Barnardo's -
The History of 185/7 Main Street, Rutherglen
Find out more about the history behind the Rutherglen Charity shop
In the 1850s, the current sandstone tenement hadn't yet been built. Instead, there stood the cottage of Mrs Riddell. William Ross Shearer, librarian, mentions her in his book Rutherglen Lore (1922): "where once stood the well known thatched cottage of “Granny Riddell” who was so greatly famed for her excellent ‘swats brew’ or ‘plunk’ [fizzy juice made from mixing maltings with sugar, boiling it and corking it till it ‘plunked].
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She was a tenant of that cottage, which belonged to Rob Munro Bryson. He owned the properties of 187, 189, and 193 Main Street, as well as a house at 228 King Street.
Above, a map of Rutherglen Main Street with the yellow indicating the location of Barnardo's. 1859
Image © National Library of Scotland
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Dr Barnardo, photograph circa 1868
Image in Public Domain
In 1866, Thomas John Barnardo founded the National Incorporated Association for the Reclamation of Destitute Waif Children, also known as Dr. Barnardo's Homes, to care for and educate orphaned and destitute children in East London after a cholera outbreak. The following year, he opened the first home for children.
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Thomas Barnardo (1845-1905), was an Irish, Christian philanthropist who moved to London and set up homes for impoverished children. Although he never completed his studies at the London Hospital, he still used the title of 'doctor'.
In or around 1885, the cottages which previously stood at 185-193 Main Street were demolished and the current Tenement was constructed by Mr John Cross (see datestone below). We know he built the whole tenement (185-193) because he was Proprietor (legal owner of the property) for all those addresses. The building is built of sandstone, likely quarried from near Rutherglen.
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He had a butcher's shop at 185 - 187 Main Street, while the flats above were rented out.
Above, Datestone commemorating the year it was built, and JC standing for John Cross. Situated on front elevation below the frieze.
Above, a map of Rutherglen Main Street, after the completion of the tenement (in yellow). 1893
Image © National Library of Scotland
Background on the Cross Family
John Cross was born in 1848, in Hamilton. His wife, Catherine Gilchrist Cross, was born 1850 in Chapelton. Their daughter, Annie Thomson Cross, was born in 1873 in Chapelton.
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By the 1871 census, they are listed as living at the Free Church Manse, Glassford, South Lanarkshire. John's profession was recorded as an agricultural labourer.
In the 1881 Census, the Cross family lived at 8 Gallowflat Place, Rutherglen. They had a 17 year old servant called Lily Whitfield from Lesmahagow.
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After the tenement was constructed in 1885, the Cross family lived in a flat above the shop at 189 Main Street.
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In the 1891 census, John's profession was listed as Butcher and provision merchant.
The picture on the right shows what Rutherglen Main Street looked like in the 1890s. The sandstone tenement can be seen, as well as the traditional, Victorian shopfronts where John Cross had his butcher's shop.
On the 14th of July 1894, John Cross passed away aged 46. He is buried at Chapelton Cemetery.
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His wife, Catherine, took over the Butcher's shop at 185-187 Main Street.
Above, Rutherglen Main Street, facing west, circa 1890
​Image © Geraldine Marie Baird
Rutherglen Main Street during the 'Last Cow Fair', 1900
Image © William Ross Shearer
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The 1890s were a significant period in the Cross family.
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​In 1894, Annie Thomson Cross marries John Adam Norrie in the Blythswood Registration District, to become Mrs Annie Norrie.
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After the death of her husband, in 1897 Catherine G. Cross marries William Roy, also in the Blythswood Registration District, becoming Mrs Catherine Roy.
In the 1922 Book ‘Rutherglen Lore’ by Shearer, John Cross is mentioned. It is said of his tenement: “Another three story block, built by the late Mr John Cross, Flesher [Butcher], stands a few paces further west”.
Above, Rutherglen Main Street facing east, circa 1900
Image © Rutherglen Heritage Centre
In 1902, the first tramcar arrives in Rutherglen. The trams would continue until the late 1950s.
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In 1905, while Catherine Roy occupies 187 Main Street, she rents out 185 Main Street to John A. Rew who is also a butcher. It is unclear whether the shop splits into two separate properties, or Roy and Rew hold the butcher's shop together.
