Genealogy Chat

I need a helpful Glaswegian! My ancestor, Charles Bell, ran a 'Reed Maker' business in Glasgow's Trongate. He died in 1871. His business is listed in P.O. records in that year. Does anyone know the area? I would like to f'lesh out' my family history. Does anyone know if the term reedmaker refers to musical reeds or maybe equipment used in weaving? Does the original building, 44 Trongate, still exist? I live in Essex and am not likely to ever see the area so any info would be really exciting. Thanks.

Hi Sheridan,

the following website is fantastic, lots of info on Glasgow.

http://www.mitchelllibrary.org/virtualmitchell/

Click on street search, Trongate, 20 pages of old pics. On page 11 there is a picture of the approximate area where your ancestor lived, street numbers 42-58 dated abt 1902c
Record Number C4301
Caption 42-58 Trongate
Description North side of Trongate including statue of King William III
Area Central
Street Trongate
Number 42-58
Date n.d. ?c.1902

Have a look through you may find more. Sorry I can't tell you if the buildings still exist.

bye Helen

Thankyou, Helen. Guess where I'm going now!

Sheridan,

Another good website is http://www.theglasgowstory.com/index.php

there is a quick search box. Lots of images and information on Glasgow. You can also see who was living at 44 Trongate 1913-14 what they paid in rent and who was the landlord by searching the valuation rolls.

I have found stacks of information on my Glasgow rellies on this website.

bye Helen

Hi sheridan

You might find this site useful - it gives alternative possibilities for "reedmaker".
http://rmhh.co.uk/occup/q-r.html

My initial thought when I read your message was that it would be to do with the reed in the chanter of bagpipes. but on reflection it could also be the weaving option as at one time there were a lot of handloom weavers in Glasgow - not sure there woud be many/any left by 1871 though.

I used to live in Glasgow and most of the Trongate is still intact, but not sure about the specific building.

Good luck

John

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Hi Sheridan,

As John said reedmaker could fall within several professions.

Reedmaker

1) Made weaving reeds - a reed is a comb-like device for 'beating' the weft thread into place as it is passed by the shuttle, the warp threads passing between the teeth of the reed
2) Made reeds or pipes for musical instruments
3) Made reed cloth
4) Made tapestry combs.

I tend to lean more towards his profession as being #2.

Just a thought have you looked at Charles's occupation on previous census. It may give you some clues? was he always a reedmaker


bye Helen

Me again

Looks like 44 Trongate may still be in existance, found a picture of 46 Trongate on the following website;

http://www.citikey.com/images/ldc/240x180/10320693.jpg

It is the premises of Travel Options
Address
46 Trongate
Townhead
Glasgow
www.travel-options-uk.co.uk
[email protected]

cheerio Helen