of the Gorbals.

The Glasgow Green is just across the River Clyde from my work.  It is used for many things - Pipe Band Championships/Concerts etc

Rgds

Caroline

Title: Re: The Gorbals, Glasgow (a place)
Post by: acorngen on Saturday 05 February 05 22:11 GMT (UK)
Caroline,

Well you are wrong I was in the gorbals about 6 months ago.  Have you been in amongst the high rise flats and seen the grafiti the rubbish strewn everywhere, the shop keepers behind bullet proof screens?  I doubt it very much.  I could go on.  At the end of the day the slums may well have gone or rather what we would associate with slums have gone yet the modern high rise are the equivalent.  We wont mention the constant stepping on broken needles etc.

But until I moved back to England I used to spend a lot of time in the Gorbals in those high rise flats and buying goods in those self same stores.  However if you had read all my posts you would have realised that I had been there recently because I have just about repeated one of my original posts.  It is a run down part of Glasgow and one in need of a lot of money to make it better.  Yes the people within the gorbals are happy but speak to them and most will say if only they would clean it up.

Ill stop there

Rob
Title: Re: The Gorbals, Glasgow (a place)
Post by: David Barber on Monday 30 May 05 22:46 BST (UK)
The Gorbals are about 5 minutes walk from Glasgow city center and situated on the opposite side of the Clyde.  The area is mainly high rise flats and very rough neighbourhoods.  It makes Brixton in London look tame.  Jimmy Boyle the notorious early 60's gangster was born and raised there.

The shops in the Gorbals have metal bars all around the shop assitant because of the robberies being rife.  All that said I used to visit an ex girlfriends family friend there and never had too much trouble but I would sooner live rough than in the Gorbals.

Rob
I was born in Tradeston,next door,you might say to "The Gorbals.Gorbals like tradeston was a district in Glasgow.It had a few Gangs in the the 1920"s(read book"NO Mean City").However in all my lifetime there(1935-67)I have never seen or heard of things as you describe and I for one would rather live in the Gorbals than live Rough.I would also be of the opinion that you never lived there or at most was just passing through and not qualified to talk as you do.
Title: Re: The Gorbals, Glasgow (a place)
Post by: acorngen on Tuesday 31 May 05 09:00 BST (UK)
1967 - 2004 = 37 years in that time I guess the place as changed more than you realise.  Did I ever stay there?  Yes I did with my then Girlfriends Cousin.  Is it all as I described?  Yes it is.  Even the busses in Glasgow have bullet proof screens around the drivers because of the attacks they have suffered.  The Gorbals is in my opinion not for the faint hearted and I stand by what I said many weeks ago when I made that post.  What opinions we generate about a place at the time of our visiting is one that stays with us throughout our lives and only revisiting that place can change that idea.  I wouldn't comment on how the place was in the 60's only ever having read about the place back then but Having spent many hours in the Gorbals I do feel entitled to offer an opinion from my point of view on its resent state.

