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Picture the scene….it is approaching Christmas day 166 years ago. On a cold winters evening the people of Coleraine and surrounding areas packed out the Town Hall. They were there to hear a lecture by Dr. Babington, his subject being, “The Town of Coleraine”. Dr. Babington tells of an often-forgotten history of the town and its inhabitants from ancient times to the present (being 1852). A wonderful insight into the life and times of the people who lived in Coleraine. Dr. Babington’s lecture was recorded and printed in the Coleraine Chronicle dated 18th December 1852.  DR. BABINGTON’S LECTURE ON THE TOWN OF COLERAINE The second lecture of the season, in connection with the Coleraine Mechanic’s Institute, was delivered on Tuesday night last in the Town Hall here, by Dr. Babington. The Hall was crowded to excess. Sir H. H. Bruce, Bart., the President of the Institute, occupied the chair. Dr. Babington on rising was received with applause. He stated that the subject which he had chosen for his lecture was “The Town of Coleraine.” Having given the geographical position of this borough, he then proceeded as follows: -  Considerable differences exist amongst etymologists as to the origin of the name of the town of Coleraine; some derive it from Cuil Rathan, the corner of ferns, and this view is supported by the authority of an old work, the Trepartite Life, in which it is stated that our patron saint, St. Patrick, having arrived in this neighbourhood was hospitably entertained, and received an offer of ground to build a church, the site pointed out to him was on the northern side of the river Bann, on a piece of ground overgrown by ferns, and that in the year 540, Bishop Carbrens selected this place for his abode, and from these incidents the place was called Cuil Rathan, the corner of ferns, or the ferny retirement. Others derive the name from the Cuil Rathan, the fort on the corner or bend of the waters. To the latter, Mr. Sampson and Mr. Lewis incline, while that accomplished antiquarian scholar, Mr. Reeves, of Ballymena, adopts the former. We are also informed that in ancient times the town was called Banina, owing to the proximity to the river Bann. This town is of remote antiquity; it is always called the ancient and loyal borough, and in old times the greater part of the town was situated on the west side of the river Bann. In the year 540, there was a priory of canons regular at Coleraine, and Saint Carbrens, a disciple of Saint Finian, was the Bishop or mitred Abbot. In the year 930, Armidius, who was then Abbot, was murdered by the Danes. It must be very clear to all who have inquired into the history of this locality, that the Danes or Northmen held at one time considerable sway here. In 795, they had possession of Rathlin Island. In 1008 Magnus, King of Norway, crossed by the Orkneys, Hebrides, and Isle of Man to Dublin, overran the island, and was defeated in a battle with the people of Ulster.  In the year 1171, the priory was attacked by Manus McDunlade and in 1213, according to the old masters, al the houses in the town and other buildings, except the church, were pulled down by Thomas McUchtry and the English, for the purpose of building a castle at Coleraine. It is supposed by many that the site of the old Abbey is now occupied by the shambles. You may all recollect that considerable quantities of bones were dug up when excavating for the foundation of that handsome range of buildings erected by Mr. C. Know, at Hanover-place and Bridge-street. I do not incline to the idea that there was a burying-ground there, as the bones were not found lying in any order, but were all heaped together. There was also a monastery west of the town, founded....  Use the link above to explore the Historical Maps available at PRONI.  ....in the 5th century by one of the O’Cathan family, and there is reason to believe that in 1244 there was a Dominican friary at Coleraine, on the west bank of the river. The farms belonging to this body were surrendered to James 1, or his commissioners, and were granted to the London Society. Shane O’Boyle was the last prior of this monastery. It is recorded that from that foundation, two Bishops, two Authors, and eight Martyrs were sent forth. There can be no doubt that Coleraine and the whole district surrounding it, and adjacent on both sides of the river was the scene of many of these engagements, more especially of the battles with the Danes; witness their Raths, moats, and encampments, in the vicinity of this town, the Giant’s Sconce in Dunboe, Mountsandel, the very perfect forts of Ballycairn. Ballyvenox, the Glebe of Dunboe. And all these so disposed, as well for strenghth as that fires kindled on one may be seen to the next on either side. From this we may conclude the communication by telegraph is not of very modern date. Coleraine was at one period the principle town of the county, and the district which we now designate the county of Londonderry was called the county of Coleraine. In the year 1569, having sworn allegiance in 1559, Shan O’Neill raised a most formidable rebellion against Queen Elizabeth. O’Neill was the head of the powerful Septa in Ulster, he gained some advantages over the Queen’s forces, but was finally vanquished by Sir Henry Sidney. He fled to Scotland and was there assassinated. The Queen, with worse judgement than policy, made O’Neill’s nephew, Earl of Tyrone and he, in grateful return for the honour conferred on him, fomented fresh disturbances, stirred up a new revolt in Ulster, and after reverses on both sides the Earl of Mountjoy were successful.  