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# Inverclyde's Heritage

Inverclyde local learning resource

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [William "Inspector" Aitken 1851 - 1931](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/william-inspector-aitken-1851-1931/) - William Aitken was known as the Railway Poet.Born in Sorn in Ayrshire in 1851 where his father was the village shoe maker. He rose in rank during his work with the railways, he lived and worked in Greenock staying at 25 Brougham Street with his wife Jean and family. Founder member of the Greenock branch
- [Elizabeth Taylor Gilchrist](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/elizabeth-taylor-gilchrist-2/) - Elizabeth Taylor Gilchrist was born in Greenock on 23 October 1863 to William and Elizabeth Gilchrist. She was the third child of the couple. William had a draper's business in the town and his children became involved in this work. The business was well known in Greenock and survived until quite recently. However, Elizabeth was a
- [At Home With Cathy MacPhail](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/at-home-with-cathy-macphail/) - Much has been written about popular Greenock writer Cathy MacPhail who is a pleasant, unassuming woman who feels that life has been good to her. For biographical details about Cathy and information on the books she has had published go to: http//www.catherinemacphail.co.uk or Google her or go to Wikipedia. My story is about Cathy MacPhail
- [Robert Wallace](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/robert-wallace/) - Robert Wallace
- ["Ocean" pleasure boat accident 14 September 1947](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/ocean-pleasure-boat-accident-14-september-1947/) - On Sunday 14th September 1947 a weekend cruise set out from Port Glasgow on a converted naval liberty boat, the Ocean, owned by John Travers, for a picnic at Ardentinny on Loch Long. The weather changed shortly after they set out and the route was changed to go to the Gareloch instead. The weather further
- [Old West Kirk beadle John Rowan](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/old-west-kirk-beadle-john-rowan/) - John Rowan was beadle at the Old West Kirk for 40 years and was succeeded by his son-in-law Andrew Mitchell. John was born in Ayr in 1820 and was a shoemaker all his working life. He lived with his wife a daughter in Paisley before eventually settling in Greenock. In the 1851 census he is
- [Isabella (Isabel) Wood Meldrum](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/isabella-isabel-wood-meldrum/) - Sister Isabel Meldrum is commemorated on the fine memorial erected by members of the Military Nursing Services in St Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh to Scottish nurses who died while on war service. She served with the Territorial Force Nursing Service during the First World War. Isabella, or Bella as her name appears on one of the census records was
- [Ian McCrorie - A Life Lived to the Full](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/ian-mccrorie-a-life-lived-to-the-full/) - Ian McCrorie is a well known and very popular figure in the Greenock area for several reasons, the main four being:- His contribution to education as a Chemistry teacher and as Assistant Rector of Greenock Academy. His contribution to Music in the Inverclyde area and beyond. His love of and enthusiasm for steamers and the
- [Margaret Victoria Chisholm and her Bible](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/margaret-victoria-chisholm-and-her-bible/) - The mystery of the small Bible covered in blue velvet with brass edgings and lock. It was found in a house being cleared in Edinburgh by a relative and taken to the Newcastle area. She had no idea who it had belonged to but thought it too beautiful to be thrown out. Subsequently
- [The Clyde Pottery, Greenock.](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/the-clyde-pottery-greenock/) - There were two potteries in Greenock in the eighteen hundreds and the early nineteen hundreds. One was The Clyde Pottery Company which was on a site near Ladyburn Church and the pottery workers' houses were just to the right of Ladyburn Church. It was founded in 1816 and closed in 1905. The other pottery was
- [Henry "Chippy" McNish 1866 - 1930 Imperial Transantarctic Expedition Endurance 1914 - 1917](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/henry-chippy-mcnish-1866-1930-imperial-transantarctic-expedition-endurance-1914-1917/) - Henry McNish (McNeish) was born in Port Glasgow on 11 September 1866. He was the 3rd in the family of John McNish and Mary Jane Wade. John McNish was a shoemaker and the couple had married in 5 November 1869. Harry, as he was known became a skilled tradesman, a carpenter, hence the nickname Chippy, and a metal
- [Jessie Tannahill Kelly](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/jessie-tannahill-kelly/) - Jessie was born in Greenock in 1882/3 she was the 2nd daughter of James Kelly and Catherine Gray. She was an operatic singer who sang with the Carl Rosa Company and in later years taught the piano. She died in Greenock in 1966 at the age of 83.
- [Lyle Kirk War Memorials](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/lyle-kirk-war-memorials/) - Lyle Kirk Church of Scotland, Greenock has 3 buildings all with several war memorials: Esplanade - previously Old West Kirk - has 2 memorials, one from the Gaelic Church and another 2 for the Old West Kirk. Newark Street - previously Finnart St Paul's Church - also has 2 memorials, one from Finnart Church and
- [George Logan 1866 - 1939](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/george-logan-1866-1939/) - George Logan was born in Beith, Ayrshire in 1866 to John and Jessie Logan. After school he was an upholsterer's apprentice in the flourishing furniture industry in Beith. He became a furniture designer for the prestigeous Glasgow company of Wylie & Lochhead having turned down an offer of work from the London firm of Waring and
- [Chic Murray 1919 - 1985](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/chic-murray-1919-1985-comedian/) - Chic Murray was born in Greenock in 1919. From humble beginnings he went on to become one of Britain's best known and loved comedians, known for his unique sense of humour and droll delivery. Charles Thomas McKinnon Murray was born on 6 November 1919 to William Murray and Isabella McKinnon at Duncan Street, Greenock. The
- [Helen Simpson Dunsmore](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/helen-simpson-dunsmore/) - Helen was born on 15th November 1926 the elder of 2 girls. Educated in Greenock and went on to study chemistry at Glasgow University. After being awarded a BSc she continued her studies for a PhD in Electrochemistry. When these studies were completed she received a research fellowship in Canada staying there for 3 years.
