Friday 28 July 2023

Richmond Lodge

Richmond ca 1832, by E K Proctor

RICHMOND LODGE, Knocknagoney, County Down, was a large, two-storey, late Georgian residence.

It had octagonal bays at either end and a central porch.

The house stood in its own grounds comprising 24 acres, close to the location of the present Knocknagoney housing estate.

It was said to have been built ca 1798. 

The first known occupant of Richmond Lodge was FRANCIS TURNLY (1765-1845), son of Francis Turnly JP, of Downpatrick, County Down, who had leased it or the land from David McCANCE about 1800.

Turnly lived at Richmond Lodge in 1824.

The family also owned ROCKPORT HOUSE.

A Drawing of Richmond Lodge by the Rev J McConnell Auld MA


Richmond Lodge remained with the Dunvilles until 1874, when John Dunville's son William died and it was sold to James Kennedy, who began a number of improvements, including a new avenue approach about 100 yards south of the original main entrance.

By 1902, Richmond Lodge had become the home of the RT HON WILLIAM HENRY HOLMES LYONS JP DL (1843-1924).

First published in June, 2013.

6 comments :

Anonymous said...

James Kennedy (born 1819 to James Kennedy and ? Coates), married Amelia Charlotte McCance nee Sinclaire in Dublin in 1868. Her father was William Sinclaire Esq of Hoboken, New Jersey USA. They had no children. From his will in 1897 at PRONI he was related to the Ballyrainey and Ballymaglaff County Down, Kennedy Families.

Adele4 said...

My great grandfathers brother was employed at Richmond Lodge 1897. His family lived at 3 Cameron Street Belfast. He was employed by Abram Combe rugby player and referee at Donaghcloney in 1911. I wonder if there is any further information on Thomas Mallon deceased 1933?

Unknown said...


Richmond Lodge was either built by 1795?? and owned by my GGG Grandfather Charles Ranken a Banker of Belfast 1752-1802. His career in Calcutta India 1770s and 1780s with the HEIC preceeded this. He had 9 children and had to flee the troubles in 1798 in an an open boat to Pembrokeshire with his family. He owned various farms in Antrim and around Belfast. Charles Ranken was Capt of Calvalry, wounded whilst a JP, and an ex- Volunteer. He died in North London 1802 and was buried in Hornsey Churchyard.

Anonymous said...

What happened to Richmond Lodge after he fled?

Anonymous said...

Was Richmond Lodge sold in 1924?

Timothy Belmont said...

The large Knocknagoney housing estate now occupies the land where Richmond Lodge stood.