Wednesday 27 May 2020

Something Fishy

The trusty pushbike has been well utilized during this pandemic. You've likely seen it in a few articles I've written.

I purchased it about twenty-two years ago, at Halford's, and it's a fairly sturdy urban kind of bike.


This morning I recalled that Edward Murray of Something Fishy, a fishmonger from Portavogie, has a mobile seafood stall at Comber Road, Dundonald, on Wednesday mornings.

I think they also usually have a stall at St George's Market in Belfast.

This morning, however, I mounted the two-wheeler and cycled from Belmont GHQ to Dundonald, a journey of three miles perhaps.

Enid Bennett, whose husband and sons ran a hardware shop in Comber, used to inquire if a merchant was easy to pay - "are they easy to pay?"

Something Fishy is easy to pay. Just remember to bring cash with you. I was prepared, and I'd brought my wallet with a few banknotes in it.

I fancy breaded cod tonight, so I bought a good piece of that, and a portion of their battered scampi.

The piece of cod was a fiver; the scampi, £2.80.

Tuesday 26 May 2020

Franklin Maxims: VIII

AN HONEST MAN WILL RECEIVE NEITHER MONEY NOR PRAISE, THAT IS NOT HIS DUE.

Saturday 23 May 2020

Franklin Maxims: VII

LEARN OF THE SKILFUL: HE THAT TEACHES HIMSELF, HATH A FOOL FOR HIS MASTER.

1974: Belfast Car Dealers


The 1974 Series: Any suggestions about other categories to write about, viz. hatters, book-sellers, restaurants or whatever are welcome.

The first topic is going to be car dealerships and distributors in central Belfast mainly because, as a little boy, I simply adored motor-cars and car show-rooms. Which ones did I frequent?

Mostly Thompson-Reid's and Charles Hurst. Thompson-Reid's show-room at Breda shopping centre (Supermac) was a place I often visited, and the sales men invariably indulged me.

Thompson-Reid had their head office and show-room at 14-16 Donegall Square East, and the show-room went right back to Upper Arthur Street, where there was a little petrol station.

They sold Austin cars.


Thompson-Reid also had premises at the aforementioned Supermac shopping centre.

Charles Hurst was the other big dealership in Belfast which sold British marques, their show-rooms being at 44-54 Chichester Street and 17-27 Montgomery Street.

W H Alexander sold Morris and Wolseley cars at the aptly named Morris House, 90-108 Victoria Street.

Stanley Harvey, at 4 Clarence Street West had, I believe, the concession for Rolls-Royce.

The main Ford dealers were J E Coulter, at 78-82 Antrim road and 38-42 Chichester Street; and R E Hamilton, at 32 Linen Hall Street.


Isaac Agnew was considerably smaller, in commercial terms, though it survives today.

They were main Volkswagon dealers at North Howard Street, Lisburn Road and Falls Road.

A S Baird sold Chrysler, Humber, Hillman, Sunbeam and Simca.

Baird's offices were at was Humber House, 26-30 Ormeau Avenue, and 62-66 Bedford Street.

Clarence Engineering Limited, of 24 Ormeau Avenue and Bankmore Street, sold Triumph and Standard cars.

W H Connolly was located at 118-124 Donegall Pass and, I think, sold Citroen cars.

Dick and company, Donegall Street,  sold Fiat cars.

Geddis Cars, 28 Linen Hall Street - Datsun (now Nissan).

David Marshall Limited was the main Vauxhall dealer at 17 Bedford Street.

Have I omitted any?

First published in May, 2010.