Gen
Title: Re: The Gorbals, Glasgow (a place)
Post by: JohnMac43 on Thursday 16 June 05 10:20 BST (UK)
I dont think BOB and some of the others have been in the Gorbals for years.
 All the negative comments are pathetic.
The New Gorbals is a busy place now with millions being spent in rejuvenating the area. Many expensive private housing an apartments have sprung up. The Gorbals burying ground in now a lovely rose garden. The new library is so modern in structure and content. The history of the area is so colourful and millions have lived and worked in the area over the past few hundred years. I dont see bars on any shop windows!!! :P
Title: Re: The Gorbals, Glasgow (a place)
Post by: Hudggy on Saturday 25 June 05 15:50 BST (UK)
Hi All,
Do not forget the are lots of famous people came from Glasgow and the gorbals IE: Pinkerton Detective Agency in America was started by Pinkerton from the Gorbals. The place is like every where else if you live there it is better than somewhere else. I know I have stayed in worse places around the world so dont always believe what you read or hear.
The Gorbals was the main stopping place for the poor Irish people escaping the Famines.
Title: Re: The Gorbals, Glasgow (a place)
Post by: brownmac on Thursday 30 June 05 23:38 BST (UK)
It is true the Gorbals was a rough and ready district of Glasgow but Hey no longer.As with many areas of Glasgow the Gorbals has been regenerated the slums and" single ends" are no more The post war 50's and 60's architexture has been replaced with new apartments and houses which are very saught after.
In the sixties(even before) many razor gangs were invovled in running battles. NO longer!
I have been researching my husbands family tree and have discovered many of his forefathers were from the highlands of Scotland drawn to Glasgow to work in the ironfoundries and shipyards during the industrial revolution,
My father-in-law was born in the Gorbals in 1918 and is still alive to-day! Still lives in Glasgow too His father was a ship's cook and was shipwrecked in WW1 and never kept good health until his death in 1941 whilst my father-in-law was serving in the war against the Japanese.Like many other Gorbals Boys he was a member of the Boys Brigade and consequently he and many of his peers joined the Territorial Army_ they were the first to be called up.Before the war ended he rose to the rank of Sargeant Major   not bad for aboy from the Gorbals!!! After the war he became a teacher ,his son  ,my husband a bank manager,and our sons - a surgeon,a police officer and a fire officer.How's that then 
Title: Re: The Gorbals, Glasgow (a place)
Post by: diva on Sunday 10 July 05 20:20 BST (UK)
My grandfather, Andrew William Murray, was apparently born in Gorbals (or Gobals?  Is there such a place?)  in Glasgow in 1897, street address 30 Main St.  From what I've read about the place, this doesn't seem to make sense, as his family was quite affluent - his father James Thomson Murray, from St. Monance, was a fish curer who owned his own business. I assume they were in Glasgow as part of his business. The next I can find them is in Torry, Aberdeen, in 1901, according to the census.
Was the Gorbals still an affluent area in 1897?  Is there an area of Glasgow known as Gobals?  Can anyone check out his birth records for me locally there?  His mother's name was Margaret Gerrard Murray, from St. Monance, Fife. 
I am so confused!
Bonnie
Title: Re: The Gorbals, Glasgow (a place)
Post by: RJ_Paton on Sunday 10 July 05 22:13 BST (UK)
As far as I know there isn't any place in glasgow called Gobals.

It is probably the Gorbals area that you seek ..... as to its affluence (or lack of it) in 1897 .... it was definitely on the slide but there were still a number of bigger houses about
Title: Re: The Gorbals, Glasgow (a place)
Post by: Christopher on Friday 20 July 07 00:38 BST (UK)
Hi Ele,

I'm just linking threads together.  1841 census Co Monaghan Ireland.  (http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?topic=15186.msg1342591#msg1342591)

Christopher
Title: Re: The Gorbals, Glasgow (a place)
Post by: JAP on Friday 20 July 07 02:19 BST (UK)
My grandfather, Andrew William Murray, was apparently born in Gorbals (or Gobals?  Is there such a place?)  in Glasgow in 1897, street address 30 Main St. ...  Can anyone check out his birth records for me locally there?  His mother's name was Margaret Gerrard Murray, from St. Monance, Fife. 
... 

diva,

You can look for his birth yourself on the (pay-per-view - but charges are reasonable) ScotlandsPeople site at:
http;//www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk

A free search on SP finds that there is indeed the birth of an Andrew William MURRAY in 1897 registered in the Gorbals district.

JAP
Title: Re: The Gorbals, Glasgow (a place)
Post by: IMBER on Friday 20 July 07 10:41 BST (UK)
Would you like the address of a good optician Genresearch? The situation you describe may have elements of truth but they are rapidly fading into the past. Vast sums have been spent by private developers in providing very attractive private sector housing that people queue to buy.  Yes, there are still some public sector tower blocks but they do not now dominate the housing stock.  The fact that all the big house builders leap to build very attractive private homes here says something.  A more balanced view, please. What is emerging here is a model of private and public sector housing.

http://www.scottish-enterprise.com/sedotcom_home/news-se/news-fullarticle.htm?articleid=211960&
Title: Re: The Gorbals, Glasgow (a place)
Post by: acorngen on Saturday 21 July 07 11:58 BST (UK)
Imber,

Go look at the date I made the initial post and then look at yesterdays date when you made your post.  I am aware that in the last 2 years the Gorbals have been to a large extent destroyed and rebuolt by developers but back in 2005 there was more than a few high rise blocks there.

