Gourock
Gourock maps (1 available)
Map of Renfrewshire
Beautifully hand-drawn and coloured, dating from around 1840
See this old map of Renfrewshire
Gourock books (5 available)
Ayr - A History and Celebration
Hardback
Oban - A History and Celebration
Hardback
So You Think You Know? Ayr
Hardback
- 4 photos on Gourock appear in 1 Frith books - View photos of Gourock
- Read extracts and see photos from these books on Gourock and Renfrewshire
Gourock memories
Read and share memories of Gourock and Renfrewshire inspired by Frith photos
Childhood Memories
My mother Irene Kennedy was born in Gourock 1921 - I spent many happy times with my grandparents who lived in Ashburn Gardens - my father was overseas at the time - visting the baker shop, the coal merchant near the station as a child to see the coal in trays - and sticks in bundles - playing on the sea front - standing at the window waiting to see my grandfather walking home from work. My best friend was Jessie Richie - her dad used run the ferry - Rab Ritchie and brother Robert Arthur - also lived at Ashburn Gardens.
My Grandmother used serve teas at the docks for the troops at Greenock during the war. Sadly my mother ...read more here
Contributed by carol kennedy
Gourock my home always
I was born in Gourock in 1960 and lived there until I married and moved to the States. I love living here but my heart belongs to Gourock and seeing these pictures brings me home again. My life growing up there is the happiest by far in my lifetime so far. Playing with my brothers and sister and of course the 20 other kids from my street, at the pool, Darroch park and the tower hill. I hope to bring my grandkids there one day to explore like I did.
Contributed by First Name Last Name
ferry trip
mum and dad and i used to go on the ferry from kilcreggan to gourock . we went to the cinema there, it was called the tower. we had tea and scones at a cafe on the front.they were wonderful times. i lived in rosneath for about a year , because my dad was stationed at the barracks there . they were great times for a young lad.
Contributed by nigel holgate
Granny Kempocks Stone
I moved from Port Glasgow when I was 5 to live with my gran. She had a small two room flat on Kempock Street just below Granny Kempock's Stone. I seem to recall that you went through an opening/archway which took you through into a large open space which I think used to be old stables and it was from here there were stairs that took you up to the flat. I also remember the Continental Cafe was just across the road from the flat. There was a small alleyway that took you up the step hill to Granny Kempock's, and we used to go this way when we were going to school. I lived here for a year or so ...read more here
Contributed by Carol Cassin(McManus)
Extracts From Gourock & Renfrewshire books
Gourock was among the towns where witch hunts took place during the 17th century. One of the unfortunates who was burnt at the stake was Mary Lamont. The girl confessed, probably under torture, that she intended to throw Granny Kempock’s Stone, a pre-historic monolith standing 6 ft high, into the sea so that ships might be wrecked upon it. In this view, the steamer crossing West Bay is turning to berth at the pier.
An extract from from"Scotland Photographic Memories".
Positioned on the Firth of Clyde, this seaside resort looks across the Firth towards Kilcreggan, Loch Long and Dunoon. It is a popular centre for yachting and for boating trips in the Firth and to the Kyles of Bute. Here we see the esplanade with the pebble beach in evidence. As well as being a resort, Gourock was noted for its herring curing, the first recorded curing of red herrings having taken place here in 1688.
An extract from from"Scotland".
As well as being a resort, Gourock was known for its herring curing. In 1688, the first recorded curing of red herrings took place here. Here we can see the pebble beach.
An extract from from"Scotland Photographic Memories".
This view shows the backs of buildings along Kempock Street. Kempock Place is just in view on the extreme left. Over to the right is Seaton’s temperance hotel, one of several in the town. At this time, temperance hotels abounded throughout the UK, but there was in fact little difference between them and private hotels because neither had liquor licences.
An extract from from"Scotland Photographic Memories".
The total absence of road traffic, other than bicycles, and the fact that people appear to be in their best clothes, suggests that this picture was taken on a Sunday. Note the blinds on the shop windows and the attraction they hold for small boys.
An extract from from"Scotland Photographic Memories".