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Mince Collop Close, Greenock, Scotland
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Mince Collop Close, Greenock, Scotland
Mince Collop Close, Greenock, Renfrewshire, Scotland - undoubtedly " the vilest" of all the " numerous pen closes running from the low streets". Mince Collop Close opened from Dalrymple Street between William Street and Longwell Close.
late 19th century
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 23106498
© LMO Collection / Mary Evans
Barrels Close Closes Dangerous Greenock Lane Mince Narrow Renfrewshire Slum Tavern Washing
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EDITORS COMMENTS
Mince Collop Close: A Glance into Greenock's Past Mince Collop Close, a narrow and dangerous lane nestled between Dalrymple Street, William Street, and Longwell Close in Greenock, Renfrewshire, Scotland, was undoubtedly one of the 'vilest' of all the 'numerous pen closes' running from the low streets. This evocative image, captured in the late 19th century, offers a glimpse into the past of this notorious slum. The lane's name, 'Mince Collop Close,' is believed to have originated from the mince collops, or small pieces of meat, sold in the area. However, the close was far from appetizing. The cramped and dark passageway was a labyrinth of poverty, with tenements stacked precariously on either side. The women, clad in ragged clothing, could be seen washing their meager belongings in the shallow water that collected in the lane. At the end of the close, a pub, tavern, or inn, stood as a beacon of sorts. The establishment, with its barrels stacked high, offered a brief respite from the squalor. Yet, it was not uncommon for gin to be the only affordable relief for the residents. The pen closes, like Mince Collop Close, were a feature of Greenock's urban landscape. They were narrow lanes that connected the low streets, often used as shortcuts, but they were also synonymous with poverty, disease, and crime. The image of Mince Collop Close serves as a stark reminder of the living conditions endured by the working-class population during this period. The close, with its worn-down tenements, washing hung out to dry, and the pub at the end, stands as a poignant reminder of Greenock's past. The image, captured over a century ago, invites us to reflect on the lives of those who called Mince Collop Close home and the challenges they faced.
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