Rob
Title: Re: The Gorbals, Glasgow (a place)
Post by: sancti on Saturday 21 July 07 14:53 BST (UK)
Some nice photos here

http://travel.webshots.com/album/551541170hHGDvx
Title: Re: The Gorbals, Glasgow (a place)
Post by: pettsy on Saturday 21 July 07 15:54 BST (UK)
I read a good book about growing up in the Gorbals, about a boy from Polish parents.

Wasn't the Gorbals where "No mean city" was based?
Or some of it.
Title: Re: The Gorbals, Glasgow (a place)
Post by: legaleagle on Saturday 21 July 07 16:27 BST (UK)
Yes it was,  I have a copy of that book bought in August 1956, it was considered shocking in those days, today I expect it just to be taken for granted.

Title: Re: The Gorbals, Glasgow (a place)
Post by: pettsy on Saturday 21 July 07 16:42 BST (UK)
Hi legaleagle
Welcome to Roots Chat.

I had a copy bought for me at Christmas.
I have been told there is a series of books which goes with it, is there?

I am going to Glasgow on Wednesday so I want to visit Glasgow Green where all the gangs met to fight.And visit People's Palace too.

Oh and I will wear a hat, otherwise the will think I am a hairy!!

My g grandfather said he lived in the Gorbals, I have yet to find proof.
Last known address was Crown Ave Clydebank.

Pettsy
Title: Re: The Gorbals, Glasgow (a place)
Post by: JAP on Saturday 21 July 07 16:46 BST (UK)
...
Wasn't the Gorbals where "No mean city" was based?
...

Yes.  Responses #7, #13, and #24 on this thread mention it.  There are some interesting comments in those posts and responses to them.

JAP
Title: Re: The Gorbals, Glasgow (a place)
Post by: IMBER on Monday 23 July 07 10:44 BST (UK)
Genresearch, I have made an appointment for myself at that good optician!!
Title: Re: The Gorbals, Glasgow (a place)
Post by: pettsy on Monday 23 July 07 11:02 BST (UK)
...
Wasn't the Gorbals where "No mean city" was based?
...

Yes.  Responses #7, #13, and #24 on this thread mention it.  There are some interesting comments in those posts and responses to them.

JAP

 :-[ I don't speed read as good as I thought I did  :-[
More like skim reading  :-\
I will take more time in the future  ;D
Title: Re: The Gorbals, Glasgow (a place)
Post by: apanderson on Monday 23 July 07 16:50 BST (UK)
Don't you worry Pettsy, we'll let you away with it this time!!

You're probably just excited about your wee trip up to Bonny Scotland.

 ;D  ;D  ;D  ;D   ;D  ;D  ;D

Anne
Title: Re: The Gorbals, Glasgow (a place)
Post by: JAP on Monday 23 July 07 17:12 BST (UK)
But the comments were interesting - weren't they?

Cheers,

JAP  ;D
PS:  I envy anyone who's making a wee trip up to Bonny Scotland  >:(
Title: Re: The Gorbals, Glasgow (a place)
Post by: apanderson on Monday 23 July 07 20:36 BST (UK)
They cetainly were JAP  ;D

Anne.

P.S. Pettsy and I are having out own wee mini-meet on Wednesday and then later in the evening meeting up with some of the folks over on the Great War Forum.

