Fifth largest population in Scotland. In 1800s weaving was the main industry and Paisley became famous for Paisley Pattern Shawls after Queen Victoria made them popular. Paisley also became the world centre for thread making.
In 1697 the trial of what became known as the Bargarran or Renfrewshire or Paisley Witches took place. This was the last mass execution for witchcraft in western Europe. Of the seven convicted five were hanged, then burnt on the Gallow Green. To lock in the evil a horse shoe was placed on top of the burial site. Still there but not the original it has the inscription, “Pain Inflicted, Suffering Endured, Injustice Done”.