Friday 22 May 2020

Ardgillan Castle

THE TAYLORS WERE MAJOR LANDOWNERS IN COUNTY MEATH, WITH 9,000 ACRES AND 805 ACRES OF LAND IN COUNTY DUBLIN


THE HON AND REV HENRY EDWARD TAYLOUR (1768-1852), youngest son of Thomas, 1st Earl of Bective KP, married, in 1807, Marianne, eldest daughter of Colonel the Hon Richard St Leger, and had issue,
THOMAS EDWARD, his heir;
Richard Chambré Hayes (General Sir), GCB;
Marianne Jane; Louisa Catherine.
The eldest son,

THE RT HON THOMAS EDWARD TAYLOR JP DL (1811-83), of Ardgillan Castle, County Dublin, MP for County Dublin, 1841-83, Lieutenant-Colonel, Royal Meath Militia, 1847-74, Honorary Colonel.


Colonel Taylor, who was a Lord of the Treasury 1858-59, and Joint Secretary of the Treasury 1866-68, was appointed in the last-named year Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, and again in 1874-80.

He married, in 1862, Louisa Harrington, second daughter of the Rev and Hon Hugh Francis Tollemache, Rector of Harrington, Northamptonshire, and had issue,
EDWARD RICHARD, his heir;
Basil Reginald Hamilton, Lieutenant RN;
Cecil Cornelia Marianne St Leger; Beatrix Virginia Louisa Tollemache (twins).
Colonel Taylor died at his sister's house, 15 Fitzwilliam Place, Dublin, and was buried in the family vault at Balbriggan, County Dublin.

He was succeeded by his eldest son,

EDWARD RICHARD TAYLOR JP DL (1863-1938), of Ardgillan Castle, Captain, Grenadier Guards, who espoused, in 1935, Ada, daughter of William Howe Bodley, though the marriage was without issue.


ARDGILLAN CASTLE, near Balbriggan, County Dublin, is set in the 200-acre Ardgillan demesne.

Featuring castellated embellishments, the building overlooks Barnageera Beach, the Irish Sea and Dublin (Balbriggan).

The castle comprises two storeys over a basement, which extends under the south lawns.

When occupied, the ground and first floors were the living accommodation; while the west and east wings were servants quarters and estate offices.

The basement was the service floor, the kitchen and stores.

The castle has now been restored and the ground floor rooms and kitchens are open to visitors for guided tours.

Tea-rooms are located off the main reception area and serving light snacks are open in conjunction with the Castle opening times.

Upstairs, the former bedrooms are used for classes and exhibitions including a permanent and unique exhibition of the "Down Survey" colour maps and text.

Ardgillan demesne is a popular local park, with a mix of woodlands and large grass open spaces.

The park contains a walled herb garden, rose garden, Victorian conservatory, tea rooms and an ice house.

A children's playground was added in 2006.

Ardgillan Castle provides guided tours and hosts exhibitions throughout the years.

A new Holistic Centre is set in the former Gardener's House in the corner of the Rose Garden.

The previous owner of the land was Robert Usher, a wine merchant from Tallaght.
When the Very Rev Robert Taylor bought the land it was quite a wooded area, so he employed some out of service soldiers from Bangor, County Down, and paid them one penny and a meal per day, as well as bed every night. They also received a tot of Bushmills whiskey, which was brought in for 2/2 a gallon.
The Castle was built by the Very Rev Robert Taylor in 1738.

The Very Rev Robert Taylor, Dean of Clonfert, was born in 1689 in Cheshire.

In 1714, having studied Holy Orders at Trinity College Dublin, he was appointed Archdeacon of Kilmacduagh in the Province of Tuam.

In 1722, he was appointed Precentor of Clonfert, where his brother-in-law Dr Fitzgerald was Dean.

By 1726 he was appointed Dean of Clonfert, only to resign within months.

Robert Taylor died unmarried in 1744 and Ardgillan, together with its estate, became the property of his eldest brother Sir Thomas Taylor, 2nd Baronet.

Ardgillan remained in the Taylor family until 1962, when the estate was sold to Heinrich Potts, of Westphalia, Germany.

In 1982, the estate was sold to Fingal County Council, which renovated the house.

It was officially opened to the public in 1992.

First published in April, 2013.

