Lord Archbishop of Cashel

Ruby, two keys in saltire, topaz

The last Anglican Lord Archbishop of Cashel and Primate of Munster was the Most Rev and Rt Hon Dr Richard Laurence (1760-1838).

The archiepiscopal palace was at Cashel, County Tipperary.

THE PALACE, Cashel, was built between 1730-32 by Archbishop Bolton, and designed by Sir Edward Lovett Pearce.

It comprises two storeys over a basement, with a dormered attic in the high-pitched roof.

The Palladian entrance front, of rose-coloured brick with stone facings, stands back from the town's main street.

The entrance front is of seven bays, with a three-bay central breakfront.

There is a large, panelled hall, with a screen of fluted Corinthian columns and pilasters, a pair of black marble chimney-pieces which face each other on either side; arched door-cases embellished with scrolls; and a modillion cornice.

A fine wooden staircase stands in the staircase hall at the side.

Garden Front

The three principal reception rooms in the garden front, which face towards the Rock of Cashel, were redecorated in the early 19th century by Archbishop Agar, afterwards Lord Archbishop of Dublin and 1st Earl of Normanton.

The Palace suffered damage in the Irish rebellion of 1798.

A long room at one side of the forecourt once contained Archbishop Bolton's splendid library.

In 1839, when the archbishopric of Cashel was merged with the diocese of Waterford, the Palace was partly used by the Deans of Cashel till the 1950s.

The decision was made by the Church of Ireland to sell the property in 1959.

In 1962, it was first opened as a hotel by 2nd Lord Brocket (who also owned the Wicklow Hotel in Dublin and Benner’s Hotel in Tralee at that time).

To the rear of the Palace are fine gardens, which include two ancient Mulberry Trees planted in 1702 to commemorate the coronation of Queen ANNE.

The garden also contains a private walk (The Bishop's Walk) to the Rock of Cashel, the 13th Century Cathedral, and the ancient seat of the Kings of Munster.

The Cashel Palace Hotel is to re-open in 2021.

first published in September, 2014.    

1st Duke of Buccleuch

THE DUKES OF BUCCLEUCH AND QUEENSBURY WERE THE GREATEST LANDOWNERS IN DUMFRIESSHIRE, WITH 254,179 ACRES

SIR RICHARD LE SCOT, the undoubted ancestor of this family, was a person of great distinction in the reign of ALEXANDER III, King of Scotland. He married the daughter and heiress of Murthockstone (Murdostoun), of that ilk, by whom he obtained a considerable estate in Lanarkshire, and, as a feudal lord thereof, swore fealty to EDWARD I, of England, in 1296. Sir Richard assumed the cognizance of Murdostoun, which was a bend azure, into his armorial bearings, disposing theron the crescents and star, the arms of Scott, as since borne by the Dukes of Buccleuch.

He died in 1320; and from him lineally descended

SIR DAVID SCOTT, of Branxholme, who sat in the Parliament held by JAMES III, at Edinburgh, in 1487, under the designation of "Dominus de Buccleuch," being the first of the family so designated.

The grandson of this Sir David,

SIR WALTER SCOTT (c1495-1552), of Branxholme and Buccleuch, wedded thrice, and was succeeded by his grandson,

WALTER SCOTT (1549-74), who was succeeded by his only son,

SIR WALTER SCOTT (1565-1611), Knight, a powerful chieftain, and a military commander of renown in the Netherlands under the Prince of Orange; who was created, in 1606, Lord Scott of Buccleuch.

His son,

WALTER, 2nd Lord, was, in 1619, advanced to the dignity of Earl of Buccleuch.

His lordship died in 1633, and leaving no male issue, his eldest daughter,

MARY, became Countess of Buccleuch.

Her ladyship married Walter Scott of Harden, but dying childless, the family honours devolved upon her sister,

ANNE (1651-1732), who wedded the unfortunate Duke of Monmouth, illegitimate son of CHARLES II.

In 1663, Their Graces were created DUKE AND DUCHESS OF BUCCLEUCH, Earl and Countess of Dalkeith, and Baron and Baroness Whitechester and Eskdale, with remainder to their heirs male.

The English honours of the Duke of Monmouth, Earl of Doncaster, and Baron Tindale, as well as his Scottish dukedom of Buccleuch, were forfeited upon the execution of that unhappy nobleman for high treason.

The peerages enjoyed by the Duchess, however, in her own right (Duchess of Buccleuch), were not affected by the attainder.

The offspring of this union were James, Earl of Dalkeith, and Henry, created Earl of Deloraine, Viscount Hermitage, and Baron Scott, in 1706, which titles expired with the 4th Earl in 1807.

The Duchess married secondly, Charles, 3rd Lord Cornwallis, and at Her Grace's demise, in 1732, was succeeded by her grandson,

FRANCIS, 2nd Duke (1695-1751), son of Lord Dalkeith.

His lordship obtained a restoration of the earldom of Doncaster, and barony of Scott, of Tindale, in 1743.

He wedded, in 1720, the Lady Jane, eldest daughter of James, 2nd Duke of Queensbury, by whom he had issue, a son, and three daughters who died unmarried, with Francis, Earl of Dalkeith, who died in the lifetime of his father, but left a son, Henry, and a posthumous daughter by his countess, Caroline, eldest daughter and co-heiress of John, Duke of Argyll.

The Duke of Buccleuch married secondly, Miss Powell; by whom, however, His Grace had no issue.