Above, 'Arrival of the First Car - 2nd April 1902', Rutherglen Main Street
Image © William Ross Shearer
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The Rew Family
John Alexander Rew was born in 1864 in Dundee to James Rew
and Eliza Alexander. In 1888, he married Janet Stevenson in Milton.
They had a son, William Alexander Rew, who took over the shop at
185 Main Street sometime between 1905 and 1915. In 1921, John A.
Rew passed away away in Rutherglen aged 57.
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In 1908, William Alexander Rew, was listed on the Burgess Roll of Glasgow becoming a burgess of the Incorporation of Fleshers (est. 1580) on the 30th of June. He was what is known as a Flesher ‘far hand’, with the far hand indicating that he was the first of his family to join that incorporation. This is in contrast to a ‘near hand’, who had close family ties with that Incorporation. In 1909, the Post Office Directory lists William Rew as a butcher at 185 Main Street, Rutherglen.
Above, Rutherglen Main Street, 1900s
Image © Rutherglen Heritage Centre
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In 1914, the World went to War. For Rutherglen, this meant 518 men who didn't return home.
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By 1915, Catherine Roy owns both properties but had given up her shop at 187 Main Street, letting it to John Thomson. WIlliam Rew retains his butcher shop at 185 Main Street.​
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John Thomson was born in 1885 in Dumfries but later moved to 2 McAlpine Place, Rutherglen (this address doesn’t exist anymore, but was near Eastfield).
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Above, a map of Rutherglen Main Street with the tenement in yellow, 1910
Image © National Library of Scotland
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In 1916, The Military Services Act becomes law and requires all men aged 18-41 to enlist in the Armed Forces.
At age 31, John Thomson did his duty and enlisted at Rutherglen in the Royal Army Service Corps (service number M2/227858). He returned from the War, and passed away in 1928 aged 43. His death was registered in Bridgeton.
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Left, John Thomson's enlistment papers, 1916
Image © National Records of Scotland
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In 1919, Peace had been signed with the Treaty of Versailles, and William Gilchrist established 'The Grain Store' at 185 Main Street. He specialised in meals, flours, and bulk feeding for horses, poultry and pigs. His hay was praised by the district’s cattlemen.
William Gilchrist was born in 1890 to Samuel and Ellen Gilchrist in Rutherglen. His father was an ‘electro polisher’ in a Sewing Machine Factory. He also had a younger brother called Daniel. At the age of 23 in 1913, William enlisted to fight for the Lowland Division in World War 1 (service number 2428).
William returned after the Great War to open ‘The Grain Store’ selling grain and meal. In 1923, William was listed on the Burgess Roll of Glasgow and on the 20th of October, he became a Burgess of the Incorporation of Coopers (est. 1569), also a ‘far hand’ meaning he was the first in his family to become a Burgess of that Incorporation. William was also on the Committee of the Glasgow Corn Trade Association in the 1920s.
In 1928, William passed away and his death is registered at Dennistoun.
Above, William Gilchrist's enlistment papers, 1913
Image © National Records of Scotland
Above, Rutherglen Main Street, 1918
Image © Rutherglen 900
In 1920, Catherine Roy stays Proprietor of both 185-187 Main Street. William Gilchrist is still the tenant of his successful shop at 185 Main Street. Th tenants of 187 Main Street are no longer the Rew family, but it is now occupied by Annie MacArthur, née Wilson. She married Alexander MacArthur at the Hutchesontown Registration District in 1899.
Right, The Rag Man, 1920s
Image © Geraldine Marie Baird
In 1924, Alexander MacArthur, husband of Annie MacArthur, dies aged 71 (thus born in 1853). His death was registered at the Govan Registration District. Additionally, his mother’s maiden name was McKechnie.
By 1925, William Gilchrist remained a tenant of his Grain shop at 185 Main Street. Annie MacArthur (now a widow) remains a tenant of a shop at 187 Main Street. Also, Catherine Roy loses her second husband William Roy, aged 60, with his death being registered at the Govan Registration District. She remains the proprietor of 185-187 Main Street.
