Annadale Hall

Annadale Hall (Image: Alexander Robert Hogg, 1921)

ANNADALE HALL, Newtownbreda, County Down, originally known as Galwally, was first occupied, according to some records, by George Portis.

It is thought that Mr Portis (c1734-97) was Collector of Revenue and Customs for Belfast and was buried at Carlingford churchyard.

Annadale was a plain three-storey block over a basement, with five bays and lofty chimneys.

Galwally was renamed Annadale Hall after Anne, Countess of Mornington (eldest daughter of Arthur, 1st Viscount Dungannon, of Belvoir Park).

Lady Mornington was the mother of the 1st Duke of Wellington.

Annadale Hall was acquired ca 1840 by Alexander McDonnell.

Following his death, in 1855, it passed to his son-in-law, Robert Calwell.

The house was badly damaged by fire in 1914, apparently as a result of incendiary devices planted by Suffragettes.

Annadale suffered another arson attack in 1921, and remained in a ruinous condition until its demolition about 1952.

The grounds were subsequently sold for the Hampton Park housing development. 

Annadale Hall was once part of the Belvoir estate, though Lord Dungannon subsequently built a dividing wall.

Lord Donegall also lived at Annadale for a period, and it is said that Lady Blessington once resided there.

As a girl, Lady Mornington lived in the newly-built Belvoir House, and later at Annadale.

Dennis Kennedy has written an extensive article about Annadale Hall and its occupants.

First published in January, 2013.