Civic Heritage Walk

25 Donegall Place

I motored into town one morning in 2016.

Unable to find a space in Upper Arthur Street and the vicinity, drove slightly further out, to Franklin Street.

My mission was to take a few photographs; specifically, of 25 Donegall Place, presently a fashion retailer called Oasis.

Number 25 was built as part of a terrace in 1790-91.

Old Bricks at 25 Donegall Place

This building is beside Queen's Arcade.

It used to run right back to the premises at 28-30 Fountain Street, now known as Carlton House.

28-30 Fountain Street in 2016

For many years this belonged to the Carlton café and restaurant.

Looking up towards the apex of Queen's Arcade, the art deco monogram "AR" is clearly visible, an allusion to the clothing retailer Austin Reed which operated a branch at the entrance to the arcade.

*****

THENCE I motored in a southerly direction to University Road, Upper Crescent, and Lower Crescent.

The former Methodist church still stands derelict at 21 University Road; though I gather that it has been acquired by the pub chain, viz. J D Wetherspoon [for sale again in April, 2022].

Detail at former Methodist Church

Many, if not most, of the properties in Upper Crescent remain in a deplorable state, though there is hope that these circumstances might change, because To Let or For Sale signs emblazon this crescent [most, if not the entire terrace has been restored in 2022].

I strolled through the little park to Lower Crescent at the opposite side and, though imperfect, most of the properties have fared better.

Several are an eyesore, however.

The Crescent Townhouse boutique hotel [now The 1852 hotel] is at the corner of Lower Crescent and Botanic Avenue.

This was formerly called The Regency Hotel.

I wandered in and complimented the staff on their website with its history of the crescent.

First published in February, 2016.

1st Earl of Tyrone

The O'Neills of Ulster were for ages the most formidable of the indigenous clans in Ireland.

HENRY MacOWEN O'NEILL, King of Tyrone, chief of his nation in the 15th century, married the daughter of MacMurrough, and by her, who was living in 1452, he had issue,

CON MÓR, of whom presently;

Henry, slain at the house of Art O'Neill, of The Fews, 1498;

Donald, competitor with his brother Henry;

Bryan.

The eldest son,

CONN MÓR O'NEILL, King of Tyrone, who founded the Franciscan monastery of Ballynasaggart, in Tyrone, 1489, wedded the Lady Eleanor FitzGerald, daughter of Thomas, 7th Earl of Kildare, and was murdered by his brother Henry in 1493.

He had issue,

CONN BACACH, of whom presently;

Art Oge;

John, father of Sir Henry O'Neill;

Turlough, Governor of Kinard;

Bryan;

Joanne.

The eldest son,

CONN BACACH O'NEILL (c1480-1559), King of Tyrone, having, according to Fynes Moryson, joined in the Geraldine Rebellion, and fearing the King's vengeance, "sayled into England," and renouncing the title of The O'Neill, surrendered his royalty, had a re-grant of his lands by patent in 1541, and was created, in 1542, EARL OF TYRONE for life, with remainder to his son MATTHEW.

He married the Lady Alice FitzGerald, daughter of Gerald, 8th Earl of Kildare, and had issue,

Shane;

Phelim Caoch;

Turlough;

Mary, m Sorley Boy MacDonnell, father of 1st Earl of Antrim.

Conn Bacach O'Neill, Earl of Tyrone, had also by Alison Kelly, the wife of a blacksmith at Dundalk, an illegitimate son,

MATTHEW O'NEILL (1520-58), called Feardorcha, who was created, in 1542, Baron Dungannon.

This Matthew wedded Siobhan, daughter of Constantine (or Cuconnaught) Maguire, Lord of Fermanagh, and had issue,

Brian, murdered by MacDonnell;

HUGH, of whom hereafter;

Cormac (Sir);

Barnaby;

Art MacBaron.

The second son,

HUGH O'NEILL (c1550-1616), Earl of Tyrone, was chiefly educated at the court of ELIZABETH I, where he learnt, from the English statesmen, Burghley, Leicester, and Hatton, that knowledge of political craft which marked his entire career.