1926 - Rutherglen celebrates 800 years of becoming a royal burgh. In 1126, King David I of Scotland granted Rutherglen a charter to hold markets, to elect a town council, and hold a burgh court.
Above, unveiling of the Mercat Cross, June 1926
Below, the Octocentenary Queen, June 1926
Images © Rutherglen Heritage Centre
Left,
Rutherglen Main Street, 1930s
Image © Rutherglen Heritage Centre
In 1928, Catherine G. Roy died on the 1st of June, aged 78. She is buried at Chapelton Cemetery with her 1st husband - John Cross. Their daughter Mrs Annie T. Norrie becomes Proprietor of 185-187 Main Street.
By the late 1920s, due to lack of competition, William Gilchrist’s The Grain Store prospers and moves out of 185 Main Street to bigger premises at 179/181 Main Street (where Ladbrokes is today).
The 1930s
In 1930, John Shearer becomes a tenant of a shop at 185 Main Street. Annie Burgoyne also becomes a tenant of a shop at 187 Main Street.
In 1932, Annie MacArthur (née Wilson) died aged 58 (thus born in 1874). Additionally, John Adam Norrie dies between 1930 and 1933. There is no record of his grave/death.
In 1933, Annie T. Cross/Norrie marries William Golsby Grubb at Cathcart (Glasgow) registration district. She is now Mrs Annie Grubb.
By 1935, Mrs Annie T. Grubb remains the proprietor as well as tenant a shop at 185 Main Street, and the proprietor of 187 Main Street. John Curley becomes tenant of a shop at 187 Main Street.
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By 1940, Mrs Annie T. Grubb remains the proprietor and Tenant of her shop at 185 Main Street, as well as the proprietor of 187 Main Street. John Curley remains the tenant of a grocery shop at 187 Main Street.
Below, Rutherglen Main Street, facing west, circa 1940s
Image © Rutherglen Heritage Centre
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Right,
J. Curley's store, not in Rutherglen however, 1940s / 1950s
Image © Geraldine Marie Baird
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Left, ‘Ruglen’s “lums’ [chimneys] still reek [smoke] briskly - in spite of the fuel shortages.’ Eastward view from Town Hall, August 1947
​Image © Rutherglen Reformer
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In the 1950s, 185 Main Street was Bell’s the Cleaners and Dryers, and 187 Main Street was J. Curley’s the grocery store (today all Barnardo’s).
In 1953, Queen Elizabeth II visits Rutherglen, just weeks after her coronation. She and her husband, Prince Philip, spend 40 minutes having tea at Rutherglen Town Hall.
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Above, Rutherglen Main Street, facing west, March 1950, Image © Rutherglen Reformer
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Left, Rutherglen Main Street, facing east, 1950s,
Image © Rutherglen Heritage Centre
Annie Thomson Cross/Norrie/Grubb died on the 8th September 1959. She is buried at Chapelton Cemetery alongside her parents, John Cross (1848-1894), and Catherine Gilchrist Cross/Roy (1850-1928).
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Below, the Cross family memorial at Chapelton Cemetery. Images © Find A Grave
By the late 1960s, both 185 and 187 Main Street were occupied by the grocer's shop of John Curley. Gilchrist's 'The Grain Store' can also be seen to the left.
Below, Rutherglen Main Street, facing east, March 1967,
Image © The Herald
Information about Curley’s
At one point, J. Curley’s had 44 private grocer’s shops in Scotland – stretching from as far as Ayrshire and down the Clyde coast – making it the biggest chain in Scotland at the time. They were famed for their traditional approach to grocery stores - patting butter, large counters, etc.
Right,
John Curley
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Left, John Curley's shop in Rutherglen in the background of the 1975 Landemer Day Parade, Image © Rutherglen Heritage Centre
Right, Rutherglen Main Street, facing west, 1976
Image © The Herald
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BARNARDO’S AT 185-187 MAIN STREET, RUTHERGLEN
There are 3 articles in the Rutherglen Reformer from 1985 featuring Barnardo’s. Transcripts are provided below.
FRIDAY, 4th of January 1985
Bookies win on appeal
BOOKMAKERS William Hill have won an appeal to have a betting shop in Rutherglen Main Street.
