The Life of Thomas "Cocky" Hunter in 19th Century Aberdeen

Growing Up in Pork Lane (1867 - 1891)

Thomas "Cocky" Hunter was born in 1867 on Pork Lane in Aberdeen, a narrow and modest street that would later be renamed Mearns Street in the 1890s. Life in Pork Lane was tough, with many families living in crowded tenements that lined the narrow lane. The area, initially laid out in 1768 on reclaimed land from the Denburn Shorelands, was known for its proximity to Aberdeen's bustling docks, where the smell of the sea mixed with the constant noise of ships and the activity of the nearby warehouses.

Pork Lane was part of a developing urban landscape where new streets such as Commerce Street, Sugarhouse Lane, and Virginia Street were built to accommodate the growing city. These streets were often associated with specific trades, such as the export of cured pork, which gave Pork Lane its original name.

Mearns Street and the Shorelands Improvement (1891 - 1895)

By the time Thomas was a young man, the area around Pork Lane had become known as one of Aberdeen’s most unsanitary districts, plagued by outbreaks of typhus fever and other diseases. In 1883, a major improvement scheme was carried out under the Artisans' & Labourers' Dwellings Improvement Acts to address the overcrowded and unsanitary conditions. The scheme resulted in the clearance of old tenements and the construction of new streets, including the wider and more accessible Mearns Street.

Mearns Street became a crucial link road between Virginia Street and Regent Quay, serving as a hub for the burgeoning shipping industry. The street was lined with warehouses and tenement buildings, offering both residential and commercial space. Despite the improvements, life in the area remained challenging, with the constant hustle of the docks and the harsh realities of working-class life.

The Waterfront and Aberdeen’s Industrial Growth

The waterfront area of Aberdeen, stretching from Virginia Street to Regent Quay, was a hive of industrial activity during Thomas’s formative years. The area developed significantly from its origins as a simple shoreline in the 12th century to a bustling hub by the 18th century. The establishment of Regent Quay and the construction of various warehouses reflected the city’s growing importance as a center for trade and industry.

Thomas would have witnessed firsthand the transformation of the waterfront, with new infrastructure being built to support the increasing demands of Aberdeen’s shipping industry. The quay was not just a place of work but also a community center where people from different walks of life mingled, including dockers, sailors, and merchants.

The Impact of the Industrial Revolution

The late 19th century was a time of rapid change in Aberdeen, driven by the Industrial Revolution. As the city expanded, so too did the challenges faced by its residents. Overcrowding, poor sanitation, and the relentless pace of industrial work were daily realities for people like Thomas. However, these conditions also fostered a sense of resilience and community among those who lived and worked in the area.

Thomas's upbringing in this environment likely influenced his later life as a trader and entrepreneur. His ability to turn house clearances into a successful business, offering everything from furniture to rare finds, reflected the resourcefulness that was necessary for survival in such a challenging environment.

The Legacy of Cocky Hunter

Despite the hardships of his early years, Thomas "Cocky" Hunter became a beloved figure in Aberdeen, known for his emporium on Castle Terrace. His shop was more than just a business; it was a symbol of his ability to find value in what others might overlook. This spirit of discovery and perseverance is what we continue to celebrate in the Cocky Hunter marketplace today.