Modern Image of Mountsandel Fort Image courtesy of Luke Watson.  In these conflicts, Sir Henry Dowerah ably assisted the English and took the Castle of Derry from O’Doherty. Notwithstanding many favourable occurrences, as the landing of the Spaniards at Kinsale, and other things, O’Neill was obliged to surrender. The rebellion was terminated, and Ulster was forfeited to the crown. The Queen soon after died. The town of Derry and Coleraine, and a large tract of country were waste, almost depopulated, and the remaining inhabitants were attainted of high treason. About this time the Earl of Salisbury, Lord High Treasurer, suggested to King James 1. The project of establishing an English colony on the forfeited estates, in Ulster. King James had formally a plan of a similar nature for the Highlands of Scotland. And, he now saw how the plantations in Munster and Ulster as attempted in the late reign, had failed – this experience served to guide him. He sought the advice of men of experience, but at first was not very fortunate in his choice. He first consulted Lord Bacon, who wrote a treatise on the subject, but his views did not exhibit great knowledge. The Lord Deputy, Sir Arthur Chichester, joined to considerable abilities and high attainments a knowledge of the country which Lord Bacon had not. He had the counties surveyed – Donegal, Tyrone, Coleraine, Fermanagh, Cavan, Armagh, comprising 511,465 acres, drew up descriptions, pointed out sites for building country houses and castles, and reported generally on the habits of the people. The scheme was taken up by the city of London, the corporation of which accepted large grants in this county. They agreed to expend £20,000 to build the cities of Derry and Coleraine, and the King was so proud of their co-operation that he declared, when his enemies should hear that the famous city of London, had a footing therein they would be terrified from looking into Ireland, the back door to England and Scotland.  Use the above link to learn more about the Plantation. Image courtesy of PRONI.  After many preliminaries it was finally determined that for the better management of the plantation in the North of Ireland, a company should be formed in London, consisting of a governor, a deputy governor, and twenty-four assistants, to be elected by the city of London and King James the 1. By letters patent, dated 29th March 1613, incorporated this body by the name of the governess and assistants of London of the new plantation in Ulster. That body we call the Irish Society. At a court of common council, held 8th November 1613, a report was made by certain parties who had been sent over to view the lands, that the county should be divided amongst the twelve London Companies, except the city of Derry, and 4,000 acres, and Coleraine with 300 acres, with the ferries and fishings, and license was granted to the twelve companies to take and hold said lands. The estates were conveyed to the several companies, the city of Londonderry and the town of Coleraine, the lands attached thereto, the woods, ferries and fishings, not being susceptible of division, were retained by the society, who receive the rents and profits therefrom. The first agents are Sir Tristram Beresford and Mr. Rowley. All these letters patent were repealed and cancelled by King Charles 1., were afterwards regranted in the protectorate and confirmed by Charles 11., on the 10th April, 1663, and by this charter the name of the county was changed to the county of Londonderry.  Use the above link to learn more about the Honourable Irish Society.  Previously a charter had been granted to the town of Coleraine by James 1., and it’s inhabitants were incorporated by the name of the mayor and alderman, and burgess of the town of Coleraine. The corporation consisted of twelve aldermen, twenty-four burgesses, and one chamberlain. Sir Tristram Beresford was named in the charter as first mayor, John Wilkinson recorder, Thomas Casey town clerk and chamberlain. The corporation then returned two burgesses to Parliament, and the Irish Society gave them an annual allowance. At the time of the Union the number was reduced to one, and the right of election remained in the corporation till the passing of the Reform Bill, when the franchise was extended to persons occupying houses valued at £10 a year. It appears that at first the planters did not proceed very energetically to perform the trusts reposed in them, for in 1615 Sir Josias Bodley was appointed to inquire and report to King James on the slow progress of the citizens in accomplishing the purposes of the plantation, and subsequently in 1618, a new officer, Captain Nicholas Pynnar, was appointed in his room to take a general survey of the works of the society on their estates. It had been ordered that Coleraine should be built on the abbey side; that 100 houses should be built thereon, and room left for 200 more. Captain Pynnar tells us how that was carried into execution.  