Thursday 21 May 2020

Dodington Park

THE CODRINGTON BARONETS OWNED 4,218 ACRES OF LAND IN GLOUCESTERSHIRE


The Codringtons have been of ancient standing at Codrington (whence the surname), Gloucestershire, having been established there since the reign of HENRY IV; and we find one of them, John Codrington, filling the honourable post of standard-bearer to HENRY V during his French wars.

In the time of CHARLES I, a younger son,

CHRISTOPHER CODRINGTON, emigrated, with his entire property, to Barbados, and dying there, left two sons,
CHRISTOPHER;
JOHN, of whom we treat.
The younger son,

JOHN CODRINGTON, Treasurer of Barbados, Colonel of the Lifeguards there, married Elizabeth, daughter of Colonel William Bates, of Barbados, and had two sons, the elder of whom,

WILLIAM CODRINGTON, of Dodington, Gloucestershire, was created a baronet in 1721, designated of Dodington, Gloucestershire.

Sir William espoused, in 1718, Elizabeth, daughter of William Bethell, of Swindon, Yorkshire, and had, with other issue,
WILLIAM, 2nd Baronet;
John Archibald;
Christopher;
EDWARD, of whom we treat;
Caroline; Bridget.
Sir William's fourth son,

EDWARD CODRINGTON (1732-75), married, in 1759, Rebecca le Sturgeon, and had issue,
CHRISTOPHER;
William John;
Edward (Admiral Sir) GCB;
Caroline.
The eldest son,

CHRISTOPHER BETHELL-CODRINGTON (1764-1843), of Dodington Park, Gloucestershire, MP for Tewkesbury, 1797-1812, who assumed the additional name of 'Bethell', wedded, in 1796, Caroline Georgina Harriet, daughter of Thomas, 2nd Baron Foley, by whom he had issue,
CHRISTOPHER WILLIAM, his heir;
Edward;
Charlotte Octavia; Emma; Caroline Anna Maria; Georgina Elizabeth.
Sir William Codrington, 3rd Baronet, was completely disinherited by his father, who bequeathed his extensive estates to his nephew, Christopher Bethell-Codrington.

Mr Bethell-Codrington was succeeded by his eldest son,

CHRISTOPHER WILLIAM CODRINGTON (1805-64), of Dodington Park, MP for East Gloucestershire, 1834-64, who espoused, in 1836, the Lady Georgiana Charlotte Anne Somerset, daughter of Henry, 7th Duke of Beaufort, and had issue,
GERALD WILLIAM HENRY, his heir;
George John Granville Christopher;
Alice Emily Georgiana Olivia.
Mr Codrington was succeeded by his eldest son,

GERALD WILLIAM HENRY CODRINGTON JP (1850-1929), of Dodington Park, High Sheriff of Gloucestershire, 1880, who married, in 1887, the Lady Edith Henrietta Sybil Denison, daughter of William, 1st Earl of Londesborough, and had issue,
CHRISTOPHER WILLIAM GERALD HENRY, his successor;
Edith Georgiana Veronica; Cecilia Grace Adelaide Sybil.
Mr Codrington was created a baronet, in 1876, designated of Dodington, Gloucestershire.

He was succeeded by his eldest son,

SIR CHRISTOPHER WILLIAM GERALD HENRY CODRINGTON, 2nd Baronet (1894-1979), of Dodington Park, High Sheriff of Gloucestershire, 1938, who wedded firstly, in 1921, Joan Mary, daughter of Thomas Reginald Hague-Cook, and had issue, an only child,
SIMON FRANCIS BETHELL, his successor.
Sir Christopher espoused secondly, in 1963, Henrietta Desirée Moutray, daughter of Major Beresford Moutray Read.