He died in 1751, and was succeeded by his grandson,

HENRY, 3rd Duke (1746-1812), KG KT;

• Henry Scott, 3rd Duke, (1746–1812), 2nd son of Lord Dalkeith 
• George Scott, Earl of Dalkeith (1768), eldest son of the 3rd Duke, died in infancy 
• Charles William Henry Montagu-Scott, 4th Duke, (1772–1819), 2nd son of the 3rd Duke 
• George Henry Scott, Lord Scott of Whitchester (1798–1808), eldest son of the 4th Duke, died young 
• Walter Francis Montagu-Douglas-Scott, 5th Duke, (1806-84), 2nd son of the 4th Duke 
• William Henry Walter Montagu-Douglas-Scott, 6th Duke, (1831–1914), eldest son of the 5th Duke
• Walter Henry Montagu-Douglas-Scott, Earl of Dalkeith (1861–1886), eldest son of the 6th Duke, died unmarried 
• John Charles Montagu-Douglas-Scott, 7th Duke, (1864–1935), 2nd son of the 6th Duke 
• Walter John Montagu-Douglas-Scott, 8th Duke, (1894–1973), eldest son of the 7th Duke 
• Walter Francis John Montagu Douglas Scott, 9th Duke, (1923–2007), only son of the 8th Duke 
• Richard Walter John Montagu Douglas Scott, 10th Duke, (b. 1954), eldest son of the 9th Duke
• Heir apparent: Walter John Francis Montagu Douglas Scott, Earl of Dalkeith (b 1984), elder son of the 10th Duke.

Seats ~ Bowhill, Selkirk; Boughton House, Kettering; Drumlanrig Castle, Thornhill, Dumfriesshire.

The Dukes owned a further 17,965 acres of land in Northamptonshire.

DRUMLANRIG CASTLE, Thornhill, Dumfriesshire, was built in the late 1600s by William, 1st Duke of Queensbury, on the site of the former 14th & 15th century Douglas stronghold.

The present Castle was created as a mansion in the 17th century, by which time defensive ramparts had given way to comfortable living and large, airy windows.

An earlier, more defensive castle had been built in the middle of the 14th century by the Douglases.

Drumlanrig is built of local pink sandstone on a hill (Drum) at the end of a long ridge overlooking the Nithsdale Hills and the valley of the river Nith.

It was rebuilt with a central courtyard and was in a good enough state to receive JAMES VI on his visit to Scotland in 1617.

Between 1679-91, William, 3rd Earl of Queensberry (later 1st Duke) built a new, large mansion, following the earlier courtyard layout.

Despite almost bankrupting himself as a result of creating his new home, the Duke spent only one night in the building, decided he didn't like it - and returned to Sanquhar Castle.

His son, however, moved in after inheriting the title and estates. Bonnie Prince Charlie spent a night there on his retreat from Derby.

After being allowed to become derelict in the 18th century, Drumlanrig passed to the Duke of Buccleuch, head of the Scott family, in 1810, following a merger of the Douglas and Scott dynasties.

The castle was restored in 1827 and is still the Dumfriesshire home of the Duke of Buccleuch and Queensberry (though his main residence is at Bowhill House in the Scottish Borders).

It is also home to part of the internationally renowned Buccleuch Art Collection. featuring such treasures as Rembrandt’s The Old Woman Reading as well as many other fine paintings, tapestries and objects d’art.

Grand reception rooms, magnificent staircases and ornate period features sit happily beside cosy parlours and the Stableyard, now housing the Stableyard Studios and Stableyard Cafe.

First published in November, 2013.   Buccleuch arms courtesy of European Heraldry.

Legge of Malone House

THE LEGGES WERE MAJOR LANDOWNERS IN COUNTY ANTRIM, WITH 8,565 ACRES

The LEGGES claim to have been a patrician family from Ravenna, Italy, and settled in England during the reign of HENRY II. In 1676, WILLIAM LEGGE, an officer in the army, with recommendations from JAMES II, then Duke of York, served under the Duke of Schomberg in Flanders, and accompanied him to Ireland, 1690.

William Legge's son,

WILLIAM LEGGE, settled at Malone, County Antrim, and acquired land from Arthur, 3rd Earl of Donegall, where he farmed and built houses.

Mr Legge died in 1723, and had, with other sons,

BENJAMIN LEGGE, who leased a plot of ground from the Earl of Donegall extending along the west side of North Street, Belfast, for 108 feet and bounded on the south side by Rosemary Lane.

Specifically mentioned are sugar-houses, warehouses and other property.

Legg's Lane ran next to the sugar-house from Rosemary Lane.

Benjamin Legg died in 1760, and his obituary stated that it was chiefly owing to his skill and activity that the refining of sugar was brought to such perfection in Belfast.

Another son,

WILLIAM LEGG, who died in 1750, was father of

ALEXANDER LEGGE (1706-77), High Sheriff of County Antrim, 1770, who had issue,

WILLIAM, his heir (d 1821);
Elinor, m Hill Wallace; mother of WILLIAM;
Marcella, m Anthony Semple.

The son and heir,

WILLIAM LEGGE, High Sheriff of County Antrim, 1780, died in 1821, and was succeeded by his nephew,

WILLIAM WALLACE JP DL (1789-1868), of Malone House, Belfast, High Sheriff of County Antrim, 1823, who adopted the surname of LEGGE.

Mr Wallace-Legge wedded, in 1838, Eleanor Wilkie, third daughter and co-heiress of Thomas Forster, of Adderstone, Northumberland, and had issue,

WILLIAM, his heir;
FLORENCE, m 1861, 6th Viscount Harberton.

Mrs Wallace wedded secondly, in 1874, the Hon Robert Jack Needham.