Eventually, throwing off his allegiance to the English sovereign, the "Arch Rebel," as he was styled, disclaimed the title of Earl of Tyrone and proclaimed himself The O'Neill.

He conquered every army sent to him by The Queen; until after the siege of Kinsale in 1603, he found his cause hopeless and surrendered to LORD MOUNTJOY, by whom he was received into protection.

Subsequently, in 1607, he fled to France, and thence proceeded to Louvain, and finally to Rome where he was maintained on a monthly allowance granted by Pope PAUL V and the King of Spain.

He married firstly, in 1574, a daughter of Brian MacPhelim O'Neill, of Clandeboye, County Down, from whom he was legitimately divorced.

Hugh wedded secondly, ca 1574, Joanna (or Siobhán), daughter of SIR HUGH O'DONNELL, and had issue,

HUGH (1585-1609), Baron Dungannon, died at Rome;

Henry, a colonel of an Irish regiment, in the Archduke's service;

Ursula; Sarah (or Sorcha); Margaret.

He espoused thirdly, Mabel, daughter of SIR NICHOLAS BAGENAL, to whom he was married by the Most Rev Thomas Jones, Lord Bishop of Meath, 1591; she dsp.

Hugh wedded fourthly, Catherine, daughter of Sir Hugh Magennis of Iveagh, who accompanied him to Rome where she died. 

By Catherine he had further issue,

John (or Shane), called El Condé de Tyrone, in Spain, where he had attained the rank of Lieutenant-General; killed in Catalonia.

Con Brian, page to the Archduke, murdered at Brussels, 1617.

Hugh O'Neill, Earl of Tyrone, died at Rome, old and blind, on the 20th July, 1616, and was buried with great pomp in the church of San Pietro in Montorio, where the tombs of O'Donnell and O'Neill, Baron Dungannon, are objects of attraction to English and Irish sojourners in the Eternal City.

The tomb of the Earl of Tyrone is no longer in existence, but happily the inscription it bore is still preserved in the Book of Obits, of San Pietro's monastery, and runs thus: 

D.O.M. 

Hic Quiescunt Ossa

Hugonis Principis O'Neill

It would appear that this brief epitaph was suggested by that on the tomb of Tasso in the neighbouring church of Sant'Onofrio.

Hugh, Earl of Tyrone, was attainted in 1612.

Extracts from Burke's Genealogical History of Dormant, Abeyant, Forfeited, and Extinct Peerages (1866).

1st Earl of Dalhousie

THE EARLS OF DALHOUSIE WERE THE GREATEST LANDOWNERS IN FORFARSHIRE, WITH 136,602 ACRES

The Ramsay family settled in the Lothians in the 12th century, when they are found witnessing various royal charters to religious houses.

SIMUNDUS DE RAMSAY, who in 1140 witnessed a charter to the monks of Holyrood, and another between 1189 and 1196, is the first of the name on record in Scotland.

WILLIAM DE RAMSAY was witness to the Coldingham Charter, 1198, and to another in 1236.

SIR NESSUS DE RAMSAY (probably cousin) appended his seal to a charter 1250 and 1270.

WILLIAM DE RAMSAY, who was one of the Council of the Magnates of the Realm in 1255, witnessed a charter, 1260, and died 1262, leaving three sons, William, Malcolm, and John.

The eldest son,

WILLIAM DE RAMSAY, was witness to a charter in 1262, and to another, 1274, and died about 1295.

His son,

SIR WILLIAM RAMSAY DE DALWOLSY, or Dalhousie, signed the Ragman Roll at Berwick, 1296.

He appears to have had two sons,

SIR ALEXANDER RAMSAY OF DALHOUSIE;

SIR WILLIAM RAMSAY OF INVERLEITH.

The elder son,

SIR ALEXANDER RAMSAY (c1290-1342), of Dalhousie, was warden of the Middle Marches, and, in 1332, Constable of Roxburgh Castle, which he had taken by escalade.

