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Scotland (Counties as in 1851-1901) => Scotland => Renfrewshire => Topic started by: blacksmithy on Saturday 28 September 13 10:40 BST (UK)
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Hello
I have just spent a number of hours looking at old maps for a place called Town-foot, Kilbarchan which appears in the Post Office Directories - but to no avail in finding it. The family member I have located appears in it between 1829-37. During this time the name changes from Town foot, Town-foot and is finally written as Townfoot.
I have only been able to locate a Townfoot in Irvine and Dumfries -neither of which I want. I have found a google article which talks about a parade that left Townfoot, went up Church St to Shuttle St so I am picking it is probably in the SW area of Kilbarchan.
Is anyone able to assist with this information?
Kind regards
Blacksmithy (- again!!)
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Searching google this document came up http://archive.org/details/kilbarchanparish00mack
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Thank you so much for this information. I cannot believe this did not come up for me, perhaps I was looking too hard. Anyway from the very quick read I have had it will be a fantastic resource. I have just found my relation :) so feel very chuffed he is mentioned.
Thank you for your time.
Blacksmithy
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no problems
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Hi blacksmithy,
Funnily enough that book mentions one of my relatives too, Robert Tannahill, the Paisley Poet!
Though I am not a Habbie (born and bred in Kilbarchan), it sounds as if Town Foot must have been down near the entrance to Glentyan Estate at the bottom of Church Street. At present, that is where the road splits to go towards Lochwinnoch to the right and Howwod to the left. You can actually see, though not particularly well, this junction on the current Scotrail advert called "Roll with Us" being shown on TV at the moment and also on the usual site to look for videos. The first 19 seconds are all Kilbarchan but this particular area is at about 9-13 seconds.
Regards,
carolineasb
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Hi
thanks for this info, what a small world we live in even after all these years have passed. I have tried looking for the snippet on the internet but there are too many scotrail ads to find it - I live on the other side of the world so are not familiar with these ads but did see lots of other good Scottish scenery while searching!
This close proximity to Glentyan is making more sense as my emigrant relation to New Zealand called one of his last son Glentyan, but also he had a grandson called Glentyan compliments of his daughters second child! And as per usual there are now more questions to ponder :)
I am keen to peruse the book during the holidays so see what other information might be pertinent, it looks very interesting.
Kind Regards
Blacksmithy
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Hi again,
I asked a Habbie today if she knew where Town foot was and she didn't know :( , however I do know someone else to ask who writes about the history of Kilbarchan. I'll get back to you as soon as I can.
For the ad, I think if you search for the ad called "Roll with us"+ Scotrail it might come up.
Regards
carolineasb
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Hello
thanks for taking an interest and asking around, I will wait with interest. Next week when I have a little more time I will go back through the Scotrails website I see if I can find it - makes things much more real when it can be seen.
Looking forward to any news you may come across.
Kind regards
Blacksmithy
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The advert Scotrail roll with us is on youtube
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Thanks Seekthem
I've just had a good look at you tube, much easier to find that way! I gather the shoot is of Kilbarchan until it get to the over head bridge which looks rather more city orientated.
Its just a shame I didn't know of my Scottish ancestry back in 1987 when I visited sooo close to Kilbarchan - never mind "I will be back".
Thanks for the hint on the site.
I have valued everyones contribution.
Cheers
Blacksmithy
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I live very close to Kilbarchan so if you find any more information on location please let me know. Liz
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Hi again,
I've had an answer, and as I thought, Town foot (Town-foot/Toonfit) was at the bottom of Church Street around the Merchants Close area.
You can see Merchants Close on Google Street View. I am told that the Poor Law Hospital was there and also a barn there was used in 1786-7 by the Relief Church until the Church now known as the East Church (Church of Scotland) was built.
Merchants Close is situated at the rear of the present West Church (Church of Scotland) which opened in 1901 and its Hall (which was the previous Church!) and borders Glentyan Estate.
Hope this helps,
Carolineasb