Blackhall Manor facts for kids
Blackhall Manor is an old tower house located in Paisley, Scotland. It's a special type of building that was used as a home and also for defense. This manor dates back to the 1500s, but some parts might be even older. It used to belong to a famous family called the Stewart or Shaw-Stewart family. Today, it's recognized as a historic building.
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History of Blackhall Manor
The very first house on this spot was built around 1160 by a Norman knight named Walter fitz Alan. A Norman knight was a soldier from Normandy, France, who helped conquer England and parts of Scotland.
In 1396, Robert III of Scotland, who was the King of Scots, gave the property to his son, Sir John Stewart. For many years, important court meetings were held at Blackhall Manor during the 1500s.
Later, in 1667, Archibald Stewart was given a special title by King Charles II. He became a Baronet of Nova Scotia. This meant he was given a title of honor connected to the land of Nova Scotia, which is now part of Canada. He was the first of the Shaw-Stewart baronets of Greenock and Blackhall.
Blackhall Manor's Changes Over Time
By the 1820s, Blackhall Manor was no longer a grand home. It had become a farm-house. In the 1840s, the farmer built a new house nearby. To save money on taxes, the roof of the old manor was removed. The building was then used for storing things, keeping cattle, and holding coal.
In 1940, the Shaw-Stewart family gave the manor to the town of Paisley. By 1978, the building was in such bad shape that people thought it might need to be torn down. However, it was completely rebuilt and restored between 1982 and 1983.
How the Tower House Evolved
We don't have many old records showing exactly how Blackhall Manor changed over hundreds of years. However, clues from the building itself tell us a story.
For example, there's a fireplace part from the 1300s. Also, the windows in the staircase tower look different from the rest of the building. The way the staircase tower is joined to the main part of the house also suggests it was added later.
These clues make experts think that Blackhall Manor might have started as a simpler "hall house." A hall house was a large room used for living and dining. Then, in the 1500s, it was made bigger. Another floor and an attic were added, along with a stair tower, larger windows, and a new entrance on the ground floor. More windows were also added in the late 1500s or early 1600s.
See also
- List of listed buildings in Paisley, Renfrewshire
