The Urban Historian promotes the rich history of Paisley and the old County of Renfrew. With records dating back to Walter Fitz Alan’s arrival in Renfrewshire and the founding of Paisley Priory in 1163, Paisley and the County played a major role in the formation of modern Scotland. Walter’s descendants married into the Bruce family, and his son by Marjory Bruce established the Stewart Dynasty. Paisley Abbey became one of the wealthiest churches in Scotland, behind only Arbroath Abbey and St Andrews Cathedral. The Fitz Alans, Stewarts, and other prominent Paisley and Renfrewshire families were pivotal in Scotland’s growth.

The Urban Historian regularly leads heritage walks around Renfrewshire and Paisley, and offers short courses on local history and archaeology. We also republish antique histories of the county. If you can’t join our scheduled walks, we offer custom tours – contact us for details.

About The Urban Historian:
For years, The Urban Historian has offered short courses and heritage walks in Paisley. Our tutor and walk leader, Stephen, graduated from Glasgow University with a history degree, and completed a multimedia masters at Paisley University. Stephen has participated in archaeological digs in Paisley, Renfrewshire, and beyond, and taught local history, archaeology, and family history at West Scotland and Dundee Universities.

Stephen is a former chair of Paisley Thread Mill Museum and an ex-member of the Renfrewshire Local History Forum. He has advised the Renfrewshire Tapestry Group on the old county’s history and consulted on other Renfrewshire Council history projects.

Stephen’s research interests include Christianity’s Scottish arrival and Paisley Abbey’s history/archaeology. Current projects examine Paisley’s pre- and post-Reformation burgh management and the Hamilton family’s abbey links. He is also interested in using social media and interactive displays in heritage, the rise of Renfrewshire/Paisley thread manufacturing, and the history of Anchor and Ferguslie Mills and their international dominance.

A blog post for Paisley2021 while I was a member of the Paisley Thread Mill Museum