Mr William Wallace-Legge was succeeded by his only son,

WILLIAM WALLACE-LEGGE (1841-68), of Malone House; on whose decease, the estate passed to the Viscount Harberton through marriage.

Harberton Avenue, Drive and Park, Belfast, are all named after the 6th Viscount Harberton, who owned the land.

First published in October, 2016.

The Leigh Baronetcy

THIS (AND GORE) WAS THE FIRST BARONETCY TO BE CREATED IN ULSTER

The LEIGH entry for arms at Ulster's (King of Arms) office, dated 1608, reads as follows:

CAPTAIN EDMUND LEIGH, Commander of the Army in County Tyrone: "azure, on a chevron, between three ducal coronets or, as many hurts, a crescent for difference."

County Tyrone was planted by nine English and seventeen Scottish undertakers, and five servitors, of whom:-

• Sir Arthur Chichester, Lord Deputy of Ireland;
• Sir Thomas Ridgeway, Vice-Treasurer and Treasurer of War;
• Sir Richard Wingfield, Marshal of Ireland;
• Sir Toby Caulfeild, Master-General of the Ordnance;
• Sir Francis Roe.

The undertakers for the barony of Clogher were:-

• Sir Thomas Ridgeway: 2,000 acres at Portclare and Ballykerigire (in addition to his allocation as a servitor);
• Francis Willoughby, son of Sir Perceval Willoughby: 2,000 acres at Fentonagh;
• George Ridgeway (Sir Thomas's brother): 1,000 acres at Ballymackell.

Captain John Ridgeway possessed 1,000 acres near Lough Ramor, County Cavan.

JOHN LEIGH, CAPTAIN EDMUND LEIGH, AND DANIEL LEIGH

Captain Edmund Leigh was appointed sheriff in 1607.

He was said to have been detested by the Earl of Tyrone, who called him 'that whispering companion' sent to spy on him.

A document drawn up by Sir Arthur Chichester on 25 January 1608 indicates that Lower Tyrone (an area which surrounded the town of Omagh, or Omey), was governed by Captain John Leigh. 

John Leigh and his brothers were  'adventurers' who funded the war effort and were entitled to lands in return.

The portion allocated to Francis Willoughby was either sold by him or confiscated, when he failed to comply with his undertakings.

This land was consequently taken over by John Leigh who, with his two brothers, Daniel and Captain Edmund, had built the English fort on the Strule at Omagh, where Edmond had been granted 330 acres, as warden of the fort.

John and Daniel were appointed wardens when he died.

The brothers had come to Ulster under the auspices of Henry Bagenal.

In 1611, disputes arose between Mr Clapham, Sir Thomas Boyde, Sir John Davyes, and Captain John Leigh, regarding land in County Tyrone.

The friary lands of Omagh, which were owned by the Leigh brothers, had been unwittingly allocated to undertakers.

The dispute was settled when John Leigh surrendered his church lands, and this so impressed the King, that he allowed Leigh to take the lands on his own terms.

In 1612-13, a survey of undertakers planted in county Tyrone, in 1609, reported as follows under the headings: 2,000 acres, Clogher, Undertakers.

Sir Daniel Leigh is mentioned in a Chancery Inquisition Juries Summoner's Roll, for Tyrone quarter Sessions in the reign of JAMES I, 1624/5.

In 1629-30, a listing of able-bodied men (capable of combat), which was called the Muster Roll, was compiled, and John Leigh gave seventeen names, less than most of the other undertakers.

Many of the names on this list were Irish, so Leigh was not in favour in London, on account of his tolerance for so many of the 'meere Irish' on his land.

It was recorded that Sir Daniel Leigh died in 1630, and that John Leigh, lord of the manor of Fintona, died in 1631, and his nephew, Sir Arthur Leigh, knight, son of Daniel, succeeded to the manor at Fintona, which was called Castle Leigh.

The summoner's roll for Tyrone assizes in 1636 records that 

"Arthur Leigh, Baronet, was fined £15 because at Assizes of 20 August, 11 Charles I, 1635, he was paid for building a bridge across the river at Omagh which he had not done".

In the civil survey of 1654-56, in the barony of Clogher and parish of Doncavie (which included Fintona), 

"lands amounting to 1,682 acres, (960 profitable, and 722 barren, bogg and mountaine); and 200 acres in the same parish, of church lands, are now in possession of the widow of Sir Daniel Leigh,an English Protestant, and her new husband, Alderman William Smith of Dublin. She is named as 'ye Lady Leigh' and 'Lady Ley', in the same document.

Another account declares:-

Petition to the King of Dame Mary Leigh [daughter of John Stanton], relict and administratrix of Sir Daniel Leigh, Kt. and Bart., showing that : — King James by letters of 26 October, 1609, granted to John Leigh and Daniel Leigh, afterwards Sir Daniel Leigh, the constableship of the fort of Omagh, with 20 warders, viz. : — 6 horsemen and 14 footmen. 

The constableship was given him in reward for his service in The Queen's Irish wars. The patent stated that Daniel or John should hold during pleasure, and the garrison was not to be diminished without his knowledge.

It has been so diminished that, by 1629, all the warders had been lost. 

Petitioner's husband never received a return of the money he spent in building the fort of Omagh, and had left her with heavy debts and an expensive family. 

The now Lord Deputy was anxious to help her; but, under the recent establishments, his hands were tied. She prays for relief from the Irish Treasury or Court of Wards.

The Leighs served as sheriffs of Tyrone as follows:-

• Edmund, 1607
• John, 1610 and 1614
• and Sir Daniel Leigh, 1624.