- [Section F2](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/section-f2/)
- [Section D2](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/section-2d/) - Henry Dowds, Private Northumberland Fusiliers, accidently drowned at Hornsea on 10 August 1916.
- [Section E2](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/section-e2/)
- [Section C2](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/section-c2/)
- [Mary L. Fairgrieve - a "Glasgow Girl" artist](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/mary-l-fairgrieve-a-glasgow-girl-artist/) - Mary Fairgrieve was born in Glasgow in 1875 to Alexander and Margaret James. She married John Dunn Fairgrieve, a Greenock man, in Middlesbrough in 1897. Tragically her husband died while they were on their honeymoon at Port Ellen, Argyllshire and is buried there. She came with her parents to Greenock shortly after this and the family lived at 11 Sandringham
- [Sir Andrew Noble](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/sir-andrew-noble/) - Andrew Noble was born in Greenock at 22 Fox Street. His parents were George Noble and Geils Moore Donald. George was at that time a Lieutenant in the Royal Navy. Andrew was born on 13th September 1831 and baptised in the Old West Kirk on 11th October of that year. He was one of a
- [Section H](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/section-h/)
- [Section F](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/section-f/)
- [Section D](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/section-d/) - Duncan McInnes, 3rd engineer SS Heathpark,died 5 October 1918 aged 27. He is remembered on Tower Hill Memorial, London.
- [Rev Henry Charles (Harry) and Rev Dr Laurence Arthur Brown Whitley](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/rev-henry-charles-harry-and-rev-dr-laurence-arthur-brown-whitley/) - Henry Charles Whitley (Harry) was born in Edinburgh in 20 March 1906. He became a minister of the Church of Scotland serving in several churches, including Newark Parish Church in Port Glasgow. It was here that he married Elizabeth Young Thom in 1939 and where his son Laurence Arthur Brown was born in 1949. During
- [Alistair Graham Forbes 1921 - 1952  Australian National Research Expedition on Heard Island](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/alistair-graham-forbes-1921-1952-australian-national-research-expedition-on-heard-island/) - Alistair Graham Forbes was born in Greenock and later moved to 48 Mathie Crescent, Gourock were he attended Gourock High School. During the Second World War he served in the merchant navy. He was breeder of Alsatian dogs and secretary of the Alsatian Dog Club. This interest gave him the qualifications to become part of the research team
- [Section E](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/section-e/)
- [Henri Temianka 1906 - 1992](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/henri-temianka-1906-1992/) - A bronze bust of Henri Temianka was unveiled by his son Daniel in the McLean Museum, Greenock on 18th November 2016. He is almost unknown in the town of his birth and few have realised what an outstanding impact he had in the world of music, as a violin player, as a conductor, as a teacher
- [Charles Houston 1931 - 2006](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/charles-houston-1931-2006/) - Greenock born TV and film actor - very active in the 1950s, 60s, 70s.
- [Robert &Thomas Wood](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/robert-thomas-wood/) - Thomas Wood and his brother Robert were monumental sculptors. They had their business at Bruce St and then in 1849 at the gates of the Greenock Cemetery and employed 4 men. They were the sons of James and Agnes Wood, their father was a carter from Ardrossan. Robert’s cemetery monuments were often large scale and elaborately
- [Captain Robert Young aka "Captain Kid"](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/captain-robert-young-aka-captain-kid/) - Robert Young was the Captain of the paddle steamer PS Elaine, which sailed between Glasgow and Millport. The PS Elaine was a small paddle steamer built by Robert Duncan and Co at Port Glasgow East Yard in 1867 for Graham, Brymner and Co for the Millport trade. It was subsequently owned by D & RN
- [Isabel Marion Mackintosh 1886 - 1918](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/isabel-marion-mackintosh-1886-1918/) - On January 17th 1886 Isabel Marion Mackintosh was born at 57 Newton Street Greenock. Her parents were Jessie Victoria McKenzie and Archibald Robert Donald Mackintosh who had married in Edinburgh on August 30th 1882. Marion's parents came from the Nairn area but they seemed to have moved around quite often and in fact disappear from records
- [Alice May Syme Murdoch](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/alice-may-syme-murdoch/) - Alice Murdoch is one of the few women who are named on a municipal war memorial from the First World War. She is named on the Gourock Municipal Memorial which was dedicated on 4th March 1922. She died in Perth War Hospital on 10th December 1916 at 28 years of age. She served as a
- [Flossie May Govier](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/flossie-may-govier/) - Miss Flossie M. Govier was mentioned by the War Office for special services rendered during World War 1. She served as a nurse in Red Cross and VAD Hospitals in the country. Flossie worked at the Smithston War Hospital prior to serving at the Northumberland Auxiliary Hospital, Corbridge-on-Tyne. Her address is given as 3 Mona
- [Private Thomas Ramsay Savage 1890 - 1916](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/private-thomas-ramsay-savage-1890-1916/) - Private Thomas Ramsay Savage is buried in Greenock Cemetery (section HHH420). He was injured at the Battle of the Somme and brought to the Northern General Hospital in Newcastle where he died of his wounds on 5th October 1916. He is the only soldier buried in the Inverclyde area who took part in the battle.