A passing word on the ecclesiastical antiquities. He mentioned that the O’Cathan family had founded a monestary to the west of the town in the fifth century. In 1244, this was dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It was subsequently taken possession of by the Dominican Friars, and in 1644 was erected into a university. In the Hibernica Dominicana you will find an account of a miraculous victory which the image of the Virgin Mary obtained over the English Bishop of Derry, Dr. Brutus Babington, and all his attendants, churches, and burying grounds attached. There was also near the Bann, a celebrated monastery, founded by St. Congal, in 580, the site of which is now occupied by Camus burying ground, and the only remains are a curious pillar. At Macosquin, (the Plane of the Rabbit’s Foot) there was an abbey of the Virgin of the Clear Spring, founded by the Cistercian Monks, in the year 1172. Coleraine is remarkable as being the birth place of Dr. Vesey, Archbishop, who suffered such persecution, also for its salmon. And for it’s “Beautiful Kitty,” &c., &c. I before alluded to the Forts and Raths as relics of Danish warfare. As to Mountsandel, we learn that in 1215, John granted to Thomas De Galweya, Earl of Athol, Kilsaultan, with the Castle of Cuilrath, or Coleraine, and the ten Knights’ fees adjoining said castle on the Bann. It is considered that this name of Kilsaultan has passed into Mountsandel, as the Inquisition of 1605 finds that Kilsaultan alias Mountsandel was among the priory lands of Coleraine.  Use the link above to visit 'Coleraine Historical Society' where the Bann Disc's have a wealth of historical information concerning Coleraine and surrounding areas.  In the year 1641, Coleraine was again the scene of warlike operations. Sir Phelim O’Neill again stirred up a rebellion. Others imitated his example, as O’Hanlan, at Tandragee;Sir Conn Magennis, at Newry; Maguire, in Fermanagh; O’Reilly, in Cavan, and within a few weeks the rebels were masters of Tyrone, Monaghan, Longford, Leitrim, Fermanagh, Cavan, Donegal, Londonderry, and part of Armagh and Down. A few forts with the towns of Londonderry, Coleraine, Enniskillen, Lisburn, and Carrickfergus were defended by the English settlers. It is said that a strong body of rebels passing the soldiers in the garrison of Coleraine, asked “If the rogue the King were not dead, and said they were the Queen’s soldiers?” It appears afterwards that in 1642, Coleraine was specially garrisoned by a portion of the Scottish force of 10,000 which was sent over. In 1641 there was a battle at Coleraine, between Sir Phelim O’Neill’s rebels and the King’s troops, when 200 of the people of Coleraine defeated 1,000 of the insurgents. Coleraine was again the scene of a battle and was attacked in 1688, when King James’s forces were successfully repulsed.  I have, perhaps, in somewhat too lengthy terms dwelt on the past history of Coleraine, and I feel I have but imperfectly laid it before you. I shall now descend to the more interesting period, and in so doing, briefly advert to the municipality of the town, the trade, it’s connection with the agriculture of the district, the educational establishments, and the prosperity which your town now enjoys, and to the still greater measure of prosperity which I think and hope is yet in store for it. From the time that Coleraine was granted to the London Society, when it was ordered that Coleraine be built on the abbey side, that one hundred houses should be built, and room left for two hundred more, till the present day, the town has been increasing. In the year 1102 the population of Coleraine was about 3,000, and at the census of 1841, the number of houses in the town was 1271, and the population was 6,255. I have not had access to the returns of the last census, but I have reason to believe that in the town of Coleraine we will find no decrease in the population from either of the causes which have decimated Ireland – famine with all its fearful concomitants, and emigration with its many benefits.  Modern Image of Coleraine Town Image courtesy of Luke Watson Coleraine had a population of 24,634 people in the 2011 Census.  