No doubt we'll be sooking throat sweeties for a week afterwards - we'll be doing that much blethering!
Title: Re: The Gorbals, Glasgow (a place)
Post by: pettsy on Monday 23 July 07 22:46 BST (UK)
Jap there were some very interesting comments  :D




Looking forward to it Ann, and a wee dram or two.
And a good ol' blether  ;)
Title: Re: The Gorbals, Glasgow (a place)
Post by: WILLIAM 1 on Wednesday 21 November 07 18:48 GMT (UK)
the gorbals in glasgow has went through a cleen up all new houses and stuff like that glasgow green is round the corner from it i stay in renfrew so i am about 20 mins from glasgow is there any thing you would like to know about the gorbals
Title: Re: The Gorbals, Glasgow (a place)
Post by: millymcb on Wednesday 21 November 07 19:48 GMT (UK)
Hi William

I have the following addresses for one family.....Are these in "The Gorbals"? And do you know them, are they still there?

4 Cobden Street  (1878)
65 Garngad Hill (1871)
52 Bright Street (1881)

Thanks


Milly

Title: Re: The Gorbals, Glasgow (a place)
Post by: tidybooks on Wednesday 21 November 07 21:40 GMT (UK)
Hi Milly,

All these addresses are in Townhead near Springburn not the Gorbals area.

Tom
Title: Re: The Gorbals, Glasgow (a place)
Post by: millymcb on Wednesday 21 November 07 21:55 GMT (UK)
Ah - thanks.   

I'm presuming it's not (or wasn't) the poshest of places!
Title: Re: The Gorbals, Glasgow (a place)
Post by: gaucho on Wednesday 21 November 07 22:54 GMT (UK)
Hi millymcb,
these streets were in Garngad, renamed Roystonhill in 1942, many of my family stayed in these streets. Not posh- poor quality housing was thrown up in between heavy industry to take advantage of a big influx of mainly Irish labour. Picture at
http://www.mitchelllibrary.org/virtualmitchell/index.php?a=district&s=item&key=dYToxOntpOjA7czo3OiJHYXJuZ2FkIjt9&pg=14

also
http://www.roystonroadproject.org/archive/history/garngad_royston.htm

best wishes,
John
Title: Re: The Gorbals, Glasgow (a place)
Post by: millymcb on Thursday 22 November 07 00:52 GMT (UK)
Thanks John -I'll take a look

Milly  ;D
Title: Re: The Gorbals, Glasgow (a place)
Post by: WILLIAM 1 on Thursday 22 November 07 12:46 GMT (UK)
i dont know them but the streets are not in the gorbals but the other person was right where he said they where
Title: Re: The Gorbals, Glasgow (a place)
Post by: millymcb on Thursday 22 November 07 13:31 GMT (UK)
Thanks WIlliam
Title: Re: The Gorbals, Glasgow (a place)
Post by: Bob Asher on Tuesday 28 July 09 09:03 BST (UK)
Being third generation Gorbalite who has lived here for the past forty years and reading some of the negative comments left by passers through has left me with a bitter taste in my mouth, i do not dispute the fact that the gorbals was and can be a violent place to live, just like many others in the country. In contrast though the sense of community that arose from the poverty and the poor housing and exploitation of past years has created some truly strong characters and has given rise to some real community activism, with the Gorbals becoming the fore runner in new housing policies promoting equality and diversity and also incorporating art work that is on the new builds is second to none( see Gorbals Arts Project). a penthouse in the Gorbals was recently sold for £250,000.00 and most of the new builds are going for no less than £120,000.00 with one bedroom which only goes to show the desire of people to live in such a beautiful area.
 the Gorbals (the field of the town)definition, was originally populated by Italian and Irish immigrants and was later populated by Jewish immigrants which have since left the area leaving the mix of social classes and groupings that remain. in conclusion i am proud to call myself a Gorbalite and the strength of character and moral values instilled in me by my parents and the community has given me the ability to travel anywhere in the world and be welcomed and accepted by all no matter where i travel. on these travels i have met individuals and families who at some time claimed to have had family from here and the memories are more often than not, fond ones.
Title: Re: The Gorbals, Glasgow (a place)
Post by: apanderson on Tuesday 28 July 09 09:52 BST (UK)
Well said Bob!

