Dunfermline’s Industrial Past
H & J Philp, Joiners, Sawmillers, & Builders
97 Campbell Street, Dunfermline

H & W Philp was founded in October, 1867, by the brothers, Henry Burt Philp and William Philp, both joiners to trade and sons of James Philp, Carting Contractor, and Jean Philp, nee Burt.

The business commenced in premises in Foundry Street, Dunfermline, but the partnership was short-lived as, in October, 1870, William left to join another brother, John, in setting up a joiners and undertakers business in East Port, in premises formerly occupied by John and Robert Bonnar.  Henry remained in control of the original business, ultimately taking his younger brother, James, into the business under the title of H & J Philp.

At some stage thereafter, prior to 1880, the firm moved to larger premises on the south side of Campbell Street, near to its eastern end.  The dwelling houses portrayed in the lower sketch of the above letter-heading, and occupied by members of the Philp families, are still in situ in 2014, as is an archway leading to where the factory premises were.  

Over the ensuing years Messrs Philp would grow into one of the largest building and joinery firms in Dunfermline, continuing in business for some 70 years.  

The above letter-heading gives perhaps a somewhat grandiose impression of the size of the Philp family business premises in Campbell Street, Dunfermline, during the early years of the 1900’s.  Never-the-less the premises were necessarily large as they encompassed all building trades along with a substantial saw-mill business.  The upper sketch shows the premises as seen from the south with the railway line leading into Dunfermline Upper Station in the foreground.  The lower impression gives the view from the north with Campbell Street in the foreground, and the homes of the Philp family members in the immediate foreground.  The stone built houses are still in situ (in 2014) and appear to have been built by Messrs Philp as a centre stone above the archway leading to what would have been the firm’s yard at the rear of the houses, contains the interwoven letters ‘H&JP’.  

The above letter-heading is from an estimate submitted to solicitor William Reid, agent for Carnegie Dunfermline Trust, regarding substantial work to be carried out on building the new Carnegie Baths at Pilmuir Street, Dunfermline, in 1905, the original of which is held in the  Carnegie Dunfermline Library Local History Dept.  

In the 1861 census Henry Philp then 24 years of age and designated a wright (joiner), is residing with his wife Mary at High Street, Dunfermline.  Ten years later, at the time of the 1871 census, Henry, Mary and four of a family are residing at Foundry Street, Dunfermline, when he is designated as a joiner, employing 6 men and two boys.  By the time of the 1881 census Henry, wife Mary and children, James (19), a joiner; John (17), also a joiner; Henry (14), a wood turner; Mary (12), Jean (9), Janet (7) and George (4), all scholars, are residing at 67 Campbell Street, Dunfermline.  Henry is then described as a master joiner, employing 14 men and 7 boys.  The family were still residing in Campbell Street at the time of the 1891 and 1901 censuses.  In each of those censuses no record was made of the number of employees engaged by an employer, although it can reasonably be assumed that Messrs Philp’s business was continuing to grow during this period and the number of employees would be substantial, encompassing most trades connected to the building industry..

Around the turn of the century Philp’s business was probably at its peak and one of the projects undertaken at that time was the building of the new model lodging-house at the north end of Bruce Street, Dunfermline.  The Dunfermline Press of 8th January, 1898, reported on the start of this project and that Messrs Philp were ‘to execute the whole of the different works – including masonery, joinery, plumbing, slating, painting, heating, cooking and ventilation – all for a little under £4,000.  The building was designed to provide accommodation for 150 single men and for 25 married couples and children. 

When Henry Philp died in 1902, his obituary in the Dunfermline Press of February, 15th, that year, stated that the business had been involved in designing and erecting numerous dwelling-houses and public works in the town and district.  The business connections extended to Leith and the West of Scotland, where Mr Philp was well known.  

Following Henry’s death in 1902, and that of his brother and partner, James in 1915 the business appears to have been run by Henry’s three remaining sons, John, Henry and George (eldest son James had died in 1905, aged only 43 years).   Henry Jnr. died in 1932, aged 66 years, and the following year the company went into voluntary liquidation.             

A notice in Dunfermline Press of 1st September, 1934, stated – Meeting of Creditors of H & J Philp to be held on 6th September, 1934 at 24 George Street, Edinburgh – Signed James W. W. Philp, 95 Campbell Street, Dunfermline.

