Lyon's Lane, Port Glasgow

Henry and Sarah Clyde McErlane were both born in 18 Lyon’s Lane, Port Glasgow in 1889 and 1890 respectively. Their father John worked as a Shipyard Labourer; the family – mother Elizabeth & older sisters Jane and Margaret moved to the Port in 1888/89 and were still there by the time of the 1891 census.

Lyon’s Lane was described in the 1856 Ordinance Survey Name Book as ‘a narrow lane or alley leading from King Street and terminating at Fore Street. It is wholly paved and lighted up with gas’.

In the 1896 Ordinance Survey Map the street is unnamed – it’s the lane running parallel to and directly to the right of Church Street, just above King Street in the extract above.

MacDonald’s Scottish Directory & Gazetteer 1893-4

Only two businesses listed in the lane in this gazetteer…

Blacksmiths – Lambie, W., & Sons, Lyon’s Lane

Coal Merchants – Kelly, Neil, sen., & Co., Lyon’s Lane; best qualities of household, steam and smithy coals always in stock; also metal ballast for ships

Dockhead Close

A couple of streets away…

All but the main streets in central Port Glasgow have been knocked down. Next time I’m up there I’ll have a look to see if there’s any trace of Lyon’s Lane!