I don't think any disrespect was intended in any of the posts.

Anne (a fellow 'Weegie')  ;D
Title: Re: The Gorbals, Glasgow (a place)
Post by: henry the wasp on Tuesday 04 August 09 01:52 BST (UK)
I am researching my family Boyle from the Gorbals so can anyone help with any memories etc? My grandad was Patrick James Boyle born 1908,married to Mary Ann Kilkie in 1935.My grandad died aged 38 at 10 1/2 Eglinton Lane Gorbals in 1946.....Ele you say you are a Boyle so could you be related? I would love to know if i have any relatives out there.
Title: Re: The Gorbals, Glasgow (a place)
Post by: Huntersjoy on Tuesday 04 August 09 13:53 BST (UK)
I have enjoyed reading these very informative posts.  :)They certainly gave me an insight to where I have originated from.  Thank you to Goucho for the links to Royston Road & Garngad Road. My Irish grandparents lived & died in 531 Royston Road. I wonder if 531 Royston Road still exists? It was good to see the photos of the schools. Maybe my mother & her brother attended one of them.
This area has been discribed to me as a slum where children played in amongst the rubbish where the rats scurried about.
I was born in Ross street Glasgow & how  lucky I was, when at the age of 3 weeks with my parents moved to the highlands & was able to play on the green grass & climb trees when I was big enough.
Regards, Phyllis    :)
Title: Re: The Gorbals, Glasgow (a place)
Post by: gaucho on Tuesday 04 August 09 22:32 BST (UK)
Hi Phyllis,
looks like it is still there. Garngad Rd was renamed Royston Rd in about 1940. Checking on Google street view, the houses seem to be refurbished houses put up in the 1930s. 531 is between Mull St and Rona St. With care you can make out the numbers on the closes.
Good hunting!
John
Title: Re: The Gorbals BOYLE FAMILIES.
Post by: henry the wasp on Tuesday 01 December 09 23:15 GMT (UK)
Still trying to find Boyle family from the Gorbals as above.Patrick Boyle(my grandad) had a brother called John and a sister called Agnes(perhaps others?) the parents were Francis Boyle and Rose Montford/Mountford.Francis was a brassfoundry laberour(Dixons Blazez?) and Rose was a dressmaker,they were married in 1901 and lived at 94 King St Tradeston.Patrick died at number 10 1/2 Eglinton Lane Gorbals in 1946 aged 38 and had 9 children...Mary,Rose,Cathleen,( Elizabeth died at birth ) Patrick,James,Ian, Archie and (Tommy my dad) but they were taken into care at a young age so Patrick would  be seen as having no children.I have contacted some of my grans family who have welcomed us  but there is no knowledge of Patrick as she remaried in the early 1950's.Another address i have for my grandparents was 132 South Portland St around the late 1930's-early 1940's.As my grandad had brothers and sisters,i must have other Boyle relatives but who and where? PLEASE HELP!....Merry christmas and a happy new year to you all.
Title: Re: The Gorbals, Glasgow (a place)
Post by: Brownie49 on Wednesday 16 December 09 11:40 GMT (UK)
My husband's ggg grandparents came from The Gorbals.I have just discovered them through census records living at 79 Eglinton St  from 1851 to 1871.
does anyone have any idea what that street was like then and now? 
george Brown worked as a 'Railway Goods Collecter until he was at least 71. 
Title: Re: The Gorbals, Glasgow (a place)
Post by: RJ_Paton on Wednesday 16 December 09 13:11 GMT (UK)
If you have a look at -
 Glasgow Virtual Mitchell Libarary (http://www.mitchelllibrary.org/virtualmitchell/index.php?a=wordsearch&s=gallery&w=eglinton&Go=Go)

These are some general images of Eglinton Street which then as now is a major thoroughfare connecting the south side of the city to the central area