Note 1 – Henry Burt Philp was born on 30th October, 1836, at Dunfermline, the eldest son of James Philp, Carter, and his wife Jane Burt.  On 6th November, 1860, at Dean Path, Water of Leith, Henry, then 23 years, a journeyman joiner and residing at Foundry Street, Dunfermline, married Mary Whitehead, aged 22 years, a milliner, then residing in Edinburgh, but formerly of Bridge of Allan.  The couple had four sons, James – see note 4; John – see note 5; Henry – see note 6; and George – see note 7, and three daughters, Mary, Jean, and Janet.  Henry died from a cerebral haemorrhage at 93 Campbell Street, Dunfermline, on 10th February, 1902.  He was 65 years of age and the death was registered by his son, James W. Philp.   His widow, Mary, died on 30TH January, 1911, at 101 Campbell Street, Dunfermline.  She was 72 years of age, the cause of death was recorded as dilitation of the heart and the registration was made by her son, John Philp.  

Note 2 – James Philp was born on 20th January, 1840, at Dunfermline, the second son of James Philp, Carter, and his wife Jane Burt.  On 5th January, 1869, at Old Town, Dollar, James, then 29 years, a cabinet maker, residing at Wallace Street, Soho, London, married Ann Roxburgh, aged 31 years, a domestic servant, residing at Old Town, Dollar, the daughter of Andrew Roxburgh, Labourer.  James died at 60 Damside Street, Dunfermline, on 3rd September, 1915.  He was 75 years of age the cause of death was a cerebral haemorrhage.  His death was registered by his daughter Ann.  His wife Ann had died on 10th May, the previous year, from cardiac failure. 

Note 3 – James Whitehead Philp was born on 26th October, 1861, at High Street, Dunfermline, the son of Henry Philp and his wife, Mary Whitehead.  On 3rd January, 1888 at Chapel Street, Dunfermline, James, then aged 26, a joiner, residing at Campbell Street, Dunfermline, married Kate Wilson, aged 30 years, residing at Chapel Street, Dunfermline, and the daughter of William Wilson, Iron Dresser. The couple had two? sons, Henry – see note 7 and James – see note 8.  James died on 16th April, 1905, at Murray’s Asylum, Perth, his usual residence at that time being 52 Rose Street, Dunfermline.  He was 43 years of age and the cause of his death was General Paralysis, a condition which had existed for three years and four months.    His widow, Catherine (or Kate) died at 52 Rose Street, Dunfermline, on 14th February, 1928, from arteriosclerosis.  Her death was registered by her son, Henry Philp, then residing at 54 Rose Street, Dunfermline. 

Note 4 – John Whitehead Philp was born on 11th November, 1863, at Foundry Street, Dunfermline, the second son of Henry and Mary Philp.  On 6th September, 1899, at Clackmannan, John, then 35 years of age and described as a builder, residing at Campbell Street, Dunfermline, married Annie Bayne, aged 38 years, the daughter of Adam Bayne, Merchant, residing at Clackmannan.   Annie died at 97 Campbell Street, Dunfermline, on 31st January, 1925, after suffering carcinoma of the colon.  John re-married on 22nd December, 1926, this time to Georgina Barlas Chalmers, (42), residing at 10 Craigkennochie Terrace, Burntisland, the daughter of William Watson Chalmers, Quarrymaster.   John died from a cerebral haemorrhage at 10 Craigkennochie Terrace, Burntisland.  He was 75 years of age, described as a retired joiner.  His death was registered by James Nimmo, described as a friend, Thistle Street, Burntisland.  Georgina died on 13th August, 1950, at Dunfermline & West Fife Hospital, her usual residence being the above address at Burntisland.  She was 66 years of age and, like Annie, suffered from carcinoma of the colon.   Her death was registered by Thomas Blair, Law Agent, 35 East Port, Dunfermline.
 
Note 5 – Henry Philp Jnr. was born on 21st April, 1866, at Foundry Street, Dunfermline, the third son of Henry and Mary Philp.   On 9th October, 1900, at Woodsbank Square, Penicuik, Henry, then 34 years of age and described as a builder, residing at Campbell Street, Dunfermline, married Margaret Blacklaw Tait, aged 31 years, daughter of James Tait, builder, residing at Woodsbank Square, Penicuik. The witnesses to the marriage were George Philp and Jane Young Tait.  Henry died at 93 Campbell Street, Dunfermline, on 2nd August, 1932.  He was 66 years of age, was described as a timber merchant.  The cause of his death was given as Angina Pectoris.  The death was registered by his son, Henry.  Henry was pre-deceased by Margaret who died on 9th February, 1913, aged only 43 years after suffering a cerebral haemorrhage.  The death was registered by her brother-in-law, John Philp, then residing at 97 Campbell Street, Dunfermline.

