Messrs William Roberts and Co, Woollen Textile Manufacturer

Scope and Content

Plans of Victoria Mill c1853.

Administrative / Biographical History

William Roberts established Victoria Mills, Galashiels in 1837 along with his brothers John, Hugh and Henry beside the Gala Water opposite the King's Hotel. They were the sons of "Willie Robb" Roberts who built the Waulkhead Mill in 1802. In 1885 John sold his interest to Henry, who became the sole proprieter. Henry died in 1891, and the business was carried on by his trustees until 1896 when his nephews William and Hugh took over and traded as William Roberts and Company.

The Mills burnt down on 26th June, 1905 and were never rebuilt. The site was used for the new building of the South of Scotland Technical College.

Access Information

The collection is located at the Scottish Borders Campus, Galashiels.

Other Finding Aids

Computerised database available in the search room.

Archivist's Note

Descriptions compiled by Helen Taylor, Archivist, Heriot-Watt University.

Conditions Governing Use

Photocopies and photographic copies can be supplied for educational use and private study purposes only, depending on the condition of the documents. Permission to publish material from the Archive must be sought in advance from the University Archivist. Responsibility for obtaining copyright clearance rests with the applicant.

Custodial History

The records were originally deposited with the Scottish College of Textiles, Galashiels.

Accruals

Accruals not expected.

Location of Originals

The collection is original.

Bibliography

Galashiels: A Modern History. Galashiels History Committee and Ettrick and Lauderdale District Council, 1983.

Lawson, Margaret C. Forgotton Families of Galashiels. Meigle Printers, Galashiels.

Genre/Form