Update - you are lucky one of the images is of 77-83 Eglinton Street

If you wish to see the street today go to Google maps and type in "Eglinton Street, Glasgow" the map which then appears can be changed to a 3D walkabout view.
Title: Re: The Gorbals, Glasgow (a place)
Post by: Brownie49 on Thursday 17 December 09 07:18 GMT (UK)
Thanks for the quick reply and great site Falkyrn. Much appreciated. 
Title: Re: The Gorbals, Glasgow (a place)
Post by: nickym9 on Monday 09 August 10 00:16 BST (UK)
I work in glasgow managing a youth centre and the reputation it has is no longer true. The area is regenerated and there are soooo many good peopel there. It is no way by far any worse than so many other areas about Scotland. Did anyone work with Crossroads of Geoff shaff in the 50,s to this present day?

Nicky
Title: Re: The Gorbals, Glasgow (a place)
Post by: Pamawat on Tuesday 09 November 10 16:33 GMT (UK)
Hello everyone!  ;D
What a bunch of knowledgeable people you are, truly amazing. Hopefully somebody out there can help me.

I'm looking for a particular Janet RITCHIE (there are so many!), b. abt. 1894 in the Gorbals, Glasgow. This lady married a John FINLAY (also alas such a popular name!) from Belfast, sometime betw. 1910 - 1915 because their first child, John (Robert) was b. 29 Jan 1917. He is my husband's dad, still alive & living with us (93), but due to dementia, no memories of the past at all and he has lost contact with family members ages ago. :-\

I've assumed they married in N. Ireland, Co. Down (birth certif. issued) or Belfast, but have spent fruitless weeks and money on look ups but to no avail. So I'm forced to consider marriage elsewhere, possibly in Glasgow, since Janet hails from there. The bit about Janet being a native of the Gorbals comes from another family member. After said Janet produced other children, David, William Robert and Jean, she moved back to Glasgow, John R was sent back to live with his dad in N Ireland. She must have died there, but I can't find a Janet Finlay death records. John's sister was still alive in 1946 +/- because she collected a posthumous medal for her dead brother William Robert who died in WWII (able seaman). John FINLAY (Sr.) is listed as a "general labourer" in birth/marriage certificate of John (Jr.) and was still alive in 1965.

This is what I've found so far based on the 1901 census  for Glasgow, and I would like people's opinion which Janet is the right one, since I'm not sure of the extent of the Gorbals -

Janet 1 - b. 1892 Glasgow, living in 76 Brown St., Blythswood, parents Janet & William Ritchie, Flour Miller.
Janet 2 - b.1893 Glasgow,  living 208 Cumberland St. Hutchesontown, parents Robina & William Ritchie, Clerk.
Janet 3 - b.1897 Glasgow,  living in Roseneath (?), St. Rollox, parents Martha & Robert Ritchie, Boilermaker (locomotive).
Janet 4 - b. 1897 Glasgow, living in 62 Mount St., Kelvin, Mayhill, parents Mary & William Ritchie, Gas engineer (fitter).
Janet 5 - b. 1887 (the oldest at 14), Glasgow, living in 34 Tylefield, Camlachie, parens Ellen & John Ritchie, Cabinet maker. She is working as a laundress maid.
Janet 6 - b. 1887 (also 14) Glasgow, living in 32 Daisy St., Gorbals, parents Alison & Alexander Ritchie, Tailors' cutter. She is working as a "coop gerl".
Janet 7 - b. 1893 Whiteinch, Lanarks., living in 39 Milton St., Patrick burgh, parents Janet & James Ritchie (from Ireland), cancker (?)

So, there you have it, anybody who has heard of a Ritchie woman returning from Ireland a Finlay & married  with several children, please let me know! :o

Incidentally, I found a photograph in the Mitchell virtual library that might shed some light, but probably on the wrong Ritchie: 1958, A. Ritchie, Haulage Contractors, Brown Street, (Gorbals), Glasgow. Prob. descendants of Janet 6, one of her young brothers was Alexander W.

Thanks very, very much for any help / info. ;D
Patricia.