The national archives state:-

"The Fort of the Omye: Here is a good fort, fairly walled with lime and stone, about 30 foot high above the ground with a parapet, the river on one side and a large deep ditch about the rest, within which is built a fair house of timber after the English manner.

Other buildings described. All begun by Captain Ormond [Edmund] Leigh and finished by his brothers John and Daniel Leigh at their own charges upon the lands of the Abbey of Omye, at which place are many families of English and Irish who have built them good dwelling-houses, which is a safety and comfort for passengers between Donganon and the Liffer.

The fort is a place of good import upon all occasions of service and fit to be maintained."

John Leigh was an engineer by profession, and came to Ulster with the Earl of Essex in 1572.

Before the time of the Plantation he had visited many localities in this province as an engineer, and knew many of its leading Irish inhabitants.

He appears to have bought the proportion of Fintona from Sir Francis Willoughby, even before the latter had taken out a patent, for the grant was made in Leigh's own name.

Leigh apparently had no particular taste for planting for, instead of bringing strangers on his lands, he leased them to the Irish, at the risk of being forfeited for thus doing. 

At his death, he was succeeded by his nephew, Sir Arthur Leigh, who sold the estate to Captain James Mervyn.

SIR ARTHUR LEIGH, 2nd Baronet, of Omagh and Fintona, County Tyrone, only son and heir of his father, Sir Daniel Leigh, 1st Baronet, succeeded to the baronetcy in 1633.

He wedded Elizabeth, eldest daughter of Sir William Ryves, one of the Justices of the King's Bench in Ireland.

Sir Arthur died without an heir, in 1638, in County Londonderry, when the baronetcy expired.

First published in May, 2011. 

1st Earl of Lauderdale

THE EARLS OF LAUDERDALE WERE THE GREATEST LANDOWNERS IN BERWICKSHIRE, WITH 24,681 ACRES

The earliest recorded ancestor of this eminent family is SIR RICHARD MAITLAND, regarded as one of the national heroes of Scotland, who acquired Thirlestane, still the seat of the family, by marriage with Avicia, daughter and heiress of Thomas de Thirlestane, and was succeeded by his son,

WILLIAM MAITLAND, of Thirlestane, living ca 1258, who was succeeded by his son,

SIR ROBERT MAITLAND, of Thirlestane, who succeeded ante 1293, and fell at the battle of Neville's Cross, 1346, leaving by his wife, a sister of Sir Robert Keith, Marischal of Scotland, a son,

JOHN MAITLAND, of Thirlestane, who married Agnes Dunbar, sister of George, Earl of March, and left a son,

SIR ROBERT MAITLAND, of Thirlestane, born ca 1369, who wedded Marion Abernethy, and had with other issue a son,

WILLIAM MAITLAND, of Lethington, who espoused Margaret Wardlaw, and died ante 1471, having had a son,

JOHN MAITLAND, apparent of Thirlestane, 1464, but it is not known whether he survived his father.

His wife appears to have been a daughter of the Laird of Dundas, and he left a son, successor to his grandfather,

SIR WILLIAM MAITLAND, of Lethington and Thirlestane, who wedded Martha, daughter of 4th Lord Seton,  by whom he had, with other issue, a son,

SIR RICHARD MAITLAND (1496-1586), of Lethington and Thirlestane, who wedded Mary, daughter of Sir Thomas Cranston, and had, with other issue,

William, of Lethington;

JOHN, 1st Baron Maitland.

The second son,

SIR JOHN MAITLAND, was created Lord Maitland of Thirlestane in 1590.

His lordship died five years afterwards, and was succeeded by his only son,

JOHN, 2nd Lord, who was created, in 1616, Viscount Lauderdale; and, in 1624, advanced to the dignities of Viscount Maitland and EARL OF LAUDERDALE.

His lordship wedded Isabella, daughter of Alexander, Earl of Dunfermline, and had issue, two sons and a daughter.

He died in 1645, and was succeeded by his son,

JOHN, 2nd Earl, KG,

1st Duke of Lauderdale KG, by Jacob Huysmans 

Who, having distinguished himself by his zealous and active exertions in the royal cause during the civil wars, was, after the Restoration, installed a Knight of the Garter, and appointed High Commissioner of Scotland. His lordship was created, in 1672, Marquess of March and DUKE OF LAUDERDALE; and enrolled amongst the peers of England, 1674, as Baron Petersham, and Earl of Guildford, in Surrey. His Grace dying, however, without male issue, in 1682, those honours expired, but his hereditary titles devolved upon his brother,

CHARLES, 3rd Earl, who married Elizabeth, daughter and sole heiress of Richard Lauder, of Hutton, by whom he had issue Richard, John, and Charles, successive Earls of Lauderdale, besides three other sons and two daughters.

His lordship died in 1691, and was succeeded by his eldest son,

RICHARD, 4th Earl, PC, privy counsellor, General of The Mint, and Lord Justice General, 1681-84.

His lordship was outlawed in 1694, for his adhesion to the fortunes of JAMES II; and dying in Paris, without issue, in 1695, the peerage devolved upon his brother,

JOHN, 5th Earl, one of the Lords of Session, under the title of Lord Ravelrig, who wedded the Lady Margaret Cunningham, only child of Alexander, 10th Earl of Glencairn, and heir of line of that ancient family, and had issue, the eldest surviving son,

CHARLES, 6th Earl, who married the Lady Elizabeth Ogilvy, daughter of James, Earl of Findlater and Seafield, Lord Chancellor of Scotland, by whom he had, with other issue, his eldest son,

JAMES (1718-89), 7th Earl, Lieutenant-Colonel in the Army, who married, in 1749, Mary, daughter and co-heir of Sir Thomas Lombe, alderman of the city of London, and had issue,

JAMES (1759-1839), 8th Earl, KT.