He was succeeded by his only son,

SIR SIMON FRANCIS BETHELL CODRINGTON, 3rd Baronet (1923-2005), of Dodington Park, who married firstly, in 1947, Joanna, daughter of John William Molineaux; secondly, in 1959, Pamela Joy Halliday, daughter of Major George Walter Bentely Wise, by whom he had issue,
CHRISTOPHER GEORGE WAYNE, his successor;
Bethell;
Hugo John.
Sir Simon was succeeded by his eldest son,

SIR CHRISTOPHER GEORGE WAYNE CODRINGTON, 4th and present Baronet (1960-), who married, in 1991, Noelle Lynn, daughter of Dale Wilford Leverson, and has issue,
Alexander (1993-2010);
Cecilia;
WILLIAM GEORGE BETHELL, born in 2003.

DODINGTON PARK, Gloucestershire, is the principal home of the pre-eminent inventor and designer, Sir James Dyson, OM, CBE, and his family.

Ever since I saw him promoting his inventions on the BBC's Tomorrow's World I've been a great admirer of Sir James's achievements.

Sir Christopher Frayling, a former Rector of the Royal College of Art (RCA), once remarked that
"James wears stylish, elegant clothes: very natty shirts and carefully put together informal outfits. He doesn't like ties in the office. James is passionate about design and engineering and really comes alive when he's talking about them." 
"When he was a student he used to creep out to lectures at Imperial College where they studied engineering. Design wasn't enough; he wanted to know how things work. He's an extremely rare figure on the British scene in that he likes to control all aspects of the production." 
"He is the heir to the Victorian iron-masters who both designed and manufactured - the time of Brunel when Britain was the workshop of the world. But there is now a lot of snobbery in the design world when people get into mass manufacturing." 
"Britain doesn't celebrate him as it should. We were in the senior common room at the RCA and I looked down at the carpet and said, 'James, it would be terrific if we could get a vacuum cleaner.'  
"The next day this surreal thing arrived: pieces of six machines in cut-away slices displayed on a board in a see-through case. About three months later in a speech I made a joke about it, saying that we still haven't got a vacuum cleaner." 
"James was in the audience and the next day he sent one round. But the surrealistic jigsaw is still on display in the common room."
Sir James was born in Norfolk and went to Gresham's School, where his father, Alec, taught classics.

He believes that a great deal of his motivation can be attributed to the sudden death of his father from cancer when he was nine years old:
"The fact that he taught at the school and then he wasn't there any more rubbed it in more. So I felt different and substandard and I knew I would have to fight and I became very competitive."
One of Sir James's first commissions was for Sir Terence Conran's Design Group.

Sir Terence remarked that,
"He has a determination which I think is demonstrated by his success around the world. He is incredibly single-minded but understands equally there needs to be a quality of life." 
"He's not just a workaholic but a very well-rounded person. He goes to a holiday home in France and is very interested in gardening. He's refurbishing the stately home, has a cricket team and likes his Burgundy."
Sir James receiving the Order of Merit from HM The Queen in 2016

MUCH has already been written about Dodington Park by academics and scholars, so I shall condense a few of the more salient details.

There was a previous house on the site of the present Georgian mansion, which dated from the middle to late 16th century.

Sir Robert Atkyns remarked at the time that Sir William Codrington 'hath a large house near the Church, and very large and beautiful gardens, and a great Estate in this Parish.'

Dodington Park today comprises almost 800 acres on the west-facing slopes of the southern Cotswolds, about 2½ miles east of Chipping Sodbury, Gloucestershire.

The village of Dodington stands immediately outside the west entrance, 300 yards north-west of Dodington Park House, which was designed and built between 1796 and 1816 by James Wyatt.

Work on the exquisite interiors, however, was not completed until the 1820s.

This is a Roman Classical country house, constructed of Bath stone ashlar with a slate roof.


The main entrance front, with its massive portico, faces west, overlooking a forecourt with a late 20th century topiary layout.

The eastern elevation boasts two full-height bow windows at either end.

The south front, facing the main approach, is a plain seven-bay composition defined by Corinthian pilasters.