- [Greenock Cemetery Walks](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/greenock-cemetery-walks/) - Greenock Cemetery was opened in 1846 and was believed to be one of the largest municipal cemeteries in Europe; built on a hill with beautiful views over the town. A walk through the cemetery tells the story of Greenock with its history of trade and commerce and the people involved. The link below is for the Greenock
- [Henry Robertson Bowers](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/henry-robertson-bowers-1883-1912-adventurerexplorer/) - The finest example of a man Greenock has ever produced. He sailed at least five times around the world and traveled to Antarctica on the Terra Nova expedition.
- [William Somerville Shanks 1864 - 1951](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/william-somerville-shanks-1864-1951/) - William Somerville Shanks was born in Gourock on 28th September 1864 to John and Helen Shanks. In the 1871 census they were living at 1, George Place, Gourock and there were 4 children in the family, Mary, William, Agnes and Archibald. By the next census the family were in Glasgow and William was working as a
- [John Boyle 1912-1940  MV San Demetrio](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/john-boyle-1912-1940-mv-san-demetrio/) - John Boyle was born in Greenock to Patrick and Susan Healy Boyle around 1912. He served as a greaser aboard the Scottish built mv San Demetrio, launched in 1938. The ship was part of the "Jervis Bay" Atlantic convey carrying a vital cargo of petroleum when the convoy was attacked by gunfire on 5th November 1940 from the
- [Section C](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/section-c/)
- [Archibald Lang Fleming 1883 - 1953 Bishop of the Arctic](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/archibald-lang-fleming-1883-1953-bishop-of-the-arctic/) - Archibald Lang Fleming was born in 4 Robertson Street Greenock on 8 September 1883 to Captain and Mrs (Janet Livingstone) John Fleming. He was educated at Greenock Academy and became an apprentice with John Brown's at Clydebank at the same time studying Naval Architecture at Glasgow University. After some time with John Brown's he saw an
- [Section A](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/greenock-cemetery-ww1-war-dead-remembered/) - Section A the following memorials are to be found here.
- [Section 2B](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/section-2b/)
- [Section 2A](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/section-2a/)
- [Section W](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/section-w/)
- [Section U](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/section-u/)
- [Section T](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/section-t/)
- [Section Q](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/section-q/)
- [Section O](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/section-o/)
- [Section P](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/section-p/)
- [Section K](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/section-k/)
- [Section G](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/section-g/)
- [Section B](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/section-b/)
- [James Moffat 1818 - 1884](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/james-moffat-1818-1884/) - James Moffat was the youngest child of James Moffat and Mary Bell. He was born in Carnwath, Lanarkshire on 10th August 1818. He came to Port Glasgow with his widowed sister Mary Lees and niece Catherine some time prior to the 1841 census, where he is shown as a grocer. He worked at the grocer's shop
- [Views of the Old West Kirk (Lyle Kirk, Esplanade)](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/west-kirk-pictures/) - http://youtu.be/fYfW1gZQbEA
- [Patrick Downie 1854 - 1945](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/patrick-downie-1854-1945/) - Patrick Downie was born in Greenock in 1854. He was the only son of Irish parents Peter Downie and Margaret Murray. He was their youngest child and was baptised in St Mary's, Greenock on 12 October 1854. His sisters were Susan and Agnes. Patrick always wanted to be an artist but family circumstances were such that
- [Sir Stanley Spencer 1891 - 1959](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/sir-stanley-spencer/) - The artist Stanley Spencer was appointed as official war artist during the Second World War to Lithgow's Kingston Yard at Port Glasgow. He lodged at various places in that area over the war year while he undertook his work and produced a huge painting depicting the various trades involved in ship building a tribute to the men of the
- [Muriel Ritson 1885 - 1980](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/muriel-ritson-1885-1980-2/) - Muriel Ritson was born on the 8th July 1885 to John Fletcher Ritson and Agnes Jane Catto in Broomberry Drive, Gourock. John and Agnes had married in Peterhead on the 6th June 1882. Muriel was the middle child of the family, Ada, the eldest and Cecilia being the youngest. The family was originally from the north
- [Captain John Orr 1790 - 1879](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/captain-john-orr/) - John Orr was born in Greenock on 3 April 1790 and baptised on 12th April. His parents were John and Margaret Orr (Drummond). His father is noted as a Jeweller in the baptismal records. (Other records give his father's name as James John Orr and occupation as a silversmith.) John Orr obtained an army
- [Andrea Gibb](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/andrea-gibb/) - Andrea Gibb was born in Greenock to Andrew and Rebecca Gibb. She attended school in Greenock and on leaving school she went to Glasgow University where she studied drama and sociology before going on to Manchester Polytechnic where she did a post-graduate teaching degree . Andrea went on to do an acting course at the Drama Studio in London.
