R.I.P. Queen Elizabeth II.

It was announced this evening that Her Majesty the Queen has sadly passed away. She was 96 years of age. May she rest in peace.

In the above photograph Her Majesty the Queen is with her late husband HRH Prince Philip and both are waving to the public from the balcony of Hamilton’s Municipal Buildings (Library & Townhouse) at Cadzow Street, Hamilton, South Lanarkshire, Scotland. The Townhouse Offices were officially opened by the Queen’s grandfather King George V on the 9th July, 1914. The Queen and HRH Prince Philip visited Hamilton on Monday , 29th June, 1953, just weeks after her Coronation. The visit was included within her tour of Lanarkshire. After an inspection of the Cameronians (Scottish Rifles), the Queen met with all the necessary dignitaries who were present and then attended a luncheon at the County Buildings in Almada Street.

Written By

Hamilton Historian.

Terence (Terry) Murphy.

The Steps Of St Mary’s.

Courtesy of Dominic Creechan, who’s father Jimmy Creechan features in the photograph that was originally displayed in the Hamilton Advertiser newspaper. The exact date it was taken is unknown but was most likely the late 1950’s to Early 1960’s approximately. Many prominent catholic men are gathered on the steps leading into St Mary’s RC Church in Hamilton, South Lanarkshire, Scotland.

The photograph also features the then priest for the church Fr McNamee. Dan Daly, my great uncle John McManus (who was a popular musician/entertainer for the town), his father and my great grandfather Henry “Scout” McManus (who was a Goalkeeper for Hibernian F.C. and popular musician for the town) and lastly my grandfather Axe Murphy.

By

Hamilton Historian.

Terence (Terry) Murphy.

Merry Christmas To You All!

A Merry Christmas To You All! This Snow Covered Swiss Cottage, Neilsland photograph was taken during the 1940’s and was kindly sent to me by William McIntosh.

From

Hamilton Historian.

Terence (Terry) Murphy.

Chapel Street c.1966.

A snapshot in time showing Chapel Street in Hamilton, South Lanarkshire, Scotland c. 1966. The photograph was taken near the Campbell Street junction. The focus of shot is the former pend close that led through Quarry Place to Quarry Street. A man can be seen looking into the close whilst walking behind two schoolchildren.

A small fish market was regularly held by the local fishwives who lived within the immediate area. They often gathered to gossip about the passing through drunken men who would conveniently relieve themselves by urinating against their front doors. I guess the drunk men were not only attracted by the “smell of fish” but perhaps felt that it would mask the smell of their urine, lol!

This entire section of buildings and nearly all of Chapel Street were demolished to make way for the New Cross Shopping Centre and multi story car park during c. 1970’s.

Written By

Hamilton Historian.

Terence (Terry) Murphy.

Lamb Street c.1965.

The above photograph shows Lamb Street during c. 1965. The street is located between Quarry Street and Leechlee Road near the top cross area of Hamilton Town Centre. The photograph was taken from the former Baird’s building (Soon to be Wetherspoons). Di McGregor’s building can be seen on the left advertising Corgi Toys, Sports Goods and Camping Equipment. The central focus of shot is the rear view of last houses at the end of Strathmore Road, towering above them in the distance is the Almada Tower and the County Buildings (SLC Headquarters). A woman can be seen pushing a pram, crossing the road and beaconing a small boy behind her to hurry up.

The corner of the “Small World” pub can be seen on the right-hand side of the photograph and it marked the junction of Lamb Street, Chapel Street and Quarry Street. Further along Lamb Street and within the same row of tenement buildings that included the pub was the then job centre ( known locally as “The Bru Office” ). This entire section of buildings and nearly all of Chapel Street were demolished to make way for the New Cross Shopping Centre and multi story car park during the c. 1970’s, which contained a “Fine Fare” supermarket.

Written By

Hamilton Historian.

Terence (Terry) Murphy.

R.I.P. Prince Philip.

It was announced earlier today that HRH Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh, husband to the Queen has sadly passed away. He was 99 years of age. May he rest in peace.