From the north-west corner of the house a curving conservatory connects to St Mary's church, completely rebuilt by Wyatt.

The large kitchen wing was demolished in 1932.

At the time of its sale in 2003 the mansion was described as being 52,000 square feet in size.

The estate was still owned by the Codringtons until the early 1980s.

In 2003 it was purchased by Sir James Dyson.

Principal sources ~ Parks & Gardens and the Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest.

Sunday 17 May 2020

1974: Barristers

I happen to have a 1974 Belfast and Northern Ireland street directory. There are collections of them dating from the 19th century at the Linenhall Library, Belfast Central Library, and the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland.

I have no idea whether any other libraries have them in the Province, though I'm sure they do.

These directories (are they still produced?) have many, many categories, including a comprehensive list of streets in the city, from Abbey Gardens to Zetland Street; Government Administration; Government Services; Legal Directory; Towns & Villages. Ad infinitum.

Under Professions and Trades we have the sub-section entitled BARRISTERS-AT-LAW.

Here's a selective list:-

  • R Appleton QC, 12 Waterloo Park South, Belfast
  • R D Carswell QC, 40 Massey Avenue, Belfast
  • His Honour Judge Conaghan, 17 Beechlands, Belfast
  • The Rt Hon Lord Justice Curran, 19 Deramore Park, Belfast
  • The Rt Hon Lord Justice Gibson, 13 Broomhill Park, Belfast
  • F P Girvan, 11 Waterloo Park, Belfast
  • A R Hart, 94 Old Holywood Road, Belfast
  • His Honour Judge Higgins, 2 Waterloo Park, Belfast
  • J B E Hutton, 9 North Circular Road, Belfast
  • His Honour Judge Johnson, 69 Somerton Road, Belfast
  • The Rt Hon Lord Justice Jones, 10 Kincora Avenue, Belfast
  • Brian F Kerr, 23 Ailesbury Road, Belfast
  • C M Lavery QC, 120 Harberton Park, Belfast
  • R L McCartney QC, 35 Malone Park, Belfast
  • L P McCollum, 24 Adelaide Park, Belfast
  • His Honour Judge McGonigal, 16 Hawthornden Road, Belfast
  • Wm B McIvor QC MP, 2 Cherryvalley Park, Belfast
  • John McKee, 40 Malone Heights, Belfast
  • J D McSparran QC, 10 Malone Park, Belfast
  • The Rt Hon Lord Justice McVeigh, 12 Annadale Avenue, Belfast
  • The Hon Mr Justice O'Donnell, 155 Glen Road, Falls, Belfast
  • His Honour Judge Sir Robert Porter PC QC, 86 Marlborough Park North, Belfast
  • J K Pringle, 10 Harberton Avenue, Belfast
  • His Honour Judge Watt, 12 Deramore Drive, Belfast
First published in May, 2010.

Thursday 7 May 2020

Gowran Castle

THE VISCOUNTS CLIFDEN WERE THE GREATEST LANDOWNERS IN COUNTY KILKENNY, WITH 35,288 ACRES

CHARLES AGAR (1639-96), of Yorkshire, married Ellis, daughter of Peter Blancheville, of County Kilkenny, and settling at Gowran, in that county, died there in 1696, and was succeeded by his son,

JAMES AGAR (1672-1733), of Gowran Castle, High Sheriff of County Kilkenny, 1702, who wedded firstly, in 1692, Susannah, daughter of John Alexander, but by that lady had no issue to survive youth.