- [Captain Duncan McPherson 1845 - 1910](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/captain-duncan-mcpherson-1845-1910/) - Duncan McPherson was born in Inveraray, Argyll on 28th April 1845. His parents were Mary Smith and Alexander McPherson who had married on 4th July 1844. He had a brother Alexander who was also born in Inveraray on 15th June 1847. By the 1851 census the family had moved to Gourock. Duncan was educated at the Gourock
- [Rev Kerr Johnston 1812 - 1887](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/kerr-johnston/) - Kerr Johnston was born in Greenock on 26 August 1812, his father was a printer and publisher. Kerr joined his father's business and learned bookbinding. He studied at Glasgow University between 1837 -1840 and later studied at Glasgow Theological Academy. Dr Ralph Wardlaw, his tutor, was a prominent Scottish opponent of religious establishments. Kerr supported
- [Linda Esther Gray 1948](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/linda-esther-gray-1948/) - Opera singer born in Greenock 29 May 1948 to Jim and Esther Gray. She attended Greenock Academy School and later studied at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama. She also studied with Dame Eva Turner. During her student years she won many major singing awards and her career was both national and international. She sang many
- [Alexander Graham Bell](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/alexander-graham-bell/) - In the 1870s a group of Greenock Business men, including a Mr Thomas Borthwick who had a deaf child, went to hear Alexander Graham Bell in Glasgow lecturing about his "Visible Speech Machine". They approached him afterwards about the possibility of him helping start up a school in Greenock for the deaf children of the area using his
- [John Wallace Lyall 1836 - 1913](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/john-wallace-lyall-1836-1913/) - John Lyall was born in Paisley in 1836 , the son of a weaver. His father was also a poet of some distinction and a passionate Scot - hence, John's middle name, - and although he died when John was a baby, he seems to have passed on to his son a love of poetry and
- [Captain Donald Brotchie](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/captain-donald-brotchie/) - Captain Donald Brotchie was the chaplain of the Seamen's Friends Society and a very active member of the Temperance Movement.
- [Archibald McVicar  1796 - 1861](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/archibald-mcvicar/) - Archibald McVicar was born in Rothesay in 1796 to Dugald and Ann McVicar. His father was a blacksmith. At some point in his early life he moved to Greenock and in 1822 he had a carver and gilders business at 6 William Street, ref: Commercial Directory 1821 - 1822. By 1832 Archibald had his carver
- [Charles William Miller 1874 - 1953](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/charles-william-miller-1874-1953/) - Who took football to Brazil? There are 2 contenders, both Scottish. Charles William Miller & Thomas Donohue. The Greenock connection is the most well known.
- [General Sir Francis Reginald  Wingate Bt. 1861-1953](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/sir-reginald-francis-wingate-1861-1953/) - Sir Reginald Wingate - the title he usually used, was a distinguished soldier, administrator and diplomat. He is perhaps most famous for his work and time in Egypt and Sudan. Much has been written about him - you only have to put his name in a search engine and you will find a great deal of
- [Greenock Studio Photographers 1855-World War 1](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/greenock-studio-photographers-1855-to-world-war-1-2/) - Local Greenock Post Office Directories list several studio photographers from the early days of photography.
- [Auld - Greenock and Its Early Social Environment](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/auld-greenock-and-its-early-social-environment/) - This article contains a link to a gallery of images hosted on Inverclyde Council's website. Upon clicking, this will be displayed in a separate window. www.inverclyde.gov.uk/community-life-and-leisure/local-history-and-heritage/william-auld
- [The Russian Connection](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/the-russian-connection/) - Greenock people have long traveled widely, the connections with ships and shipbuilding, trade and commerce - imports and exports and manufacturing.
- [George Telfer Bear 1874 - 1973](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/george-telfer-bear-1874-1973/) - Ebenezer and Jane Bear's first son, George was born at 24 Wellington Street, Greenock on 30th October 1874 and duly announced in the Greenock Telegraph on 31st October. In the Post Office Directory for 1878/79 Ebenzer is shown as having a Hatter's business at 7 Hamilton Street. However, by the 1881 census the family has moved
- [Ernest Archibald Taylor 1874 - 1951](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/ernest-archibald-taylor-1874-1951/) - Ernest Archibald Taylor was born on 5 September 1874 to William and Frances Taylor (nee Hawkins). He was 15th in a family of 17 children. In the 1881 census the family are at 32 Margaret Street and in the 1891 and 1901 at 8 Esplanade. His father was a full time officer in the army. Ernest trained
- [Martin Compston](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/martin-compston-1984-actor/) - A cheeky chappy who, never having acted before, auditioned for Ken Loach for the starring role in the controversial movie Sweet Sixteen which was being filmed in Inverclyde. Previous to this he was a player with Greenock Morton Football Club. The nice thing is, it doesn't look as though Martin is going to be a
- [The Merino Mill](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/fleming-reid-mill-the-merino-mill/) - The Merino Mill was the name popularly used for the premises in Greenock owned by Fleming Reid and Co. whose founders were John Fleming and James Reid.
- [Dunlop brothers - Robert Graham](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/robert-graham-dunlop/) - Robert Dunlop was born in Greenock in 1790, the 2nd son of Alexander Dunlop and Janet Graham, he was an MP in the Canadian Assembly.
- [Inverclyde's History & Heritage](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/inverclydes-history-heritage/) - Inverclyde has a particularly rich and varied history and has produced famous people in many fields. Learn more about Inverclyde's Heritage here.
- [Dunlop brothers - John](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/dunlop-brothers-john/) - John Dunlop was the father of the temperance movement in Scotland, read more about it here.