• James Maitland, 8th Earl (1759–1839)
• James Maitland, 9th Earl (1784–1860)
• Anthony Maitland, 10th Earl (1785–1863)
• Thomas Maitland, 11th Earl (1803–78)
  • Thomas Mordaunt Maitland (1838–1844)
• Charles Barclay-Maitland, 12th Earl (1822–84)
• Frederick Henry Maitland, 13th Earl (1840–1924)
• Frederick Colin Maitland, 14th Earl (1868–1931)
• Ian Colin Maitland, 15th Earl (1891–1953)
  • Ivor Colin James Maitland, Viscount Maitland (1915–1943)
• Alfred Sydney Frederick Maitland, 16th Earl (1904–68)
• Patrick Francis Maitland, 17th Earl (1911–2008)
• Ian Maitland, 18th Earl (b 1937).

THIRLESTANE CASTLE sits in extensive parklands near Lauder in the Borders of Scotland.

The site is aptly named Castle Hill, as it stands upon raised ground.

However, the raised land is within Lauderdale, the valley of the Leader Water.

The land has been in the ownership of the Maitland family since 1587, and Thirlestane has served as the seat of the Earls of Lauderdale.

John Maitland, Duke of Lauderdale (1616-82), one of the most important Scottish figures of the late 17th century, was appointed Secretary of State for Scotland in 1660, a position carrying unrivalled power and influence.

He employed the architect Sir William Bruce to transform the castle into a residence suitable for conducting the affairs of state.

Between 1670-76, the substantial alterations included the addition of the two front towers and the grand staircase, in addition to extensive internal modifications creating lavish staterooms with magnificent plasterwork ceilings.

Captain Gerald Maitland-Carew inherited the castle in 1972 from his maternal grandmother, Ethel, Countess of Lauderdale, wife of the 15th Earl.

At this time, the castle was in a serious state of disrepair, requiring extensive renovation.

In 1984, the castle was gifted to a charitable trust established to ensure its preservation, and major repairs were carried out, assisted by financial grants awarded by the Historic Buildings Council and the National Heritage Memorial Fund.

In addition to the grounds, the castle itself and its interiors, Thirlestane is noted for fine collections of paintings, furniture, porcelain and an historic toy collection.

The castle is normally open to visitors from April until September, however was not open during the 2013 season due to another outbreak of dry rot which is being treated.

First published in November, 2013. 

The Ulster Muse

Mountpottinger Old Church ca 2021 (Image: Rev Dr David Steers)

It has been a long time since I went to a concert.

The last occasion was probably a classical concert with the Ulster Orchestra at the Ulster Hall in Belfast.

A year ago I went to see Tchaikovsky's masterpiece, The Nutcracker, at the Grand Opera House.

When it was brought to my notice that Willie Drennan and Friends were performing at the Little Theatre in the former Mountpottinger Unitarian Presbyterian Church, Belfast, this was a show I didn't wish to miss.

Mountpottinger Old Church ca 2021 (Image: Rev Dr David Steers)

Mountpottinger Old Church is conspicuous from Albertbridge Road, though it's actually at 1a Castlereagh Street, which runs from 124 Albertbridge Road to 68 Beersbridge Road.

The former church is small. There's now a café in one of the rooms, and the little theatre is in the former nave.

Mountpottinger Unitarian Church pre-1899 (Image: Adrian Moir)

In 1862 a room at the site of a local felt works was lent by Francis Ritchie for the purpose of giving religious teaching to some uncared-for children in the Mountpottinger district.

The foundation stone for the church was laid on the 16th May, 1874, and the church was opened in the following year.

It has been described as being constructed in the "New Early English Gothic" style.

Willie Drennan and Friends (Timothy Ferres, 2022)

LAST NIGHT (Friday, October 21st, 2022) I parked the two-seater at The Mount, and walked the short distance to the Little Theatre, where I took an old wooden pew, so to speak.

Fear not, Readers, there are large cushions on the pews for the benefit of needy posteriors!

The stage was set with accordion, fiddle, trombone, fife, acoustic double bass, mandolin, guitars, tin whistles, drums; and a beautiful Celtic harp.

At about seven-forty Willie, raconteur extraordinaire, fiddler, tin whistler, mandolin player, and, of course, legendary Lambeg drummer, came on to the stage.

Willie has a rare talent for being so spontaneous on the stage that you feel as if you are in his sitting-room or barn.

He's a great spinner of yarns ~ the Ulster Muse!

Willie was supported by his fellow musicians and dancers, including John Trotter, a remarkable trombonist, not to omit accordionist.

Fiona Trotter sang dulcetly beside him.

There were fourteen performers in all, including the marvellous young Scottish dancer, Emma Miller; the acclaimed Irish dancer and Celtic harpist, Larissa Fleck; and of course the delightful twin sisters Lucinda and Susan McGuigan from Cullybackey in County Antrim (they're on YouTube with Little Drummer Boy).

The Celtic harp is considerably smaller than the orchestral harp, and its sound is truly mellifluous. 

Larissa played the Londonderry Air beautifully.

Willie Drennan (Image: Belfast Telegraph)

Willie joked that he called it the Londonderry-Derry-Derry-Londonderry Air.

It's also known as "Danny Boy."

 

Willie knew that I was coming along, so when he spotted me at my pew he beckoned me up on to the stage for a photograph with them all.

