Street Names
Have you ever wondered where some of the local street names came from? I have some details for a few but hope to add more soon.
Crawford Street
On the 6th October 1690 Mr john Crawford was appointed by Glasgow as baillie of New Port Glasgow. At this time Newark was still a village in it's own right.
The Crawford family were to build a large house in Scarlow Street with the back garden of the property reaching all the way to Crawford Street where their counting house was situated.
They had a very successful business known as Messers John Crawford and Company who's fortune was made amongst other things in being shipowners and merchants.
In 1801 the company which was considered to be one of the most successful and extensive companies on the Clyde failed.
The collapse of the Renfrewshire Bank, for which they were local agents may have had something to do with it. One of the partners Mr James Crawford owned the Garrison at Millport, to which he retired. In the old cemetery in Millport stands the family mausoleum with the family's coat of arms.
Lord Belhaven once was the proprietor of Newark castle at the end of the early 19th century. He lends his name to Belhaven Street in the town.
Belhaven Street
John Wood Street
Named after a local ship builder.
Barrs Brae
John Barr was a bailie of Port Glasgow from 1807-1808. He was one of the first members of the Port Glasgow town council and also a watch and clock maker of great repute.
If you know the history behind any more of the local street names please get in touch!
Falconer Street
In 1883 Port Glasgow for the first time became an independatnt burgh with a provost of it's own. This provost was Archibald Falconer.........who lends his name to Falconer Street.
This page last modified on Saturday, March 22, 2003
© Carol McG2000- 2007 all rights reserved, all trademarks hereby acknowledged. The photographs in this site have not to be shared or otherwise used without permission!
Please do not submitt them to any other site for display.