- [(Frank) Barlowe Borland ](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/frank-barlowe-borland-1877-1948-film-actor/) - Frank Barlowe Borland (imdb link) was born in Greenock on 6 August 1877, he was the youngest son of David Borland who was the manager of the Temperance Hotel in Cathcart Street, Greenock. His family were involved in the Temperance movement in the town. He died August 31, 1948 (age 71) in Woodland Hills, Los Angeles, California,
- [Buffalo Bill ](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/buffalo-bill/) - On the 8th September 1904, the people of Greenock and surrounding areas, enthusiastically welcomed the world-famous performer Buffalo Bill and his performing troupe of 800 men and women of all nationalities and 500 horses, for their performance of 'Buffalo Bill's Wild West' at Fort Matilda. A capacity crowd of 10,000 packed the huge tent in the afternoon and almost
- [Stella Gonet](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/stella-gonet-1963-actress/) - Stella Gonet was born 8 May 1963 in Greenock, Scotland. Gonet trained at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama and is known for playing Beatrice Eliott, one of the two lead roles, in three series of the television drama The House Of Eliott, and Chief Executive Officer Jayne Grayson in the medical drama
- [Dunlop brothers - William "Tiger"](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/william-tiger-dunlop/) - William Dunlop was born in Greenock in November 1792, he served as an army surgeon in the Anglo American war of 1812 - 1815 where he was known for his tireless professionalism. He served with the 89th Regiment of Foot and arrived in Upper Canada in 1813 and was involved in the Battle of Crysler's Farm and Lundy's
- [Abram Lyle ](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/famous-greenockians-abram-lyle/) - Abram Lyle (1820–1891) is noted for founding the sugar refiners Abram Lyle & Sons which merged with a rival to become Tate & Lyle in 1921. He was born in Greenock in 1820. Together with four partners he purchased the Glebe Sugar Refinery in 1865, and so added sugar refining to his other business interests.
- [Street Names of Greenock ](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/street-names-of-greenock/) - This section contains a link to a page hosted on Inverclyde Council’s website. Upon clicking, this will be displayed in a separate window. www.inverclyde.gov.uk/community-life-and-leisure/local-history-and-heritage/brown-early-annals-greenock-1905
- [Kirk of Greenock - Built 1591](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/kirk-of-greenock-built-1591/) - In 1589 a Royal Charter was signed at Holyrood by King James VI giving permission for John Schaw, a local laird to build a church - and maintain it - for the people of Greenock - then a small fishing village. Prior to this the Greenock people had to walk to Inverkip to attend church.
- [Greenock Medical Martyrs](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/greenock-medical-martyrs/) - James Lamont Lochhead was the last of five doctors to die in the typhus epidemic of 1864 – 1865. They were known as the Medical Martyrs, there is a memorial to them in the Wellpark Mid Kirk in Greenock. James was the eldest of a family of four; his parents Matthew Lochhead and Mary Lamont were
- [James Watt ](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/james-watt-1736-1819-inventor-mechanical-engineer/) - James Watt (1736 - 1819) Inventor & Mechanical Engineer There can be little doubt that James Watt is Greenock's most famous son. He was born in William Street not far from his statue and just around the corner from the pub named in his honour, The James Watt Bar, now known, by the descendants of those who
- [ Dame Louisa Augusta Wood](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/dame-louisa-augusta-wood/) - Louisa Augusta Fanning was born in Canada to General Edmund Fanning and Phoebe Maria Burns on 3 October 1786 at Halifax Nova Scotia. Her father was the governor of Prince Edward Island. On 28 June 1830 she married Gabriel Wood by special license in London. They made their home in Bath, Somerset. She died on
- [Port Glasgow Express WW1 Notices](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/port-glasgow-express-ww1-notices/) - The Port Glasgow Express carried the death notices of the local men who were killed in the First World War. Click on the link below to download the full spread sheet. (It is not a comprehensive list and any errors are the author's alone.) Port Glasgow Express WW1 Notices
- [Inverclyde's War Appendix 1 - 8](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/inverclyde-war/) - Tho following stories were the result of the research done for the 60th Anniversary of the end of war in 2005, by the McLean Museum, this also turned in to an exhibition at the McLean Museum. They were handed in by Vincent Gillen from the McLean Museum. GREENOCK FIRE DEPARTMENT FIREMASTER’S REPORT – AIR RAID 6th. MAY
- [Inverclyde's War - Chapter 1 - 10](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/inverclydes-war-chapter-1-10/) - Tho following stories were the result of the research done for the 60th Anniversary of the end of war in 2005, by the McLean Museum, this also turned in to an exhibition at the McLean Museum. They were handed in by Vincent Gillen from the McLean Museum. The SENIOR SERVICE - THE ROYAL NAVY Chapter 01 The
- [Inverclyde's War - Chapters 11 - 23](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/inverclydes-war-chapters-11-20/) - Tho following stories were the result of the research done for the 60th Anniversary of the end of war in 2005, by the McLean Museum, this also turned in to an exhibition at the McLean Museum. They were handed in by Vincent Gillen from the McLean Museum. MORTON in WARTIME Chapter 11 The Greenock Morton Inverclyde’s War
- [Greenock Telegraph WW1 Notices](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/greenock-telegraph-ww1-notices/) - The Greenock Telegraph was the place to announce the death of a loved family member during the First World War. If you click the link below, the spreadsheet will download in full detailing these announcements. The spreadsheet gives the date of the notice and if there was a short article about the deceased. (Any errors or omissions are the author's
- [Greenock Tele WW1 Photos](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/greenock-tele-photos/) - During the First World War the Greenock Telegraph not only carried the death announcements of relatives but printed photographs of the deceased. The Telegraph also printed photographs of soldiers who received bravery medals as well as pictures of other war workers. Click on the link below - "download...." - to see the full spreadsheet. Greenock-Telegraph-WW1-photoes-and-articles1.xls
- [Bet Low 1924 - 2007](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/bet-low-1924-2007/) - Elizabeth (Bet) Low ARSA RSW DLitt was born in Gourock on 28 December 1924. From an early age she loved the sea and river views around where she lived. Her talent as a landscape artist was recognised while she studied at Greenock Academy where she won the (Matthew) Rankin Prize For Art. She studied at the Glasgow School of Art