They have been refused planning permission earlier this year after objections from Councillor Gretel Ross stating that a bookmakers’ shop placed in the Main Street would take away yet another prime shopping site.
But now the Scottish Office have overturned the position.
And the main reason that the appeal was upheld is that the Scottish Office, and the district council’s planning department do not consider the north side of Rutherglen Main Street a prime shopping area.
And for that reason they have decided to let the former Curley’s shop be turned into a betting office.
Said Councillor Ross: “I am very upset that this has gone through, and I am astounded that this area is not considered to be prime shopping area.”
“I objected to this on the grounds that we would be losing yet another shop in the main Rutherglen area, and I will not change my mind about this.”
However, the Scottish Office thought differently and in their written judgement which was only published last week, they say that the betting shop should go ahead.
It states “The appeal site does not form part of the prime shopping area, and with the width of the Main Street, together with the heavy traffic, the shopping area is divided into two distinct sections, with prime shopping located on the south side with only secondary shopping on the north side”.
But Councillor Ross said “The reason that shopping areas decline is because permission is given for non-retail use.”
FRIDAY, 19th of April 1985
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Barnardo appeal
DR BARNARDO’S, Scotland’s leading child care charity hope to open three new projects during the next few months and to help them on their way they have to raise over £900,000.
This latest fund raising drive is in a bid to raise over £900,000 to allow them to open three more projects during the next few months in Strathclyde, Dundee, and Falkirk.
The new projects will help children and young people with handicapped or severe emotional problems.
Mr Bill Skidmore, a Cambuslang man and local organiser for Dr Barnardo, told the Reformer: “As Scotland’s leading child care charity we have the responsibility to go where the need is greatest and this year alone we must raise £900,000 in Scotland for Scotland”.
“Dr Barnardo’s has a splendid corps of volunteers who do so much to raise the sums needed and they do it because the money really reaches the children and because we work very hard to keep these families who need help together, growing stronger,” he added.
If by chance any reader hasn’t received their charity envelope then donations can be sent to Dr Barnardo’s, Freepost, Edinburgh.
I believe the article above was put in the Rutherglen Reformer to get people to donate to the fundraiser to reach £900,000, of which some would go to the opening of a shop in the Strathclyde region (which included Rutherglen).
FRIDAY, 5th of July 1985
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‘No more Main Street bookies’
William Hill’s the bookmakers have been refused a licence to run a betting shop in Rutherglen Main Street.
The company applied to turn the former Curley’s grocers shop into a bookmakers. They had already received planning permission for the betting shop, after an appeal to the Secretary of State.
APPEAL
However, when the Licensing Board met on Friday they decided to refuse the licence on the grounds of over provision of betting shops in the central Rutherglen area. William Hill’s are now awaiting the written decision before they decide whether or not to appeal to the sheriff. However, the spokesman for Hill’s said that the Barnardo’s who are presently using the premises for a charity shop would be allowed to stay. He said “They will be allowed to continue to use the building, until a decision is made on it’s future”.
This leads to the conclusion that Barnardo’s Rutherglen opened at 185-187 Main Street between the 19th of April and 5th of July 1985.
Barnardo's Rutherglen, August 2008
Image © Google Maps
2008 - Barnardo’s Rutherglen undergoes renovations. On the 23rd of February, The Daily Record reports:
Big Brother star is given keys to door
BIG Brother Celebrity Hijack winner John Loughton was in Rutherglen this week officially opening the town’s new-look Barnardo’s store.
The chairman of the Scottish Youth Parliament shot to fame in January in Channel 4’s show. And John was on hand to meet and greet the store’s customers which re-opened to the public on Monday morning after a massive re-furbishment.
The 20-year-old told The Reformer: “I’m delighted to open the store here in Rutherglen.“Things have been hectic since leaving the Big Brother house last month, and I divide my time between Scotland and London, but my main concern is to continue my work for the Scottish Youth Parliament. “One of my main aims is to tackle child poverty so I was honoured to be asked to open the Rutherglen Barnardo’s store who work tirelessly with children affected by today’s issues such as poverty, homelessness, bereavement and abuse.”