He espoused secondly, Mary, eldest daughter of Sir Henry Wemyss, of Danesfort, County Kilkenny, and had issue,
HENRY, his heir;
James;
ELLIS, created COUNTESS OF BRANDON;
Mary.
The elder son, 

HENRY AGAR (1702-46), MP for Gowran, 1727-46, married, in 1733, Anne, only daughter of the Rt Rev Welbore Ellis, Lord Bishop of Meath, and sister of Welbore Ellis, 1st Baron Mendip, and had issue,
JAMES, his heir;
Welbore Ellis;
CHARLES, Lord Archbishop of Dublin; cr Earl of Normanton;
Henry, in holy orders;
Diana.
Mr Agar was succeeded by his eldest son,

THE RT HON JAMES AGAR (1735-88), of Gowran Castle, MP for Gowran, 1753-60, County Kilkenny, 1761-76, who having filled some high official situations in Ireland, was created, in 1776, Baron Clifden.

His lordship was advanced to the dignity of a viscountcy, in 1781, in the dignity of VISCOUNT CLIFDEN, of Gowran, County Kilkenny.

He lordship wedded Lucia, eldest daughter of John Martin, and widow of the Hon Henry Boyle Walsingham, second son of Henry, Earl of Shannon, and had issue,
HENRY WELBORE, his successor;
John Ellis, in holy orders;
Charles Bagenal.
His lordship was succeeded by his eldest son,

HENRY WELBORE, 2nd Viscount (1761-1836), who inherited, in 1802, the barony of Mendip, upon the demise of his great-uncle, Welbore, Lord Mendip, and assumed the additional name of ELLIS.

His lordship married, in 1792, the Lady Caroline Spencer, eldest daughter of George, 3rd Duke of Marlborough KG, and had an only son,

GEORGE JAMES WELBORE (1797-1833), who was created, 1831, BARON DOVER.

HENRY,  3rd Viscount Clifden and 3rd Baron Mendip.



GOWRAN CASTLE, County Kilkenny, is an elegantly-appointed, substantial house built for Henry, 2nd Viscount Clifden, to designs attributable to William Robertson (1770-1850), forming an attractive landmark in the centre of Gowran.

Probably incorporating the fabric of an early 18th century house built by James, 1st Viscount, the present edifice represents the continuation of a long-standing presence on site having origins dating back to at least the late 14th century.

Attributes identifying the architectural design significance of the composition include the balanced configuration of pleasantly-proportioned openings centred on each front on a Classical frontispiece exhibiting expert masonry in locally-sourced Kilkenny limestone.

Although a later range has been lost the essential attributes of the original portion prevail, together with substantial quantities of the historic fabric both to the exterior and to the interior.

Forming a prominent focal point enhancing the townscape of Gowran, the house remains of additional importance in the locality for the connections with the Agar-Ellis and the Moran families.

It was inherited by the daughter of the 3rd Viscount, who married the 3rd Baron Annaly.

Gowran was sold by the 4th Lord Annaly ca 1955.

First published in May, 2011.  Clifden arms courtesy of European Heraldry.

Wednesday 6 May 2020

Tuesday 5 May 2020

Farewell Con

I bade farewell to my old acquaintance, the Reverend John McConnell (Con) Auld, MA, this afternoon, Tuesday, the 5th May, 2020, in his home town of Holywood, County Down.

Mourners assembled at High Street in the town, and the cortège made its way to Redburn cemetery.

A service to celebrate his life was conducted at Con's graveside by the Rev Noble McNeely, Minister Emeritus of 1st Holywood Presbyterian Church.

Con's Final Journey, Redburn Cemetery

Con's memory lives on in his historical publications.

Every time I visit Portbraddan, County Antrim, I'll think of him.

Sunday 3 May 2020

Towpath Ride

£82,754,728.

That was the estimated cost for reopening the River Lagan navigation from Belfast Harbour to Lough Neagh in 2012.

Money well spent, to my mind.

By far the costliest stretch of the canal to reinstate would be from Stranmillis to Lisburn, though a new Lock One is presently being built at Stranmillis, and Lock Twelve, Hanna's, has been restored at Lagan Valley Island, Lisburn.

The part of the canal from Moira to Lough Neagh is the best preserved section of the navigation, with original road bridges and locks remaining intact.