All in all a very enjoyable performance and I hope the Ulster Muse and his friends get the attention they deserve.

I am grateful to the Rev Dr David Steers and Adrian Moir for information and images relating to Mountpottinger Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church.

Ballinacor House

THE KEMMISES WERE MAJOR LANDOWNERS IN COUNTY WICKLOW, WITH 8,041 ACRES 

The family of KEMMIS or KEMEYS came originally from Monmouthshire, and settled in Ireland in 1731.

THOMAS KEMMIS (1753-1823), a solicitor, son of Thomas Kemmis, of Killeen, Queen's County, married Susanna, daughter of John Long, of Derrynaseera, Queen's County, and had issue, four sons,

Thomas, of Roebuck, County Dublin;
Henry (1776-1857), MP for Tralee, 1798-1800;
WILLIAM, of whom we treat;
James.

The third son,

WILLIAM KEMMIS (1777-1864), of Ballinacor, County Wicklow, and Killeen, Queen's County, Crown and Treasury Solicitor for Ireland (see KEMMIS of Shaen), espoused, in 1805, Ellen, second daughter of Nicholas Southcote Mansergh JP, of Greenane, County Tipperary, and had issue,

WILLIAM GILBERT;
Thomas;
George (Rev);
Richard;
James;
Elizabeth.

Mr Kemmis was succeeded by his son,

WILLIAM GILBERT KEMMIS JP DL (1806-81), of Ballinacor and Ballycarroll, High Sheriff of County Wicklow, 1835, who died unmarried, when he was succeeded by his nephew,

WILLIAM KEMMIS JP DL (1836-1900), of Ballinacor and Ballycarroll, Colonel, Royal Artillery, who wedded, in 1862, Ellen Gertrude de Horne Christy, eldest daughter of George Steinman Steinman, FSA, of Sundridge, Kent, and had issue,

WILLIAM HENRY OLPHERT, his heir;
Marcus Steinman (Rev);
Lewis George Nicholas;
Edward Bernhard;
Gilbert (Rev).

Colonel Kemmis was succeeded by his eldest son, 

WILLIAM HENRY OLPHERT KEMMIS JP DL (1864-1939), of Ballinacor, High Sheriff of County Wicklow, 1904, Lieutenant-Colonel Commanding, Wicklow Royal Garrison Artillery, who espoused, in 1888, Francis Maude, second daughter of the Rev Charles Beauclerk, Chaplain of Holy Trinity Church, Boulogne, France, and had issue,

WILLIAM DARRYL OLPHERT;
Thomas Steinman;
Karolie Kathleen.

The eldest son,

WILLIAM DARRYL OLPHERT KEMMIS MC (1892-1965), Captain, Inniskilling Dragoons.

When Captain Kemmis died in 1965, Ballinacor was inherited by his maternal cousin, Lieutenant-Colonel Richard Lomer.

The Kemmises owned 4,706 acres of land in the Queen's County.  

BALLINACOR HOUSE, Rathdrum, County Wicklow, is a two-storey, late 18th century house, enlarged, re-faced and re-roofed in the 19th century.

It has a three-bay entrance front with an Ionic portico.

The end elevation has six bays, three of which are in a shallow, curved bow.

There is a gabled office wing with an adjacent conservatory; an Italianate campanile at the junction of the main block and wing.

The clock has been said to keep time for the surrounding countryside.

The entrance hall is stone-flagged, with a plasterwork Victorian cornice; a large, top-lit, two-storey hall with oval lantern; oval gallery with iron balustrade.

The demesne is said to be magnificent, with wooded hills topped by high mountains; a mile-long oak walk; and a mile-long avenue from the front gate to the house, bordered by rhododendrons and firs.

There is a deer-park and the River Avonbeg flows by with abundant cascades and gorges.

*****

THE PRESENT owners, Sir Robert and Lady Davis-Goff, bought Ballinacor Estate in 2001 as a working farm and shoot.

The house underwent an extensive renovation and modernisation project, which was completed in 2009.

This renovation was sympathetic to the time in which the house was built and is furnished appropriately.

The estate has a strong tradition of driven shooting and has game records going back well over a century.

Grouse were previously shot on the estate, and it is hoped to revive the moor in future years.

Lady Davis-Goff inherited Lissen Hall in County Dublin.

First published in May, 2013.

1st Duke of Gordon

THE DUKES OF RICHMOND, LENNOX AND GORDON WERE THE GREATEST LANDOWNERS IN BANFFSHIRE, WITH 159,925 ACRES

This noble family deduces its origin from SIR ADAM DE GORDON, knight, of Huntly, who was slain in 1402, and was succeeded in his estates by his only daughter, Elizabeth, who married ALEXANDER SETON, second son of Sir William Seton, of Seton, upon which occasion that gentleman assumed the name of GORDON, and was created, in 1449-50, Earl of Huntly, in which title he was succeeded by the eldest son of his third marriage, with Elizabeth, daughter of William, Lord Crichton,

GEORGE, who wedded Princess Annabella, daughter of JAMES I of Scotland, and was succeeded by his eldest son,

ALEXANDER, who was succeeded in 1523-24 by his grandson,

GEORGE, to whom succeeded his son,

GEORGE, who was succeeded by his only son,

GEORGE, created, in 1599, Baron Badenoch, Lochaber, Strathavon, Balmore, Auchindoun, Garthie, and Kincardine, Viscount Inverness, Earl of Enzie, and Marquess of Huntly.

His lordship married Lady Henrietta, eldest daughter of Esme, Duke of Lennox, and was succeeded, in 1636, by his eldest son,

GEORGE, who was created, in 1632, Viscount Aboyne, with remainder, at his demise, or succession to the family honours, to his third son, Lord James Gordon.