This gallant soldier acquired so high a reputation in his conflicts with the English, that to be of his band was considered as a branch of military education requisite for all young gentleman who ambitioned to excel in arms.

In reward for capturing the fortress of Roxburgh, DAVID II, King of Scotland, bestowed upon Ramsay the office of Sheriff of Teviotdale, William Douglas, Lord of Liddesdale, then held.

From that moment, Douglas, once the friend and companion in arms of Ramsay, became his implacable foe.

In performance of the duty of his office, Ramsay held a court in Hawick church, in 1342, whither Douglas came with an armed retinue and was courteously welcomed by the high-minded and unsuspecting Ramsay; but, regardless of every feeling save that of vengeance, he seized the Sheriff, and dragging him from the judgement seat, had him conveyed to Hermitage Castle, in the dungeon of which he perished by famine.

It is reported, that above the place of Ramsay's confinement there lay a heap of corn, and that with grain which dropped down through crevices in the floor he sustained a miserable existence for seventeen days.

From Alexander we pass to his lineal descendant,

JAMES RAMSAY, who left at his decease, about 1580, two sons, namely,

GEORGE;

John (Sir).

The elder son,

SIR GEORGE RAMSAY, knighted by JAMES VI, King of Scotland, was elevated to the peerage, 1618, in the dignity of Lord Ramsay of Dalhousie, and was succeeded, in 1630, by his eldest son,

WILLIAM, 2nd Lord, who wedded, in 1633, Margaret, daughter of David, Earl of Southesk, by whom he had two sons, George, and John, and one daughter.

His lordship was advanced to an earldom, in 1633, as EARL OF DALHOUSIE, and was succeeded by his eldest son,

GEORGE, 2nd Earl, who died in 1675 and was succeeded by his eldest son,

WILLIAM, 3rd Earl, who wedded Mary, daughter of Henry, Earl of Drogheda, by whom he had three sons and a daughter.

Dying in 1682, he was succeeded by his eldest son,

GEORGE, 4th Earl.

• George Ramsay, 4th Earl (d 1696);
• William Ramsay, 5th Earl (d 1710);
• William Ramsay, 6th Earl (c1660–1739);
  • George Ramsay, Lord Ramsay (d 1739);
• Charles Ramsay, 7th Earl (d 1764);
• George Ramsay, 8th Earl (d 1787);
• George Ramsay, 9th Earl (1770–1838);
  • George Ramsay, Lord Ramsay (1806-32);
• James Andrew Broun-Ramsay, 10th Earl (1812-60), 1st Marquess.

• Marquesses of Dalhousie (1849)

• James Andrew Broun-Ramsay, 1st Marquess of Dalhousie (1812-60).

Earls of Dalhousie (1633; Reverted)

• Fox Maule-Ramsay, 11th Earl (1801-74);
• George Ramsay, 12th Earl (1806-80);
• John William Ramsay, 13th Earl (1847-87);
• Arthur George Maule Ramsay, 14th Earl (1878–1928);
• John Gilbert Ramsay, 15th Earl (1904-50);
• Simon Ramsay, 16th Earl (1914-99);
• James Hubert Ramsay, 17th Earl (b 1948).

The heir apparent is the present holder's son Simon David Ramsay, styled Lord Ramsay (b 1981).

BRECHIN CASTLE, Angus, stands on a massive bluff of rocks above the River Southesk on the site of a much older fortress belonging to the Scottish kings.

The present house was last reconstructed in the early 1700s and incorporates parts of the original Castle dating back to the 13th century.

The building has evolved from a defensive role to its present great house style.

Brechin Castle is steeped in history: In 1296, EDWARD I received the submission of John Balliol, King of Scots, there; and, in 1303, Sir Thomas Maule defended the castle against the English for three weeks until his own death brought about its surrender.

In 1643, Patrick Maule, 1st Earl of Panmure, bought the whole of the Brechin estate from the Earl of Mar.