- [William Quarrier ](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/william-quarrier-1829-1903-philanthropist/) - William Quarrier (1829 - 1903) Philanthropist William Quarrier was born in a house on Cross Shore St, Greenock but moved to Glasgow at an early age after his father died. He was brought up in a situation of poverty and witnessed first hand the squalour, deprivation and utter hopelessness of slum life. At the age
- [Hugh Enes Blackmore 1863 - 1945](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/hugh-enes-blackmore-1863-1945/) - Hugh Enes Blackmore (1 October 1863 – 21 May 1945) was a British opera and concert singer. Known as the 'Iron-Throated Tenor', he is best remembered for his performances of tenor roles with the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company. His career with D'Oyly Carte spanned almost 30 years, and he briefly became the company's stage manager,
- [Peter Dodds McCormack 1834 - 1916](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/peter-dodds-mccormack-1834-1916/) - Peter Dodds McCormick was a joiner, a teacher, a musician, chorister and composer and very active in the Presbyterian church in Australia. McCormick was born in Port Glasgow in 1834, the first child in the family. In the 1841 census the family lived at Scott's Lane in the Port but by the 1851 census the family were
- [Hamish MacCunn](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/hamish-maccunn/) - Hamish MacCunn 1889 Portrait of MacCunn by John Pettie, his father-in-law Hamish MacCunn (born James) (22 March 1868 – 2 August 1916), Scottish romantic composer, was born in Greenock, the son of a shipowner, and was educated at the Royal College of Music The MacCunn family home at Thornhill, Ardgowan Street, Greenock. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hamish_MacCunn. Creative
- [Richard Wilson](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/richard-wilson-1936-actordirector/) - Richard Wilson was born in Dunlop Street Greenock. Lady Alice Primary and Greenock High School turned out a medical lab technician. He was 27 and in London when the decision was made to act. RADA prepared him for a career on stage and screen. There is so much more to him than One Foot in the Grave. He is nowhere near
- [Duncan McNeil ](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/duncan-mcneil-1950-politician/) - Duncan McNeil (born 7 September 1950, Greenock) is a Scottish Labour Party Member of the Scottish Parliament for Greenock and Inverclyde. From 1965 to 1979 he worked as a boilermaker at Scott Lithgow, initially as an apprentice. After working as a co-ordinator for the Unemployed Workers Centres in Glasgow he became a full-time official in
- [An Interview with Iain McKenzie MP](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/an-interview-with-iain-mckenzie-mp/) - Iain McKenzie MP Our local MP, Iain McKenzie, allowed me to interview him so that we, his constituents, could get to know him better. Here is a transcript of that interview which I hope you will enjoy reading. Q. How many years did you serve as a local Councillor before becoming an MP at Westminster?
- [Mary Campbell - Highland Mary](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/mary-campbell-highland-mary/) - Click the link below to access the leaflet about Highland Mary Highland-mary-Leaf-Highland-mary-Leaf[2] Mary Campbell's grave in the Old West Kirkyard
- [James Gammell of Garvel House 1735-1825](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/james-gammell-of-garvel-house-1735-1825/) - James Gammell 1735-1825 James Gammell was born in Greenock on 12 December 1735 to William Gammell and Margaret Scott. William Gammell had been a shipmaster and later a merchant. He became a Baillie of the town and the landowner of the Garvel estate. James was their 4th child. James attended the Greenock Grammar School with his brother William where one
- [Dr Tom Cochrane - missionary to China](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/dr-tom-cochrane-missionary-to-china/) - Dr Tom Cochrane Thomas, was born, 12 November 1866 in 16 Wellington Street, Greenock into a working class family. His father died when he was 13 years old and Tom had to seek work in the docks in order to help support his mother and the rest of his family. He managed to cope with working in the
- [George Henry Tatham Paton VC MC](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/george-henry-tatham-paton-vc-mc/) - George Henry Tatham Paton was a recipient of the Victoria Cross. He was only 22 years of age and an acting captain in the Grenadier Guards during the First World War. The London Gazette of 12 February 1918 records the following: "..... for most conspicuous bravery and self sacrifice. When a unit on his left
- [Dame Frances Caroline Cameron](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/frances-caroline-cameron/) - Dame Frances Caroline Cameron was the wife of Sir Charles Cameron MP. She died on 25 January 1899 at her home in Greenock.There is a small mausoleum for Dame Frances in the Greenock Cemetery where her ashes were interred. Frances Caroline Macauley was born in Ireland. In 1869 she married Charles Cameron the son of a
- [Frances Ann Wood](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/frances-ann-wood/) - Frances Ann Wood (born 19 March 1773, died 21 May 1856) was the sister of Sir Gabriel Wood. He had requested that some of his estate be used to build a home for old and sick mariners in his native town of Greenock. This was not a legally binding memorandum but both his sister and his wife, Dame Louisa, carried out his wishes and
- [Elizabeth Wood Inglis](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/elizabeth-wood-inglis/) - Bessie Inglis was known latterly as the "Grand Old Lady" of Port Glasgow. She was born on 31 January 1854 at Ivybank, Port Glasgow and died on 25 November 1936 at Woodbank, Port Glasgow and buried in Port Glasgow cemetery. The granddaughter of the Rev Dr Inglis of the United Presbyterian Church (now Princes Street Church) Port
- [Agnes Bankier Harvey - a "Glasgow Girl" artist](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/agnes-bankier-harvey-a-glasgow-girl-artist/) - Agnes Bankier Harvey was born in Glasgow to William Gourlay Harvey and his wife Sarah Tennant Sloan. They had married in 1867 and had 6 children, Francis William, born 1870, David S, born 1871, Charles, born 1873, Agnes Bankier, born 1874, Lawrence born 1876 and Tennant Sloan, born 1878. Sadly their mother died in 1878
- [Agnes Curran 1920 - 2005](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/agnes-curran-1920-2005/) - Agnes was born on 12 February 1920 to Mark Brennan and Agnes Ferris Hendry at 25 Lyle Street, Greenock. She was the youngest of 9 children and when her father died at a young age she took over the care of the younger children as well as bringing up her own family of 3 children.