The main fabric here has suffered little during the period of abandonment and a complete and quick restoration would be achievable.

The main issues for that section, therefore, would include the loss of the towpath for part of its length, and the provision of an adequate water supply for locks, and land ownership.


A WALK or cycle along the River Lagan towpath really can be delightful, especially on a fine, sunny day.

Unfortunately the old canal is no longer navigable by boat, nor has it been since about 1958.

Click to Enlarge

The narrow canal boats which used it, lighters as they were called, had to be no longer than 62 feet in length, 14 feet 6 inches in width, with a maximum draught of 5 feet 6 inches.

That was the stipulation.

Today I cycled along the Lagan towpath (former path used by horses to tow the lighters) as far as Lock Seven.

I've already posted photographs of my journey to Locks Two and Three (haven't I?).

Lock Four

Lock Four, Rosie Ward's, in the vicinity of Edenderry, County Antrim, is completely overgrown with little trees, bushes and plants sprouting everywhere.

There was once an eel weir here, though that has been disused since the 1950s.

The average distance between each lock is about a mile.

Lock Five, May, 2020

At Lock Five, Ballydrain Lock, we pass Malone Golf Club, which possesses a grand club-house, formerly known as Ballydrain House.

I've written a bit about Ballydrain House here.

Lock Five is high and dry. Seemingly there were always issues with water levels on the canal, and the Broad Water was created as a reservoir for this very purpose.

Lock Five, towards Belfast

Canal folk were a superstitious bunch: they disliked staying overnight in this area due to 'strange influences.'

Drum House from Lock Six

Drum House, a large residence at Lock Six, looks terrific. I gather there's a garden centre here.

Its lawns sweep down to the bank of the canal.


An old painted bollard still exists at this lock, which is fairly clear of foliage.

The original penstock weir across the River Lagan at Drum Bridge has since been removed and a short section of canal under the bridge has been concreted to accommodate a pedestrian footpath.

The restoration of a navigation bridge at the existing underpass at Drum Bridge below Upper Malone Road would therefore be needed.

Lock Six, painted by WH Burns (1924-95). Photo Credit: BBC

The estimated cost of restoring the navigation at Lock Six alone was about £4 million in 2012.

Lock Six, May, 2020

I couldn't resist posting an image of the lock today and almost a century ago in 1924.

Lock Six in 1924

My journey along the canal terminated today at Lock Seven, McQuiston's Lock, which lies between Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park and Seymour Hill, Dunmurry.

This lock is completely overgrown; in fact I almost missed it as I cycled along the towpath.

Ruinous Lock-house at Lock Seven

It's well worth a detour, though, because deep within the woods the ruins of the old Mossvale lock-house can be seen.

Is it made of sandstone? Most, if not all, of the locks were made with that type of stone.

The restoration costs for a new Lock Seven would be considerable.

The M1 Motorway crosses both the River Lagan and the original navigation cut approximately half a mile south of Upper Dunmurry Lane.

A section of the navigation cut was partially infilled during the construction of the motorway embankment, and a subway was built to accommodate the pedestrian route under the motorway.

The present subway, however, isn't big enough for any new stretch of canal.

The river was realigned under the M1 about 400 yards to the north of the subway.

The most cost-effective option at this location, it has been proposed, is not to follow the original route of the waterway, but to utilise the river under the motorway bridge and construct a new short section of navigation cut and lock chamber on the upstream side to connect to the original cut.

Another couple of million pounds.

Back to McQuiston’s lock-house: It's on the far side of the towpath, across the little stone bridge.

This lock was near Mossvale linen works, owned by the Charley family of Seymour Hill.

The Charleys even constructed a quay on the canal for unloading coal.

From here I turned back, and stopped en route at Lock Three, McCleave's, where the Lockkeeper's Inn is located.

Pit-stop at Lock Three

I didn't have the Apple Watch on today because the battery was far too low.