Note 6 - George Philp was born 25th February, 1877, the fourth son of Henry and Mary Philp.   On 11th December, 1902, at Milne’s Hotel, Leith Street, Edinburgh, George, then 26 years of age, a plumber, residing at 93 Campbell Street, Dunfermline, married Annie Hutchison, aged 26 years, daughter of John Hutchison, builder, residing at Cemetery Road, Dunfermline.  The witnesses to the marriage were Henry Philp and Maggie Clark.  Annie died at Benmore, 19 Bridgend, Callander, on 10th July, 1949, aged 74 years, after suffering a cerebral haemorrhage. Her death was registered by her daughter, Margaret Philp.  At the time of Annie’s death, George was described as a retired road roller contractor.   He was re-married on 14th April, 1950, at St. Bride’s Church, Glasgow, to Jane Blair Moore, aged 63, a canteen manageress, residing at 502 Dumbarton Road, Glasgow.  George at that time was described as being 67 years of age and a haulage contractor.   George died on 1st January, 1961, at Victoria Infirmary, Glasgow, his usual residence then being 42 George Street, Helensburgh.  He was 84 years of age, the cause of death was lobar pneumonia and the registeration was made by his brother-in-law, John Moore, Temperance Hotel, Helensburgh.    

Note 7 – Henry Philp was born 15th October, 1888, at Rose Crescent, Dunfermline, to James Philp, Joiner, and his wife Catherine.   On 22nd April, 1910, at Townhill, Henry, then 21, a joiner residing at 52 Rose Street, Dunfermline, married Isabella Marshall, formerly Gladstone, aged 20 years, a weaver residing at Halbeath.  The witnesses to the marriage were James W.W. Philp and Isabella Ross.   Henry died at 66 Aberdour Road, Dunfermline on 10th April, 1955.  He was 66 years of age and the cause of death was cerebral thrombosis.   His death was registered by his son, William W?. Philp, 7 Mentone Avenue, Portobello.

Note 8 – James William Wilson Philp, was born on 9th January, 1894, at Rose Crescent, Dunfermline, to James Philp, Joiner, and his wife Kate Wilson.   On 31st December, 1920, at Preston Villa, Saline, James, then 26 years of age, and described as a clerk in a timber yard, residing at 52 Rose Street, Dunfermline, married Annie Cunning Brown Nicol, aged 24 years, a typist, and the daughter of Edmund Nicol, Farm Grieve, residing at Preston Villa, Saline.  The witnesses to the marriage were John Whitehead Philp and Annie Brown Wylie.   James died, at Robroyston Hospital, Glasgow, on 1st March, 1962, his usual residence being 33 Keystone Quadrant, Milngavie. He was 68 years of age and was described as a retired accountant.  The cause of death was chronic bronchitis and his death was registered by his son, John W. Philp.   James was pre-deceased by his wife Ann, who died 29th January, 1955, at the Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, her usual residence at that time being ‘Idlesleigh’, Hillfoot, Bearsden.   The cause of death was pulmonary embolism and the death was registered by her husband, James, who was then described as a laundry proprietor. 

Note 9 – Check 1901 census records for all above-named and work out who were involved in the business and who weren’t. Also check library for obituaries, etc. 

Note 10 – Campbell’s Notes – H. & W, Philp, Joiners, commence business in Foundry Street, in Oct. 1867 (DP Oct. 5 1867); partnership of Henry and Wm. Philp dissolved Oct 19 1870 (DP Oct 22 1870); Wm, with John Philp, went into business as joiners & undertakers in East Port Street, in premises formerly occupied by John & Robert Bonnar, while Henry, with James Philp, was in business in Campbell Street; James retired on Nov 30 1895, but Henry continued the business under its old designation, H. & J. Philp.  

Note 11 – H & J Philp built the model lodging house at Bruce Street copy of D.P. article in file. 

Note 12 – Check birth etc, of James Philp (35), Joiner, son of James Philp and Ann Roxburgh, who died on 5th July, 1907, at the Cottage Hospital, Dunfermline.  The cause of his death was Septic Peritonitis and Ruptured Appendix.  He was 35 years of age and single.  The death was registered by his father James Philp. 

Note 13 – In the 1911 census Henry Philp, (44), a builder and timber merchant, is residing at 93 Campbell Street, Dunfermline, with his wife, Maggie, (41), and son, Henry, aged 8.  John Philp, (47), a builder, is residing at 97 Campbell Street, with his wife Annie, aged 49.