Changes

==History==

==History==

Paisley has monastic origins, due to a site near a waterfall, where a chapel is said to have been established by the 7th century Irish monk, [[Saint Mirin]].  It may have been a major religious centre of the [[Kingdom of Strathclyde]], along with [[Glasgow]] and [[Govan]]. Though Paisley lacks contemporary documentation.  A [[Cluniac]] priory was established in 1163 by [[Walter Fitz Alan]] (d. 1177), [[High Steward of Scotland]].  In 1245 this was raised to the status of an Abbey.  The restored [[Abbey]] and adjacent 'Place' (palace), constructed out of part of the medieval claustral buildings, survive as a [[Church of Scotland]] parish church.  One of [[Scotland]]'s major religious houses, [[Paisley Abbey]] was much favoured by the [[Bruce]] and [[Stewart]] royal families. It is generaly accepted that [[William Wallace]] the great hero of Scottish independence who inspired the film [[Braveheart]] was educated here and King [[Robert III]] (1390-1406) was buried in the Abbey.  His tomb has not survived, but that of Princess [[Marjorie Bruce]] (1296-1316), ancestress of the Stewarts is one of [[Scotland]]'s few royal monuments to survive the [[Reformation]].

Paisley has monastic origins, due to a site near a waterfall, where a chapel is said to have been established by the 7th century Irish monk, [[Saint Mirin]].  It may have been a major religious centre of the [[Kingdom of Strathclyde]], along with [[Glasgow]] and [[Govan]]. Though Paisley lacks contemporary documentation.  A [[Cluniac]] priory was established in 1163 by [[Walter Fitz Alan]] (d. 1177), [[High Steward of Scotland]].  In 1245 this was raised to the status of an Abbey.  The restored [[Abbey]] and adjacent 'Place' (palace), constructed out of part of the medieval claustral buildings, survive as a [[Church of Scotland]] parish church.  One of [[Scotland]]'s major religious houses, [[Paisley Abbey]] was much favoured by the [[Bruce]] and [[Stewart]] royal families. It is generally accepted that [[William Wallace]] the great hero of Scottish independence who inspired the film [[Braveheart]] was educated here and King [[Robert III]] (1390-1406) was buried in the Abbey.  His tomb has not survived, but that of Princess [[Marjorie Bruce]] (1296-1316), ancestress of the Stewarts is one of [[Scotland]]'s few royal monuments to survive the [[Reformation]].

Paisley coalesced under [[James II of Scotland|James II's]] wish that the lands should become a single regality and, as a result, markets, trading and commerce began to flourish. In 1488 the town's status was raised by [[James IV of Scotland|James IV]] to [[Burgh of barony]].

Paisley coalesced under [[James II of Scotland|James II's]] wish that the lands should become a single regality and, as a result, markets, trading and commerce began to flourish. In 1488 the town's status was raised by [[James IV of Scotland|James IV]] to [[Burgh of barony]].

Many trades sprang up, the first school was established in 1577 by the Town Council. By the mid-nineteenth century weaving had become the town's main industry. Paisley is still very well-known for the Paisley Shawl and its distinctive [[Paisley (Design)|Paisley Pattern]] which originated around this time.

Many trades sprang up, the first school was established in 1577 by the Town Council. By the mid-nineteenth century weaving had become the town's main industry. Paisley is still very well known for the Paisley Shawl and its distinctive [[Paisley (Design)|Paisley Pattern]] which originated around this time.

Through its weaving fraternity, Paisley gained notoriety as being a literate and somewhat radical town, although it could be argued in a fiercely positive direction. By this time there was a real mixture of religious opinions and healthy drink-fuelled debate raged at night amongst the weavers, poets, merchants, masons and others. The poet [[Robert Tannahill]] lived in this setting, working as a weaver. The weavers of Paisley were also active in the [[Radical War]] of 1820.

Through its weaving fraternity, Paisley gained notoriety as being a literate and somewhat radical town, although it could be argued in a fiercely positive direction. By this time there was a real mixture of religious opinions and healthy drink-fuelled debate raged at night amongst the weavers, poets, merchants, masons and others. The poet [[Robert Tannahill]] lived in this setting, working as a weaver. The weavers of Paisley were also active in the [[Radical War]] of 1820.