- [Cutty Sark](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/cutty-sark/) - A China tea clipper was built in Dumbarton by Scott and Linton for John Willis and Sons, London. It was built for speed to compete in the China tea trade and was launched on 22 November 1869. However events overtook this ambition to be the fastest clipper as the Suez Canal opened on 16th November
- [George Blake ](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/george-blake-1893-1961/) - George Blake (1893-1961) was born to Matthew Blake and Ursula Scott McCulloch on 28 October 1893 at 60 Forsyth Street, Greenock. He studied at Greenock Academy and then at Glasgow University where he studied law. He was apprenticed to Neill Clark and Murray but this was interrupted by the outbreak of the First World War. He enlisted
- [Robert Weir Schultz 1860-1951](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/robert-weir-schultz-1860-1951/) - Arts and crafts architect born in Port Glasgow on 26 July 1860 to Henry Schultz and Isabella Weir. Henry had come from Germany and was a sugar refiner. He married Janet but sadly she died in the 1850s. He then married Isabella Weir, the daughter of a Galashiels doctor Robert Weir and the family moved
- [Alison Watt](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/alison-watt-1965-scottish-painter/) - Alison Jane Watt OBE is a Scottish painter, born in Greenock on 11 December 1965. Alison Watt graduated from Glasgow School of Art in 1988. While still a student, she won the John Player Portrait Award and as a result was commissioned to point a portrait of the Queen Mother. Her first works to become
- [Janetta Bowie](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/janetta-bowie-16th-august-1907-27th-february-1996/) - Janetta Bowie Janetta Bowie was born at 4 Hope Street, Greenock on 16th August, 1907. She lived locally all her life and was well known as a teacher and writer. Janetta was a founder member of the Greenock Writers’ Club. In 1925, Janetta was Dux of Greenock High School and she went on to study
- [W. S. Graham ](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/w-s-graham/) - The poet William Sydney Graham (1918-1986) was born in Greenock at 1 Hope Street on 19 November 1918. The family moved to Brisbane Street and from there Sydney, as he was usually called, attended Finnart School. When he left school he worked for a time in a bank but went on to study engineering and worked at Hasties.
- [Jean Adam ](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/jean-adam-1704-1765-scottish-poet/) - Jean Adam (1704 - 1765) Scottish Poet Early years Born in Cartsdyke Greenock in 1704 into a maritime family, her most famous work (though the authorship was for some time in dispute) is "The Mariner's Wife", better known by its refrain "there's nae luck aboot the hoose", a tale of a sailor's wife and the
- [Bill Bryden](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/bill-bryden/) - William Campbell Rough Bryden was born in Carwood Street, Greenock on 12 April 1942. The family moved nearby to East Crawford Street and later to Forfar Road. From there Bill attended Greenock High School. He always enjoyed entertaining and was in the junior church choir of Cartsburn Augustine Church and had his first stage appearance there in a
- [James Thomson 1834 - 1882 pseudonym "Bysshe Vanolis"](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/james-thomson-1834-1882-pseudonym-bysshe-vanolis/) - James Thomson was born in Port Glasgow to James Thomson and Sarah Kennedy on 23 November 1834. James' father, a merchant navy officer, suffered a severe stroke which paralysed him in 1840 and 2 years later his mother died. He was sent to London to be educated at the Royal Caledonian Asylum and
- [Mrs. Jean Dougan](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/mrs-jean-dougan/) - Mrs.Jean Dougan Mrs. Dougan, who is now eighty one years old, left school at fourteen and started work in the Merino Mill. That was in 1946. Over the years she worked in many different departments and eventually became a supervisor. Her first job was as a cutter but she also worked at separating the wool. Her
- [Ellen Sinclair](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/ellen-sinclair/) - Ellen Sinclair Ellen Sinclair is eighty –three years old now but she has fond memories of her first job at the Merino Mill where she started work at the age of fourteen. Ellen’s first wage was £1 a week. She worked as a turner which meant that she turned the heels of socks. The socks
- [Annabella Johnston](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/annabella-johnston/) - Annabella Johnston Annabella started work at the Merino Mill when she was fifteen. It was dirty work and was also heavy work. She was a canvas weaver and they worked with formaldehyde which was hard on the hands. She was on piece work and worked two nights and a Saturday morning, overtime, for which she
- [Marjory Munro](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/marjory-munro/) - Fleming Reid Mill. Marjorie Munro Marjory never worked in Fleming Reid’s herself but her great grandfather had connections with the mill. His name was Heaton Scott and he was born in Yorkshire in 1844. As a young man he worked in the woollen mills in Keithley in Yorkshire. In 1880, he and his young family
- [Mrs. Nan Black](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/mrs-nan-black/) - Fleming Reid Mill. Mrs. Black Mrs Nan Black supplied a very interesting photo of Fleming Reid’s Mill around the time of the Coronation in 1953. She and her aunt Mary are both in the photo and you can see the bunting up to celebrate the occasion. Nan was fifteen when she started work at
- [Other former employees of Fleming Reid's](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/other-former-employees-of-fleming-reids/) - George Scott At the age of fifteen, George Scott worked as an office boy at the Merino Mill. As he got older, he became a clerk. George worked for a number of years at the mill where his service was interrupted between 1943 and 1945 when he was involved in war work during World War