The Castle was at that time a simple L-shaped house of three storeys.

The 4th Earl of Panmure, married to Lady Margaret, daughter of the 3rd Duke of Hamilton, eventually rebuilt the Castle as it is today.

Former seat ~ Dalhousie Castle, Midlothian.

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

Huntington Castle

THE DURDIN-ROBERTSONS OWNED 296 ACRES OF LAND IN COUNTY CARLOW

ALEXANDER REID, younger son of John Reid, feudally styled 4th Baron Ruadh of Straloch, assumed the name of ROBERTSON at the same time as his elder brother, John Reid, styled 5th Baron Ruadh of Straloch, who, in 1567, married his cousin Marjory, daughter of John Robertson, of Lude, and thereupon assumed the name of ROBERTSON, and was ancestor of the succeeding Barons Ruadh (a title which continued to be borne until this, the elder line, expired in 1807); and also of the Robertsons of Cray, and of West and East Bleaton.

This Alexander Reid, of Dounie, in Strathardle, Perthshire, married Mary, daughter of Thomas Scott, of Dounie, and had issue (besides a younger son, Walter, of Middle Dounie), an elder son,

JOHN REID or ROBERTSON, of East Dounie, who was father of

ALEXANDER ROBERTSON, of Dounie, born in 1585, who had, with other issue,

Alexander;
JAMES, of whom we treat.

The younger son,

JAMES ROBERTSON, born in 1608, removed to Kirkwall, Orkney Islands, in 1630, and settled at Orphir.

He had nine sons, who left numerous descendants; of whom the eldest son,

THOMAS ROBERTSON, born at Orphir, 1642, married a daughter of Magnus Halcro, and had issue,

James;
NICOL, of whom presently;
John.

The second son,

NICOL ROBERTSON, born in 1670, settled at Groundwater, and left by Catherine his wife, with other issue, a son,

GEORGE ROBERTSON (1706-80), of Upper Groundwater, who wedded Helen, daughter of Magnus Wilson, and had, with four daughters,

JAMES, his heir;
Thomas;
George;
Magnus;
John;
Andrew.

Mr Robertson was succeeded by his eldest son,

JAMES ROBERTSON (1734-), of Upper Groundwater, who wedded, in 1763, Catherine Heddle, and had issue,

THOMAS, his heir;
Robert;
James;
William;
Helline; Catherine.

The eldest son,

THOMAS ROBERTSON (1765-1847), was the first of the family to leave Scotland.

After having spent his life at sea, he settled in London, and married, in 1807, Maria, daughter of Joseph Howell, of Cheltenham, by whom he had issue, an only son,

THOMAS STORM ROBERTSON MD FRCS (1809-59), who wedded, in 1843, Annabella, daughter of George Bland.

She dsp the following March.

He married secondly, in 1846, Maria Louisa, only daughter of Robert Manning, of Clapham, and had issue,

(THOMAS) HERBERT, his heir;
Maria Louisa; Eveline Constance.

Dr Robertson was succeeded by his only son,

(THOMAS) HERBERT ROBERTSON JP (1849-1916), of Huntington Castle, Hasketon Manor, Woodbridge, and 36, Bedford Square, London, Barrister, MP for South Hackney, 1896-1906, who espoused, in 1880, HELEN ALEXANDRIA MELIAN DURDIN, of Huntington Castle, by Melian Jones his wife, second daughter of Matthew Hayman, of South Abbey, County Cork, and had issue,

MANNING DURDIN, his heir;
Nevill Warham, b 1890;
Magnus Storm, b 1893;
Helen Manning; Brenda Melian Manning.

Mr Robertson was succeeded by his eldest son,

MANNING DURDIN ROBERTSON (1887-1945), who wedded, in 1912, Norah Kathleen, daughter of Lieutenant-General Sir Lawrence Worthington Parsons, and had issue,

LAWRENCE ALEXANDER;
Barbara Helen;
Olivia Melian (1917-2013).

Mr Robertson added the additional name of DURDIN in 1972.