His lordship was a staunch adherent of the unfortunate CHARLES I, and suffered, in consequence, decapitation, in 1649, when he was succeeded by his eldest surviving son,

LEWIS, who was succeeded, in 1653, 

GEORGE, who was advanced to a dukedom, in 1684, as DUKE OF GORDON.

His Grace wedded Lady Elizabeth, second daughter of Henry, Duke of Norfolk, by whom he had a son and daughter. He died in 1716, and was succeeded by his only son,

ALEXANDER, 2nd Duke,  who married, in 1706, Lady Henrietta, daughter of Charles, Earl of Peterborough and Monmouth, by whom he had issue four sons.

His Grace wedded secondly, Jane, Dowager Duchess of Atholl, by whom he had seven daughters. He died in 1728, and was succeeded by his eldest son,

COSMO GEORGE, 3rd Duke. His Grace married, in 1741, Lady Catherine, daughter of William, Earl of Aberdeen, by whom he had issue,

ALEXANDER, 4th Duke.

• Alexander Gordon, 4th Duke (1743–1827), eldest son of the 3rd Duke
• George Gordon, 5th Duke (1770–1836), elder son of the 4th Duke

Dukes of Gordon, second Creation (1876)

Other titles: Duke of Richmond (1675), Duke of Lennox (1675), Earl of March (1675), Earl of Darnley (1675), Earl of Kinrara, in the county of Inverness (1876), Baron of Settrington, in the county of York (1675) and Lord of Torboulton (1675)

• Charles Gordon-Lennox, 6th Duke of Richmond, 6th Duke of Lennox, 1st Duke of Gordon (1818–1903), eldest son of the 5th Duke of Richmond, himself nephew of the above 5th Duke of Gordon
• Charles Gordon-Lennox, 7th Duke of Richmond, 7th Duke of Lennox, 2nd Duke of Gordon (1845–1928), eldest son of the 6th Duke
• Charles Gordon-Lennox, 8th Duke of Richmond, 8th Duke of Lennox, 3rd Duke of Gordon (1870–1935), eldest son of the 7th Duke
  • Charles Gordon-Lennox, Lord Settrington (1899–1919), eldest son of the 8th Duke (at that point Earl of March), died without issue
• Frederick Gordon-Lennox, 9th Duke of Richmond, 9th Duke of Lennox, 4th Duke of Gordon (1904–1989), second son of the 8th Duke
• Charles Gordon-Lennox, 10th Duke of Richmond, 10th Duke of Lennox, 5th Duke of Gordon (b. 1929), eldest son of the 9th Duke
  • Heir apparent: Charles Gordon-Lennox, Earl of March and Kinrara (b. 1955), only son of the 10th Duke

• • Lord March's heir apparent: Charles Gordon-Lennox, Lord Settrington (b. 1994), Lord March's eldest son

GORDON CASTLE, near Fochabers, Morayshire, was originally built in the 1470s and is the spiritual home of the House of Gordon.

Enlarged in the 1770s as his principle residence by Alexander, 4th Duke of Gordon who, until his succession to the dukedom in 1827, was 7th Marquess of Huntly, it became one of the largest houses ever built in Scotland.

The 5th Duke who, like his father before him, was  known as the "Cock o’ the North", died without legitimate male issue in 1836 and Gordon Castle, the Scottish Estates, and eventually the dukedom passed to his nephew, the Duke of Richmond.

Meanwhile, the marquessate of Huntly (traditionally the name of the eldest son of the Duke of Gordon) passed to His Grace's distant cousin, the then Earl of Aboyne.

During the Great War the Castle, like the fictional Downton Abbey, was used as an auxiliary hospital for the wounded soldiers returning from the front.

The 9th Duke sold Gordon Castle and his Scottish estates in 1938 as a result of penal death duties following the deaths of his father and grandfather in 1935 and 1928 respectively.

The Castle fell into disrepair, but was bought back by one of the 7th Duke’s other grandsons, Lieutenant-General Sir George Charles Gordon-Lennox KBE CB CVO DSO, after the 2nd World War.

He was forced to knock much of it down due to significant dry and wet rot, but then turned it into the wonderful family home it is today.

His son, Major-General Bernard Charles Gordon-Lennox CB MBE, successfully continued this legacy with his wife Sally-Rose; and now his grandson Angus and his wife Zara have taken over the running of Gordon Castle and Estate.

HUNTLY CASTLE, Aberdeenshire, originally called Strathbogie Castle, was a seat of the Dukes of Gordon.

First published in October, 2015.

Kennedy of Cultra

This branch of the noble house of AILSA left Ayrshire in 1668, and settled in County Down, at Cultra, where they remained.

DR HUGH KENNEDY (c1628-c1685), of Ballycultra, County Down, married Mary, daughter of Arthur Upton.

Dr Kennedy, a distinguished medical practitioner in Belfast during the 17th century, was physician to the 1st Earl of Donegall, who bequeathed him "£50 sterling a year (about £10,500 today) for four years, to commence within a year of my death".

The youngest son,

JOHN KENNEDY, who purchased the estate of Cultra from the Earl of Clanbrassil in 1671.

Mr Kennedy wedded Martha, daughter of William Stewart, of Ballylawn, County Donegal, and aunt of Robert, 1st Earl of Londonderry, and was father of

HUGH KENNEDY (1711-63), of Cultra, who espoused, in 1741, Mabel, daughter of John Curtis, of Dublin, and  had issue,

JOHN, of whom presently;
Mary, m, 1774, J Crawford, of Crawfordsburn.