I mentioned before, that Coleraine was governed by a mayor and corporation which continued to exist till the Municipal Reform Act came into operation, on the 10th August, 1840. In the wisdom of the legislature of the day, Coleraine was deemed undeserving of having its civic honours preserved, and the borough was placed in Schedule C, and the corporate property became vested in the Commissioners, erected under the 9 Geo. 1V. commonly called the Lighting, Watching and Cleansing Act. In consequence of this change very considerable funds were placed at the disposal of the Commissioners. They entered into possession of the rents of the lands formally held by the Corporation and of the tolls and customs of the markets, encumbered with a debt which had been incurred for the purpose of erecting these markets. As trustees for the public at large, and for the rate payers of the borough, it has been the object of these Commissioners to expand the funds, of which they had become the administrators for the benefit and welfare, comfort and convenience of the inhabitants of this borough. Since they have become the proprietors of the rents and customs, they have flagged the principle streets of the town; they have commenced an extensive system of sewering; they have lighted the town with gas; and have, to a certain extent, improved the supply of water in different parts of the town, and have considerably increased the accommodation for the markets. They have in contemplation other extensive improvements, and hope to have a full supply of water to every house in town, from....  ....a reservoir to be constructed on a field of which they have a lease in perpetuity for the Worshipful the Clothworkers’ Company granted at the annual letting rent on the kind recommendation of their agent, without any charge for the right of water or springs. I need scarcely add the Commissioners are 21 in number, elected triennially by all persons who occupy houses rated at £5 per annum and upwards, and that they administer the fiscal affairs of the town under the solemn obligation of an oath. The rent roll of the town property last year was £670 16s 8d, and the amount received for customs for the year ending 3d November, £757 8s 11 ½ There is no secrecy in this matter. The meetings of the board are open to all rate-payers. The accounts when audited are published for inspection and examination and every shilling expended is subjected to the most rigid scrutiny.  Image Courtesy of Robert French, The Lawrence Collection held at the NLI.  The trade of Coleraine next demands our attention. The Irish Society, at one time, took considerable interest in the trade of this place; and in April, 1729, they opposed a project for making Ballycastle a port, and again, 1730, when the subject was brought before the Irish Parliament, they again opposed the proposition. The trade of Coleraine consists chiefly in the importation of timber, flaxseed, sugar, teas, salt, coals, iron, herrings, Indian corn, and foreign wheat. Our exports are flax, eggs, butter, oats, oatmeal, barley, and cattle, fat, and for store purposes, sheep and lambs; and in summer, large quantities of salmon. The trade of Coleraine is carried on chiefly by the harbour at Portrush and has considerably increased within the last twenty years. In the year 1831, 132 vessels entered Portrush harbour and the Bann, their total tonnage being 6,575 tons. In 1851 seventy sailing vessels came to Coleraine, and to Portrush 4 93 sailing vessels and steamers, making a total of 563, with a tonnage of 77,803 tons. That the trade of the town is considerably obstructed, by the difficulties attending the navigation of the river, is acknowledged by all; and much as it is in the fashion to despise Portrush harbour. It must be evident that, only for the accommodation therein afforded, we would have little or no trade.  The obstructions at the mouth of, and within the river, both above and below the bridge, have, at different periods, commanded public attention; and, so far back as 1782, the Corporation of Coleraine sent a memorial to the Irish Society on the subject of removing obstructions on the river Bann, and improving the navigation, and the Society entertained the subject. And Mr. Sampson, in his statistical survey of the county, gives an estimate, by Mr. Whaley, for making the river navigable from Coleraine to the bridge above portglenone. It is only of late years this work has been undertaken. Considerable improvements have been made, and are in progress, under the superintendence of the Board of Works, which, when completed, and the navigation opened upwards to Lough Neagh, it is to be hoped that our trade will receive a considerable extension. From Coleraine to the sea the river, to a certain extent, lies idle and unproductive. The obstructions by way of shoals, and the bar at the mouth of the river, remain unremoved. Surveys have been made, engineers consulted, and plans procured for the execution of the works recommended for the improvement of the navigation from the bridge to the sea. Perhaps something may be done in this direction in the coming spring. It behoves you to be up and doing. The iron horse is at your door, and is approaching you on both sides of your town, and if exertion is not made your export trade will be carried into channels that might not be agreeable or profitable.  Modern Image of the Lower Bann Estuary Image courtesy of Luke Watson.  