He was succeeded by his son,

THE REV LAWRENCE ALEXANDER DURDIN-ROBERTSON (1920-94), who espoused, in 1949, Pamela Mary, daughter of Major Maurice Edward Barclay, and had issue,

DAVID MAURICE, his heir;
Mary Melian; Anna Margaret.

The son and heir,

DAVID MAURICE DURDIN-ROBERTSON (1952-2009), of Huntington Castle, married, in 1978, Moira, daughter of John McCaffrey, and had issue,

ALEXANDER J L;
Matthew;
Harry;
Sarah.

Mr Durdin-Robertson was succeeded by his eldest son,

ALEXANDER J L DURDIN-ROBERTSON, who married Clare, daughter of John Ormerod, and has issue,

Herbert David, b 2010;
Casper Esmonde John, b 2012;
Alexander Frederick Lawrence, b 2014.

Family of Durdin

It is stated that this family is a branch of a very ancient Essex family, and that JOHN DURDIN, a magistrate for that county, died in the early 17th century and was interred in Westminster Abbey, where there was a tablet to his memory.

JOHN DURDIN, his son, settled in County Cork ca 1639, and had a son,

MICHAEL DURDIN, of Ballymagooley, County Cork, 1663, who espoused Anne, daughter of Edmund Cotter, and sister of Sir James Cotter, Knight, and was father of

JOHN DURDIN (1676-1772), of Fortarabia, County Cork, who wedded Anne, daughter of Alexander Cole, and had a son,

ALEXANDER DURDIN (1712-1807), of Shanagarry, County Cork, and Huntington, County Carlow, who was married four times.

His sixth son,

WILLIAM LEADER DURDIN (1778-1849), of Huntington Castle, County Carlow, married, in 1820, Mary Anne, daughter of William Drury, of Ballinderry, County Wicklow, and had issue,

ALEXANDER, his heir;
Fidelia.

Dr Durdin was succeeded by his son,

ALEXANDER DURDIN LL.D JP (1821-82), of Huntington Castle, and Albany, Monkstown, County Dublin, who married, in 1851, Melian Jones, second daughter of Matthew Hayman, of South Abbey, Youghal, and had issue,

HELEN ALEXANDRINA MELIAN, as above;
Florence Amy; Melian Lucy Anne; Harriette Emily Hayman.

HUNTINGTON CASTLE, Clonegal, County Carlow, was built in 1625 by Lawrence, 1st (and last) Baron Esmonde, in a valley on the borders of counties Carlow and Wexford.

The site, which was previously occupied by an abbey and a 14th century castle, guards a pass through the Blackstairs Mountains, on the important route from Dublin to Wexford.

Huntington is a large tower-house of rough-hewn granite.

It was altered ca 1680 and again in 1720, when it was given a regular façade and a long wing on the northern side.

The Castle passed by marriage to the Durdin family, long established in County Cork where they had inherited the estates of William Penn.

In 1880, Helen, the Durdin heiress, married Herbert Robertson.

Victorian additions were made at the rear of the castle, while Manning Durdin-Robertson, a professional architect (and early devotee of concrete) carried out further alterations in the 1920s.

With her brother Lawrence, the writer and mystic Olivia Durdin-Robertson converted the under-croft into a temple to the goddess Isis in the 1970s while her nephew David, the late owner, and his wife Moira, completed a thorough restoration of the castle, garden and outbuildings.

Huntington contains a number of early panelled rooms and an eclectic family collection, all carefully arranged.

Outside are terraced gardens, an ancient yew walk and seventeenth century formal gardens, laid out in the Italian manner and recently restored.

The woods contain some fine specimen trees and the castle is connected to the village of Clonegal by a magnificent avenue of tall lime trees.

Huntington is now home to Alexander Durdin Robertson, his wife Clare and their sons.

The family is unusually talented and numbers artists, architects, writers and intellectuals amongst its ranks.

Alexander’s great-grandmother, Nora, wrote Crowned Harp.