Hugh Kennedy (Image: Ulster Folk Museum)

Mr Kennedy was succeeded by his son, 

JOHN KENNEDY JP (1746-1801), of Cultra, High Sheriff of County Down, 1769, who wedded Elizabeth, daughter of the Rev Henry Cole (brother of 1st Lord Mount Florence) by Mary his wife, daughter of Sir Arthur Brooke Bt, and had issue,

HUGH, his heir;
Henry, died in India;
John, of Dunbrody;
Arthur, Lieutenant-Colonel;
Longford, East India Company;
William, Deputy Military Auditor-General of Bengal;
Alexander, Captain RN;
Charles Pratt, Political Agent at Simla;
Thomas;
Robert, Colonial Secretary of Bermuda;
Selina; another daughter.

John Kennedy (Image: Ulster Folk Museum)

Mr Kennedy, who, after the death of the 8th Earl of Cassilis, was a claimant for the title, was succeeded by his eldest son,

HUGH KENNEDY JP (1775-1852), of Cultra, High Sheriff of County Down, 1802, who married firstly, in 1800, Grace Dorothea, only child of Thomas Hughes, and granddaughter of Sir Edward Newenham MP, and had issue,

John Hughes, died 1839;
ROBERT STEWART, of whom presently;
Thomas Henry, d 1864;
Arthur Edward (Sir), GCMG CB;
William Hugh, Captain RN;
George Augustus;
Elizabeth Selina; Frances Matilda; Grace; Emily Jane; Dorothea.

Mr Kennedy wedded secondly, in 1824, Sophia, daughter of William Low, by Sophia his wife, daughter of Richard, 4th Viscount Boyne, and had further issue,

Frederick;
Hugh;
Sophia Jane; Georgina; Edith; Florence; Augusta.

He was succeeded by his eldest surviving son,

ROBERT STEWART KENNEDY (1807-54), of Cultra, who espoused, in 1849, Anne Catherine, only daughter of Michael Edward Ward, of Bangor Castle, County Down, by his wife, the Lady Matilda Stewart, daughter of Robert, 1st Marquess of Londonderry, and had issue,

ROBERT JOHN, his heir;
Edward Henry (1854-57);
Grace Emily (1850-1938), died unmarried.

Mr Kennedy was succeeded by his elder son and heir,

SIR ROBERT JOHN KENNEDY KCMG JP DL, of Cultra (1851-1936), who married, in 1883, Bertha Jane Ward, daughter of Henry William, 5th Viscount Bangor, and had issue,

Mary Grace Enid, b 1884;
Bertha Catherine Maud, b 1885;
Matilda Kathleen, b 1888;
Lucy Emily Harriette, 1893-1969.

Cultra Manor

First published in July, 2014.

Dunbrody Park

THE BARONS TEMPLEMORE WERE MAJOR LANDOWNERS IN COUNTY WEXFORD, WITH 11,327 ACRES

LORD SPENCER STANLEY CHICHESTER (1775-1819), of Dunbrody Park, County Wexford, MP for Carrickfergus, 1802-7, second surviving son of Arthur, 1st Marquess of Donegall, wedded, in 1795, the Lady Harriet Stewart, a younger daughter of John, 7th Earl of Galloway KT, and had issue,

ARTHUR, of whom hereafter;
George, d 1829;
Anne;
Elizabeth, m William, 1st Baron Bateman.

His lordship was succeeded by his elder son,

LIEUTENANT-COLONEL ARTHUR CHICHESTER MP (1797-1837), of Dunbrody Park, and of 38 Portman Square, London, MP for Milborne Port, 1826-30, County Wexford, 1830-1.

Colonel Chichester was raised to the peerage, in 1831, in the dignity of BARON TEMPLEMORE, of Templemore, County Donegal.

He wedded, in 1820, the Lady Augusta Paget, fourth daughter of Henry, 1st Marquess of Anglesey, KG, and had issue,

HENRY SPENCER, his heir;
Augustus George Charles;
Frederick Arthur Henry;
Adolphus William;
Francis Algernon James;
another son, b 1833;
Caroline Georgiana; Augusta.

His lordship was succeeded by his eldest son,

HENRY SPENCER, 2nd Baron,

• Harry Spencer Chichester, 2nd Baron (1821–1906)
• Arthur Henry Chichester, 3rd Baron (1854–1924)
• Arthur Claud Spencer Chichester, 4th Baron (1880–1953)
• Dermot Richard Claud Chichester, 5th Baron (1916–2007) (succeeded as 7th Marquess of Donegall in 1975).

(ARTHUR) PATRICK, is the 8th and present Marquess of Donegall and 6th Baron Templemore.

Lord Donegall lives with his family within the grounds of Dunbrody Park.

DUNBRODY HOUSE, near Arthurstown, County Wexford, is described by Mark Bence-Jones as

a pleasant, comfortable, unassuming house of ca 1860 which from its appearance might be a 20th century house of vaguely Queen Anne flavour.

Dunbrody Park was acquired by the Chichester family through marriage of the 2nd Earl of Donegall to Jane, daughter and heiress of John Itchingham, of Dunbrody Park, ca 1660.

The Victorian mansion house comprises two storeys, with a five-bay centre.

The middle bay breaks forward.

There is a three-sided, single storey central bow, and two-bay projecting ends.

Dunbrody House has been a country house hotel since 2001.

Former town residence  ~ 11 Upper Grosvenor Street, London.

First published in November, 2012; revised in 2014. Templemore arms courtesy of European Heraldry.