A word about the Bann. This river, the second in size and importance in the county, rises from the Deer’s Meadow, in the Mourne mountains; runs through Rathfriland to Portadown; falls into Lough Neagh at the ferry called the Bann Foot. This part of the river is about thirty miles long. The lake may be looked upon as a broad expansion of the river, which, again narrowing at Toome, passes between the counties of Derry and Antrim, till it reaches the Cutts, passes Coleraine, and empties itself into the sea about four miles below the town. It is said that the Bann, at one time, ran due north, and entered the sea by a channel different from the present one. Giraldus, in his history (1187), gives us a wonderful account of Lough Neagh and the Bann. He says – “There is an extensive lake in Ulster, Lough Neagh, from which the river Bann takes its rise, of which it is reported that the ground it covers was once a fertile and populous district, remarkable, however, for the extreme wickedness of its inhabitants. There was a fountain in the land, with a lid and fastenings; and an old prophecy stated that, some day, the well would be left uncovered, and the water would overflow the whole country, and drown the inhabitants for their crimes. It happened, at last, that a woman went to draw water; and, just as she had filled her jug, and was preparing to fasten the lid of the well, she suddenly heard her child crying at a distance. In her haste to fly to its assistance she forgot to fasten the well, and, when she would have returned to supply the omission, she beheld the water overflowing in every direction; and it continued thus flowing and flowing until the whole of the devoted district had disappeared under the smooth surface of Lough Neagh; and the fishermen on the lake declared, as a proof of the authenticity of the story, that often, when the waters of the lake were tranquil, they could see at the bottom the lofty round towers so peculiar to Ireland, which had belonged to the wretched people who had merited so heavy a judgement by the enormity of their crimes.”  Modern Image of the Cutts on the River Bann, Coleraine Image courtesy of Luke Watson  The fisheries of the Bann demand our notice. The original right to these fisheries appears to have been vested in the ancient monasteries within whose precincts they lay; and, on the suppression of these. The Bishop of Derry laid claim to them, he being successor to the ecclesiastical rights. In the instructions to the Commissioners for the Plantation, it was a direction that the fishings in the loughs and rivers were to be allotted to the proprietors next adjoining. Thence arose a dispute between the London Company and the Bishop of Derry. The Lord Bishop of Derry claimed one day’s fishing in the Bann, each year, on the first Monday after Midsummer. This was called Bishop’s Monday; and Mr. Sampson relates that, in 1800, there was living in this town a man, named Andrew Irwin, who recollected this right having been exercised. He also said he was fishing at Black Point, near the Cranagh, on the day of the battle of the Boyne; and that, during the whole war, the fishing was unmolested. This claim of the Bishop was purchased for an annuity, paid by the London Company, of £250 per annum, and for which a special Act of Parliament was passed – the 3rd and 4th Queen Anne.  The town of Coleraine was once intimately connected with the linen trade, and was the centre of a large weaving and bleaching district. The linen trade was at one time the staple of Londonderry county, and especially of the Aghadoey district, near Coleraine. No branch of manufacture has undergone a greater change than this. The flax was then spun in the locality where it was grown, and not bought up and sent away to the dark lands of Leeds and Manchester, where the groanings of the steam engine have usurped the hand labour and industry of our farmers’ wives and daughters, and the busy music of their spinning wheels. The weaver then purchased the yarn, wove his web, and brought it to the public linen market for sale. The flax was then spun at an average of from three to four hanks to the pound. It might be drawn out to seven or eight hanks. Four-hank yarn sold from 2s 9d to 3s 6d, sometimes 4s a spangle. Four-hank yarn was generally useful for the weft, three hank for the warp. For a web 52 yards long, and ¾ wide, 9 ½ hanks of four hank yarn were required for the weft, and nine spangles of three yank yarn for the warp. The weaving cost about one guinea, and if well made, and of good colour, such a web sold for 2s 2d to 2s 4d a yard. The finest fabrics were made near Coleraine, hence all the fine linens made and sold in other places were called Coleraine. The weavers considered these good times. The trade is different now, the flax when scutched is sold for exportation or for being spun. It is returned made into yarn to parties who either sell it to the weaver or hire the weaver to weave at so much per yard, to be finished within a certain time. I am told the linen trade is very