First published in November, 2017.

Ringdufferin House

THE BAILIES OWNED 670 ACRES OF LAND IN COUNTY DOWN

DAVID BAILLIE, of Lamington, Lanarkshire, second son of Sir William Baillie, of Lamington, and Marion his wife, daughter of Sir John Seton, of Seton, was father of

ALEXANDER BAILLIE, of Dunragit, Wigtownshire, born ca 1540, an officer in the English army, who purchased the lands of Innishargy, near Kircubbin, County Down, and had a son,

ALEXANDER BAILIE (1587-1682), of Innishargy and Ringdufferin, County Down, who changed the spelling of his surname, and left issue,

John (1623-87), of Innishargy;

EDWARD, of whom we treat.

The younger son,

EDWARD BAILIE, settled at Ringdufferin, and married Elizabeth, sole daughter and heiress of James Dunbar, of Toye, County Down.

Ringdufferin was mortgaged from James, 1st Viscount Claneboye, in 1636. Edward Bailie came over and settled there.

Sir James Hamilton had granted Toye, at an annual rent of £5, to James Dunbar; and, on his father-in-law's death, Edward Bailie succeeded to Toye, and obtained a further mortgage of Ringdufferin from Henry, 2nd Earl of Clanbrassil, in 1668.

Mr Bailie was succeeded by his eldest son,

ALEXANDER BAILIE, who became the absolute purchaser of Ringdufferin, 1674, and was succeeded by his son,

EDWARD BAILIE, of Ringdufferin, who died in 1774.

His second son,

JAMES BAILIE JP (1735-1810), of Ringdufferin,  Deputy Governor of County Down, wedded, in 1793, Sophia Loudon, and was succeeded by his eldest son,

JAMES BAILIE JP DL (1797-1863), of Ringdufferin, a barrister, who wedded, in 1821, Charlotte, daughter of the Very Rev Peter Carleton, Dean of St Patrick's, Dublin, by whom (who died in 1825) he had a son,

JAMES, his heir.

He espoused secondly, in 1829, Harriet Alice,  daughter of the Rev Henry Mahon, and had further issue,

Louisa Anne;

Sophia Emily;

Harriet Alice Gertrude.

Mr Bailie was succeeded by his only son,

MAJOR JAMES BAILIE JP (1823-96), of Ringdufferin, who inherited a small portion of the old Innishargy estate.

Major Bailie served in the 87th Royal Irish Fusiliers; the 60th Rifles; ten years' service in India, where he was awarded a medal for the Indian mutiny.

In 1850, Major Bailie married his cousin, Charlotte Jemima, eldest daughter of Captain William Cossart Carleton, fourth son of Dean Carleton (see above), and had issue,

Edward Robert, died in infancy, 1855;
Harriett Louisa b 1852;
Kathleen, b 1856;
Louisa, 1861-1941.

Major Bailie was buried at Killyleagh churchyard.

I have written about Miss Louisa Bailie, the last of the family to live at Ringdufferin.

RINGDUFFERIN HOUSE, Toye, near Killyleagh, County Down, is a large gentleman's residence dating from ca 1790-1800, though likely incorporating parts of an earlier house.

The entrance front is Georgian, with an Adamesque doorway.

There is a hipped roof concealed behind a parapet, with Classical statues.

A three-storey return is behind this, with a rubble facade; having, however, a plain, rendered section to the north-west side, which might represent part of an earlier house.

The south-west elevation has a considerably smaller two-storey wing, possibly added later in the 19th century.

To the north of the house there is a walled garden.

To the east there are outbuildings, including stables, a blacksmith's forge, a piggery, boat house, and ruins of what appears to be a watch tower.

The mansion house is built close to the site a tower-house of ca 1600.

*****

THE earliest reference to Ringdufferin occurs ca 1602, alluding to a castle built by John White "on a neck of land", leased to him by Sir Ralph Lane, called Randuffren.

The exact position of the original castle is uncertain; the consensus, nevertheless, including most maps of the area since 1859, favours a site close to the present house.

