Notes

Originally part of the same building as no.58, but subdivided before 1859, (HB05/13/012 B).

By the 19^th century, the archway to the left-hand side of no.56 led to a lane known as both Boyd’s Yard and McCurdy’s Row which housed 20 dwellings. SMcM research based on Griffith’s Valuation registers lists leases 1892-1930.

According to JMcC research, these dwellings were nicknamed skid row. They housed the poorest people and the “’ordinary families’ were not really allowed to interact with them.” JMcC mentions Alex Storey living there within living memory, and John and Lizzie Maxwell who lived there until 1968 when the houses were condemned. Lizzie was particularly superstitious and well known for her habit of walking three times around every lamppost she came across, and scraping her feet on metal gratings (over drains).

According to the Working Group review (20/02/24), Jackie Dillon and James Blaney were two other residents of the yard. James Blaney had served in the Royal Navy as a teenager, and later worked in Coatbridge, near Glasgow, before joining the army between 1902 and 1906. He went on to work as crew in the merchant navy, signing on as a fireman or stoker on board the Titanic for her maiden voyage. He died on board the vessel in April 1912.

The row of dwellings to the west was demolished to make way for the extension of Brady’s Supermarket (no.54), (HB05/13/012 B).

“The valuation of 1834 also tells us that in the large yard to the rear (‘Boyd’s Yard’) there was a ‘range of poor dwellings’ the upper parts of which were used as ‘offices’ (i.e. stores or outbuildings). These dwellings were originally sited on both sides of the yard, but only those to the west side now survive (albeit solely as outbuildings).” (HB05/13/012 B)

Adam Boyd may be the same as the grocer listed in Pigot’s 1824 directory.

“To the rear the range of small dwellings (seven in all) were occupied by John Sharpe, James Kenny, Patrick Carroll, John Hunter, Daniel McCollum, Mary [?McCrank] and Charles McDougall.” (HB05/13/012 B)

SMcM research based on Griffith’s Valuation registers.

SMcM research based on Griffith’s Valuation registers.

SMcM research based on Griffith’s Valuation registers.

SMcM research based on Griffith’s Valuation registers.

Census – building no.72

James Campbell, 33, head of family, RC. General labourer, married

Ann Campbell, 26, wife, RC, shop keeper grocery, married

SMcM research based on Griffith’s Valuation registers.

Census – building no.77

James Campbell, 42, head of family, RC, labour general, married

Ann Isabella Campbell, 38, wife, RC, shopkeeper, married

Mary McLaughlin, 15, niece, RC, single

Peter Masterson, 71, boarder, RC, tailor and old age pensioner, widower

David Hemphill, 40, boarder, Presbyterian, plasterer, single

Richard McCotter, 33, boarder, Presbyterian, baker, single

John McHenry, 28, boarder, RC, general labourer, single

SMcM research based on Griffith’s Valuation registers.

SMcM research based on Griffith’s Valuation registers.

SMcM research based on Griffith’s Valuation registers.

HB05/13/012 B

HB05/13/012 B

HB05/13/012 B

Fiona Spence (08/12/23) remembers the shop being Hugh McCurdy’s sweetshop which closed in the 1970s or 80s. Hugh lived there with his sister Cissy.

According to JMcC research, Hugh was a baker and sold his wares from the sweetshop. Cissie opened late at weekends after the cinema, when she put out tables and chairs and sold ice cream. She opened on Sundays from 1pm-3pm to facilitate people visiting the hospital, this was done via the back door.

According to Harriet Hamilton (12/11/24), McCurdy’s also sold apples from their own orchard behind the shop. Harriet remembers buying Easter eggs from the shop, paying them off over multiple weeks.

Cissy McCurdy was badly injured in a car accident in the late 70s or early 80s (Working Group review 20/02/24.)

JMcC research.

The Auction Mart was located in Boyd’s Yard, linked the Paddy Joe McIlroy’s auction business (no.52).

Spoke to Michael 15/11/23 and 21/11/23. Michael remembers taking out the front window visible in the c.1901 photo of Campbell’s grocers during renovations to the front of the garden centre.