The Gorbals, Glasgow (a place)

[Bob Asher]

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.

[apanderson]

Well said Bob!

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

Anne (a fellow 'Weegie') 

[henry the wasp]

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.

[Huntersjoy]

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   

[gaucho]

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

[henry the wasp]

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.

[Brownie49]

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. 

[RJ_Paton]

If you have a look at -
Glasgow Virtual Mitchell Libarary

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.

[Brownie49]

Thanks for the quick reply and great site Falkyrn. Much appreciated.