John, of Edinburgh, is currently studying for a politics and sociology degree and hopes to run for office next year. He added: “I still have a lot of things to do on the back of Big brother but I’m always back home when it comes to work and parliament events.”
The shop at 185 Main Street offers locals the opportunity to buy good quality donated merchandise such as clothes and accessories, CD’s toys and bric-a-brac. Shop manager Ellen Taylor said: “We’re really excited about the new shop. We think it will make a big difference to our customers shopping experience. “We’d also like to say a big thank you to John for marking this special occasion.”
The store’s first customer through the doors was Doreen Read and she was delighted with its new look. She said: “The shop looks absolutely spanking and very inviting. “In the past I’ve popped in and bought toys for my grandchildren - it’s great value.”
https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/local-news/big-brother-star-given-keys-2639713 (last accessed 30th of July 2026)
An article about Barnardo's also appeared in the Rutherglen Reformer, of the 27th of November 2013:
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Rutherglen MSP James Kelly recently joined staff and volunteers at a local charity shop for a day.
He went along to the Barnardo's Scotland shop in Rutherglen to mark Make A Difference, which promotes volunteering in the community. The month-long event aims to encourage those who may not normally volunteer to do so and learn about how they can help their area.
Barnardo's Scotland work with more than 26,000 children, young people and their families in over 120 specialised projects in communities across Scotland.
Speaking after the visit, James said: "It was an exciting opportunity to meet with dedicated volunteers and learn how their fundraising role supports varied children's services.
"As ever, the visit to Barnardo's Scotland on Main Street in Rutherglen was an enjoyable experience where I got to engage with local constituents and volunteers to promote the value of local volunteering.
"Barnardo's Scotland does fantastic work with vulnerable children and young people and their families and I commend the charity for their efforts.
"The Children and Young People Bill is currently passing through the Scottish Parliament and I look forward to working with Barnardo's Scotland and other organisations to ensure young people in care are given the proper support".
Area branch manager Magdalene Davie welcomed James' contribution to the charity and hoped others would follow his suit.
She said: "The input from Mr Kelly and fellow MSPs has been invaluable and we would like to thank everyone who took part in volunteering for Make a Difference, for showing how easy it is to get involved and lend a hand."
"Without our volunteers, Barnardo's Scotland and our children and young people would be missing a key ingredient to success and building a better future."
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Above, Barnardo's Rutherglen volunteers, 27th November 2013
Image © Author's own photo
Above, Barnardo's Rutherglen a decade ago, August 2016
Image © Google Maps
Left, Barnardo's Rutherglen (185-197 Main Street),
May 2026
Image © Author’s own photo
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Barnardo’s today is a successful shop on the northside of Rutherglen Main Street, covering the properties of 185 / 187 Main Street. It is a £2 shop where everything apart from New Goods is priced at £2. The Manager is Karin Kim Anderson.
Researched by Andrey Georgiev, of the Rutherglen Heritage Society, as well as volunteer at Barnardo’s Rutherglen, in May 2026 for the occasion of Rutherglen’s 900th anniversary as a Royal Burgh.
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Text and images © Rutherglen Heritage Society 2026.
Acknowledgements
​Zen Boyd and Leslie Abbott, of Rutherglen Heritage Centre, for helping me with my research, as well as providing the Rutherglen Reformer articles
Carrick McDonald, of the Rutherglen Heritage Society, for his continued support
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Associated articles on this website
Building Marks Click here
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Sources
Valuation Rolls, on 'Scotland's People' website
Scottish Birth Records, on 'Scotland's People' website
Scottish Marriage Records, on 'Scotland's People' website
Scottish Death Records, on 'Scotland's People' website
Find a Grave website
Census Records, on the National Records of Scotland website
Military Records, on the National Records of Scotland website
Post Office Directories, on the National Library of Scotland
Rutherglen Reformer
The Glasgow Herald
Google Maps
Shearer, W. R., (1922), 'Rutherglen Lore', Reprint, PM Publications, 2025
History of Rutherglen, Rutherglen 900 Website
'Rutherglen Heritage: 900 Years of People and Place', (2026), South Lanarkshire Council Print Centre