However, the existence of Castle Island, at the end of the isthmus just to the south of this, may indicate otherwise.

*****

IN 1636, Alexander Bailie acquired the lands of Ringdufferin on mortgage from the 1st Viscount Claneboye.

In 1945, Ringdufferin estate was purchased by the Mackie family, who continue to live there today.

Arthur Patrick Pringle (Paddy) Mackie was appointed MBE in 2004 for services to wildlife in Northern Ireland.

The remains of a windmill exist within the grounds, the north face of which has a doorway and small window.

The grounds of Ringdufferin include outbuildings, walling, old watch-tower, and gates, built by James Baillie, who succeeded to the property in 1774.

The House stands on a naturally beautiful site on the shores of Strangford Lough, County Down.

Mature trees lie to the east and west.

The planting was increased during the mid 20th century.

Native and exotic trees are planted, as specimens, in mown grass to the south-west of the house and along the avenue, which winds along the shore.

There is an informal shrub area in an old oak wood to the west of the house, with a pond.

Castle Island, a peninsula to the south, was planted with two semi-circles of trees at some period prior to 1834.

The walled garden is fully cultivated and maintained, including a glasshouse.

There are gravel and grass paths, wide borders, mature yew features, wall fruit and many interesting plants.

There is a former land steward’s house.

First published in November, 2018.

McCalmont of Abbeylands

THE McCALMONTS OWNED 148 ACRES OF LAND IN COUNTY ANTRIM

THOMAS McCALMONT, of The Farm, Cairncastle, County Antrim, had issue,

THOMAS, of whom presently;
James, of Susquehanna, Pennsylvania, USA;
John, of Clarkstown, Co Antrim, afterwards of Delaware, USA;
Robert;
Hugh.

The eldest son,

THOMAS McCALMONT, of The Farm, born ca 1700, drowned near Delaware, USA, leaving (with a daughter, Margaret) an only son,

ROBERT McCALMONT, of Newtownabbey, County Antrim, who married, in 1764, Margaret, daughter of Hugh Mumford, of Drumalis, County Antrim, and had issue,

HUGH, of whom presently;
James, a surgeon.

The eldest son,

HUGH McCALMONT (1765-1838), of Abbeylands, County Antrim, wedded, in 1807, Elizabeth Allen, daughter of Thomas Barklie, of Inver, County Antrim, and had issue,

Robert, of Gatton Park, dsp;
THOMAS (Rev);
Hugh, of Abbeylands (1809-87);
John;
Barklie;
JAMES, of whom hereafter;
Jane; Margaret Jane; Elizabeth; Roseanna.

Mr McCalmont was succeeded by his youngest son,

JAMES McCALMONT JP (1819-49), of Abbeylands, and Breen, both in County Antrim, who espoused, in 1843, Emily Anne, daughter of James Martin JP DL, of Ross, County Galway, and had issue,

HUGH, his heir;
James Martin, of Magheramorne, MP.

The elder son,

Maj-Gen Sir Hugh McCalmont KCB CVO (Image: National Portrait Gallery)

MAJOR-GENERAL SIR HUGH McCALMONT KCB CVO JP (1845-1924), of Abbeylands, Whiteabbey, County Antrim, MP for North Antrim, 1895-9, married, in 1885, Rose Elizabeth Bingham, daughter of John, 4th Baron Clanmorris, and had issue,

DERMOT HUGH BINGHAM McCALMONT (1887-1968).


THE 1st Earl Cairns was baptized Hugh McCalmont Cairns.

Abbeylands House, Whiteabbey, County Antrim, was a two-storey Victorian house, with mullioned windows in the centre of its symmetrical front.

It had shallow, curved bows on either side of the front; a single-storey Ionic porch; narrow pedimented attic storey with three narrow windows in the centre; and a balustraded roof parapet.

Abbeylands was burnt to the ground in 1914 by the Suffragette movement.

First published in November, 2016. McCalmont arms courtesy of the NLI.

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.