Title: Re: The Gorbals, Glasgow (a place)
Post by: gaucho on Tuesday 09 November 10 22:26 GMT (UK)
The only address which is in the Gorbals is the Cumberland St one. Daisy St is in Govanhill, if that's any help.
Title: Re: The Gorbals, Glasgow (a place)
Post by: M G M on Thursday 11 November 10 01:50 GMT (UK)
Its funny that the only people that spoke about the Gorbals as being a bad place did not actually come from there except for one and myself who stayed in Naburn st,and all we had was great memories,and as for for the neds and such they where there i suppose but they did not really bother us as much as they bothered each other.....The best days of my life....... :D
Title: Re: The Gorbals, Glasgow (a place)
Post by: Pamawat on Friday 12 November 10 11:45 GMT (UK)
Thanks Gaucho  ;D , I was hoping that Janets 2 and 6 would be hopeful candidates. 6 is ruled out now as I found her married to a non-Finlay 1913. Any ideas where I could buy/view a map where the Gorbals are more clearly defined?
Your sobriquet Gaucho makes me smile  :D as I grew up in Argentina (my father was in the oil business). I still remember those steaks....
Rgds,
Patricia.
Title: Re: The Gorbals, Glasgow (a place)
Post by: 0rinoco on Friday 12 November 10 11:51 GMT (UK)
Old map of Glasgow showing the Gorbals 
http://www.artus-familyhistory.com/source/Early%20Maps.html
Eric
Title: Re: The Gorbals, Glasgow (a place)
Post by: MonicaL on Friday 12 November 10 15:14 GMT (UK)
Hi Patricia

Welcome to RootsChat  :)

Sounds like you have had a long search for Janet's roots. Have you seen this death entry on Scotlands People?

Janet Richie/Findlay b. 1886, death after 1960 (would have to be ordered, not available to view on line). What is the source for the birth year you  have of c. 1894?

Monica
Title: Re: The Gorbals, Glasgow (a place)
Post by: sancti on Friday 12 November 10 17:11 GMT (UK)
No marriages showing on SP for the couple.
Title: Re: The Gorbals, Glasgow (a place)
Post by: sancti on Friday 12 November 10 17:21 GMT (UK)
Possible births on SP

1893 RITCHIE JANE GILMOUR Female at  GORBALS GLASGOW CITY/LANARK

1892 RITCHIE JANET Female at GORBALS GLASGOW CITY/LANARK

Did any of the children have middle names that could help identify Janet?
Title: Re: The Gorbals, Glasgow (a place)
Post by: gaucho on Saturday 13 November 10 22:37 GMT (UK)
Thanks Gaucho  ;D , I was hoping that Janets 2 and 6 would be hopeful candidates. 6 is ruled out now as I found her married to a non-Finlay 1913. Any ideas where I could buy/view a map where the Gorbals are more clearly defined?
Your sobriquet Gaucho makes me smile  :D as I grew up in Argentina (my father was in the oil business). I still remember those steaks....
Rgds,
Patricia.

Hi Patricia,
1978 world cup.........................
Title: Re: The Gorbals, Glasgow (a place)
Post by: RJ_Paton on Sunday 14 November 10 18:00 GMT (UK)
Thanks Gaucho  ;D , I was hoping that Janets 2 and 6 would be hopeful candidates. 6 is ruled out now as I found her married to a non-Finlay 1913. Any ideas where I could buy/view a map where the Gorbals are more clearly defined?
Your sobriquet Gaucho makes me smile  :D as I grew up in Argentina (my father was in the oil business). I still remember those steaks....
Rgds,
Patricia.

A good overview of the Gorbals can be found in the book "The Gorbals, An illustrated history" by Eric Eunson
Title: Re: The Gorbals, Glasgow (a place)
Post by: welcome12 on Friday 19 August 11 12:23 BST (UK)
Hi everyone im new on this site im having a look around at the moment,it is fantastic so much information so much history.Iwas born at 31 Hallside st in 1946. I have taken my birthplace all through my life with me and if i could go back again to my childhood among the poverty and everything that goes with it i would,if any one has any recollections from their please get in touch.