Houston Family of Johnstone papers

Notebooks, letters, bills and receipts relating to the Houston Family of Johnstone and to Quarrelton Colliery.

George Houston became 4th Laird of Johnstone in 1757 at the age of 14. During his 58 years as Laird, George extended Johnstone Castle, developed the extensive coal mines at Quarrelton and opened lime works at Floor Craig. In 1781, George began to sell land for housing near the Bridge of Johnstone and to plan the layout of the new town of Johnstone. He became a wealthy industrialist and was a partner in establishing the Paisley Union Bank in 1788. In 1816, George was succeeded as 5th Laird by his son, Ludovick Houston.

The Houston family purchased the lands of Little Mains of Johnstone in the 1640s. During the late 18th century, George Houston, 4th Laird of Johnstone, extended Johnstone Castle, developed the extensive coal mines at Quarrelton and opened lime works at Floor Craig. There were also cotton mills on the Houston Estate.

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George Houston became 4th Laird of Johnstone in 1757 at the age of 14. During his 58 years as Laird, George extended Johnstone Castle, developed the extensive coal mines at Quarrelton and opened lime works at Floor Craig. In 1781, George began to sell land for housing near the Bridge of Johnstone and to plan the layout of the new town of Johnstone. He became a wealthy industrialist and was a partner in establishing the Paisley Union Bank in 1788. In 1816, George was succeeded as 5th Laird by his son, Ludovick Houston.

The Houston family purchased the lands of Little Mains of Johnstone in the 1640s. During the late 18th century, George Houston, 4th Laird of Johnstone, extended Johnstone Castle, developed the extensive coal mines at Quarrelton and opened lime works at Floor Craig. There were also cotton mills on the Houston Estate.

Created by Victoria Peters, February 2010.

Papers of Houston Family of Johnstone (ref: GB 247 TD263) (Glasgow City Archives)

published