- [Annie O'Donnell Photo Fleming Reid's](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/annie-odonnell-photo-fleming-reids/) - Mrs. Mary Clarke Mrs. Mary Clarke supplied this photo of former employees at Fleming Reid’s Mill probably from the 1920’s. Her mother, Mrs. Annie O’Donnell (nee Holland) is in the photo on the extreme left of the back row. Her mother’s sister, Rosie Gillan (nee Holland) is also in the photo, in the front
- [Mrs. Mary Clarke](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/2997-2/) - Mrs. Mary Clarke Mrs. Mary Clarke supplied this photo of former employees at Fleming Reid’s Mill probably from the 1920’s. Her mother, Mrs. Annie O’Donnell (nee Holland) is in the photo on the extreme left of the back row. Her mother’s sister, Rosie Gillan (nee Holland) is also in the photo, in the front row
- [Peter Morrison 1940](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/peter-morrison-1940/) - Peter Morrison was born in Greenock on 14 August 1940 to Robin and Rhoda Morrison. His mother came from Greenock and his father from Port Bannatyne on Bute. Both his parents were school teachers in the town. The family were all musical and entered the Renfrewshire Music Festival at school in the piano, singing and
- [Lena Zavaroni ](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/lena-zavaroni/) - Lena Hilda Zavaroni (4 November 1963 – 1 October 1999) was a Scottish child singer and a television show host. With her album Ma! He's Making Eyes at Me at ten years of age, she is the youngest person in history to have an album in the top ten of the UK Albums Chart. Later

## Pages

- [Welcome to Inverclyde's Heritage](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/) - Inverclyde Heritage is a local history learning resource for Inverclyde, Scotland. Created and maintained by a group based at the Watt Library in Greenock.
- [Watt Library](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/watt-library/) - The Library has now re-opened! Wednesday to Saturday 10am - 4pm. The Watt Library of today is a direct descendent of one of Greenock’s most notable and historic institutions, the Greenock Library which was founded on 1st January, 1783. Indeed, it is reckoned to have been one of the first subscription libraries in
- [About the Watt Library](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/watt-library/about-the-watt-library/) - The Watt Library is opened Wednesday to Saturday entrance is gained through the McLean Museum. The Watt Library of today is a direct descendent of one of Greenock’s most notable and historic institutions, the Greenock Library which was founded on 1st January, 1783. Indeed, it is reckoned to have been one of the first subscription libraries
- [Greenock's Links to Slavery](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/greenock-cemetery-links-to-slavery/) - In the late 18th and early 19th century merchants in Greenock made their fortune through their connections with slavery. Within Greenock Cemeteries there are memorials to these merchants. Members of Parliament, Provosts and prominent citizens of the town made their fortunes from the use of slaves. Some were owners of plantations or owned slaves in
- [Watt Library Newspaper Index](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/watt-library/watt-library-newspaper-index/) - This page links to the Watt Library Newspaper Index, an index of stories that have appeared in Inverclyde's local press since the start of the nineteenth century. The Newspaper Index is hosted on Inverclyde Council’s website. Upon clicking the link below the page will be opened up in a separate window. https://www.inverclyde.gov.uk/community-life-and-leisure/heritage/family-history/intimations-surname-index
- [About this Site](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/about-the-site/) - Inverclyde heritage was established to help research notable local people and historical events relating to Inverclyde, Scotland.
- [Contact Us](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/contactus/) - If you have any interesting information about Inverclyde’s History you’d like to see featured on the site, or an enquiry, we’d be delighted to hear from you.

## Categories

- [Musicians, Singers and Composers](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/category/musicians-singers-and-composers/)
- [Local Industry - past and present](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/category/local-industry-past-and-present/)
- [Fleming Reid Mill (Merino Mill)](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/category/local-industry-past-and-present/fleming-reid-mill-merino-mill/)
- [Employees](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/category/local-industry-past-and-present/fleming-reid-mill-merino-mill/employees/)
- [Writers and Poets](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/category/writers-and-poets/)
- [Artists and Designers](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/category/artists-and-designers/)
- [Local History & Heritage](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/category/local-history-heritage/)
- [Unsung Heroines](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/category/unsung-heroines/)
- [Actors and Entertainers](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/category/actors-and-entertainers/)
- [Local Connections](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/category/local-connections/)
- [Inverclyde MPs](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/category/inverclyde-mps/)
- [Sportsmen and Women](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/category/sportsmen-and-women/)
- [Inverclyde Expats](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/category/inverclyde-expats/)
- [Greenock Cemetery WW1 War Dead Remembered](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/category/greenock-cemetery-www1-war-dead-remembered/)
- [Greenock Cemetery (Sections 2A - 2V ) WW1 War Dead Remembered](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/category/greenock-cemetery-sections-2a-2v-ww1-war-dead-remembered/)
- [Slavery](http://www.inverclydesheritage.co.uk/category/slavery/)