|
The largest town in the county developed on either side of the White Cart Water in the southwestern region of Scotland. The Irish monk St. Mirin constructed a chapel here in the 5th century. Walter Fitzalan constructed the Paisley Priory in 1163, which converted into an Abbey in 1245. Evolving into a religious centre, the Abbey became powerful and wealthy during the Middle Ages. Many believe William Wallace received his education here. The institution found favour with King Robert and the Stewart family. Robert III died and was buried in the Abbey in 1390. Influenced by James II, Paisley developed a barony government and acquired barony burgh status in 1488.
The dissolution of the church and the period of Reformation produced many changes in Paisley. By 1577, Paisley had its first school and different trades emerged, as budding entrepreneurs who could not afford to establish businesses in Glasgow came here. In 1700, women brought the skill of spinning fine linen thread, which emerged into a prosperous industry. The population increased quickly and cotton, muslin and silk textile companies also developed. Shipbuilding developed and Paisley at one time had five vessel construction companies. In the early 1800s, cotton thread making became a major enterprise, funded by the Clarks family and Sir Peter Coats. The industry gained worldwide recognition as J & P Coats ltd.
In the 1850s, weaving remained an important industry. The most popular homemade product of this time was a shawl bearing a paisley print. Local textile mills created the product using the design, which originated in India. The paisley pattern quickly became synonymous with the town of Paisley and so the two names merged. A young Queen Victoria grew fond of the garment, influencing the increase in popularity. Paisley had a library and museum before 1900. In the 1930s, the J&P Coats thread factory employed up to 28,000 people at a time. A flour and starch company evolved into becoming a major food production company. Whiskey distilleries developed. Paisley grew into being the administrative centre of the county.
Activities and Attractions
Venturing around Paisley, visitors find many historical buildings, including the Neo-classical library and museum, the town hall, statues and the 12th century Abbey. The Abbey church is a museum in itself, displaying ancient architecture and relics from the past. The building contains an elaborately carved Celtic stone cross, which dates back over 1,000 years. In recent years, many historical relics emerged from the massive vaulted storm drain below the abbey, including music carved on a piece of slate. Stroll around the facility and observe the intricate stone and woodcarvings. The structure also features numerous expansive stained glass windows from the 19th and 20th centuries.
The Paisley Museum and Library features exhibits dating back to ancient Egypt. Explore the collection of artefacts ranging from the prehistoric eras to the medieval period. See the historical shawls printed with the patterns synonymous with the city’s name. The textile exhibits also include garments worn by men, women and children, along with historic uniforms and industry apparel. Watch a weaver create cloth on an authentic loom and witness the various stages of the weaving process. The art gallery features ceramics, paintings and sculptures created by Scottish artists. The natural history collection contains over 70,000 pieces representing animal and plant species, in addition to fossils and minerals.
Visitors also have the opportunity of exploring the history behind the making of the famous cotton thread. The ground floor of the thread mill houses the Paisley Thread Museum. See the old machinery used to create the thread and the process involved. Learn about the contributions made to the city by the mill’s founders, the Clark and Coats families. Walk over to the Sma Shot Cottages, originally constructed in the 1740s, the buildings represent the typical domiciles used by artisans and weavers back in the day. The homes contain authentic handlooms, spinning wheels and period furnishings. See examples of lace and other garments created with cloth from the looms.
The Coats Observatory initially opened in 1883, financed by grants from Mr. Thomas Coats. The building originally housed a five-inch telescope with clocks and early weather monitoring equipment. The structure eventually gained a larger telescope and seismic equipment still in use today. The facility welcomes guests to tour the facility, which offers telescopic views of the night sky. Visitors have the chance to see the moon and other planets, along with various constellations.
Places to Stay and Dining
Comfortable lodging options in Paisley include historic inns having all the bedrooms on the ground floor, for visitor convenience. Facilities also have expansive bar/lounge areas where guests may enjoy a cup of coffee and a muffin, or a traditional ale or whiskey.
The Thai Siam restaurant offers a large selection of starters, main meals and desserts in a modern Oriental atmosphere. Choose from an assortment of curry or stir fry dishes made with beef, chicken, pork or prawns. Create a meal with rice noodles, and choice of meats, vegetables and sauce.
Accommodation in Paisley
Show Bed & Breakfasts in Paisley
Show Hotels in Paisley
Show Cottages in Paisley
Show Holiday Apartments in Paisley
| 