In the above photograph HRH Prince Philip is with the Queen and both are waving to the public from the balcony of Hamilton’s Municipal Buildings (Library & Townhouse) at Cadzow Street, Hamilton, South Lanarkshire, Scotland. The Townhouse Offices were officially opened by the Queen’s grandfather King George V on 9th July, 1914. The Queen and HRH Prince Philip visited Hamilton on Monday, 29th June, 1953, just weeks after her Coronation. The visit was included within her tour of Lanarkshire. After an inspection of the Cameronians (Scottish Rifles), the Queen met with all the necessary dignitaries who were present and then attended a luncheon at the County Buildings in Almada Street.

Written By

Hamilton Historian.

Terence (Terry) Murphy.

Young Street, Hamilton.

” Young Street ” which no longer exists, was located between Church Street and Campbell Street within the Old Town Area of Hamilton, South Lanarkshire, Scotland. Demolished during c. 1930 to make way for the present-day council housing. This is a glass negative slide- image of Young Street, Hamilton. Taken c.1890.

A small boy wearing a tartan bunnit can be seen peeking round the corner of Church Street at a little girl who looks to be heading in the same direction. The houses are two-storey , whitewashed lime rendered. And, each of the downstairs windows have wooden shutters for security. The visible dirty street gutter zig zag twists towards Campbell Street, where, the “Hamilton Advertiser” building can be seen centre of shot.

Below is another glass negative slide-image of Young Street, Hamilton. Again, taken c.1890. This is an opposite view looking up from the Campbell Street end.

Written By

Hamilton Historian.

Terence (Terry) Murphy.

ref. A special thanks to South Lanarkshire Council, Low Parks Museum and their online collection.

Edwardian Old Cross c. 1908

Men, women and children dressed in their Edwardian Garb can be seen in Townhead Street, Cadzow Street, Quarry Street and Castle Street (forming the “Old Cross”), what we refer to as the Bottom Cross nowadays.

A Tram is visible at the end of Cadzow Street and is just about to pass the Bank of Scotland building which is now Remnant Kings and further on past the “Trading Post” which is now occupied by Hemmingways Bar. Both essential buildings were constructed for the Lanarkshire Tramways Company and tramline installation.

Written by

Hamilton Historian.

Terence (Terry) Murphy.

New Wynd.

The “New Wynd” which no longer exists, was located between the Grammar School Square and Castle Street, within the Old Town area of Hamilton, South Lanarkshire, Scotland. It was demolished c. 1930.

In the above photo you can see some small thatch roofed weaver’s cottages. And, Good Duchess Anne’s Alms House is also visible on the opposite side of the street, complete with it’s own small belfry tower. The Old Toll Booth Tower can also be seen looming above the parameter wall (centre of shot).

The photo below shows an opposite view of the New Wynd, looking up from Castle Street towards the Grammar School Square. The Grammar School is visible. This was before some of the buildings on the right-hand side were demolished to create space for the “Sheiling Hill” which runs down past the Original Grammar School curved parameter wall out to Muir Street. The wall still exists today and has had a couple of courses of brick work added to it!

Written By

Hamilton Historian.

Terence (Terry) Murphy.

Chapel Street c.1903.

This is a photograph of Chapel Street, Hamilton, South Lanarkshire, Scotland c. 1903. Only the opposite end of the street exists nowadays. Which is the location of the “Junkyard” Bar, a hairdressing salon and upstairs flats. The street was demolished to make way for the “New Cross” shopping centre and multi-story car park during c. 1970’s. The centre originally contained a “Fine Fare” supermarket.

Three men gather at the roadside, most likely to discuss a betting slip or newspaper article. Behind them (centre of shot) is McGregor’s Building. A pub occupied the downstairs right-hand corner of Chapel Street/Lamb Street, Which in more recent years was called: “The Small World”. Various types of shops were located on both sides of the street, including a baker’s named: “J Hamilton & Rennie Brownlie” which can be seen on the right in the photo. Tenement flats where people lived occupied the upstairs of the buildings.

Written By

Hamilton Historian.

Terence (Terry) Murphy.