brisk. It is giving as immense quantity of employment by giving out these yarns to be woven; for instance, the Richardsons of Lisburn, the Barklies of Aghadoey, the Hempills in Aghadoey, and Mesers. Bennett and Adams, have all large numbers of persons weaving in this way, and in our town, Mr. Gribbon, has with praiseworthy enterprise, established a weaving factory, and is giving employment very extensively. Notwithstanding all this business of trade and competition amongst capitalists, I believe the weaver is not able to make remunerative wages. According to Sampson, in the year 1802, there were 58 bleachers in the county Londonderry, the price of bleaching was then 6s 6d, a piece of 26 yards long; in 1784, it was 3s 9 ½ d; in 1809, 7s 6d. It is now 4s 4d.  Use the link above to see how the 'Old Flax Mill' is used today.  There is very considerable employment afforded to the female population of the town and neighbourhood, by the introduction of the sewed muslin work, flowering, and shirt making. If the females were properly instructed in this branch of manufacture they would be able to earn much larger wages than they do at present. For the better executed pieces of flowering and embroidery, and for highly worked collars, very handsome prices are given by the agents; that the trade is extensively carried on in this locality well known by you all, and considerable sums of money are thus weekly expended all over the country, I am well aware. I know of an agent in Coleraine who pays weekly about £80 for sewed muslin work and embroidery; and I believe, conducts his business with integrity both to employers and employed. I know that another has long been distributing above £1000 a year for such work. It should be taught in all our schools, and should, I think, be extensively introduced into and taught in the female schools of our union workhouses. It has been introduced into some of them, and I read in the paper last week that Mr. Lyndsay of Belfast, sends work from that town to Fermoy workhouse, within twelve miles of Cork, and expressed himself highly pleased with the manner in which the work was finished.  Use the link above to discover more information concerning Coleraine Workhouse.  Coleraine is the centre of a large and important agricultural district. It affords a good market for the sale of all agricultural produce. Potatoes, turnips, carrots, mangold wurtzel, wheat, oats, barley, rye, beans, flax, butter, pork, and live stock find every week a ready sale in our market place, and vegetables and poultry are carried from door to door; our shambles are well supplied with meat, and generally with fish. It is generally considered that we are improving in agriculture. In the year 1802 Mr. Sampson gave but an indifferent account of the state of agriculture, and gave the following as the rotation of crops-:
 ....-ment of some fields adjacent to the town, and this is chiefly on the Ballyaghron road. But in the cold, soft grounds towards Spittle-Hill and Portrush the fences are naked mounds, the surface is disgraced with rushes, fogging, and a beggarly cropping of oats instead of grouses and clover. He again says, as to the gentlemen farmers towards Coleraine and Killowen, “I understand from some, and learn from others, that there is nothing very regular in their methods. Indeed the greater part of the district is very ungenial, and the residents are as industriously and meritoriously engaged in the staple trade of our country that is to be wondered how they have had time to dress their lands so well. To these gentlemen this naked and rugged district owes everything, and when they fail to exhibit rich carpets of green they display a snowy mantie of bleached linen.” He values potatoes at £19 an acre, barley £15, oats £5 10s to £6, flax £21 12s.  There is little doubt that since the date of this report agriculture is much improved in the district, and within the last ten years greatly changed. With the loss of the potato, farmers are forced to turn their attention to the growing of other roots, and consequently turnips, carrots, and such crops, are becoming more general. They have done a good deal, but much needs to be done by way of improvement. Their lands require to be better drained, to be better cleaned, to be better weeded, to be cultivated with more energy and more industry, and on more scientific principles, particularly with attention to the chemical composition of the soil, the collection and preservation of the manures and such other matters, which were so fully, plainly, ?, and practically explained by the noble lord who kindly ? this place on this day fortnight; and I do think, that if the time that is spent by many in dreamy wishes of legislative exactment for their benefit, was spent on their farm in weeding and cleaning the soil, they would have better results. We have now good wheat growing in our neighbourhood, plenty of rye grass, hay, and clover, good pigs brought to market and commanding a high price without the ? and we have at present a flax trade very lucrative for the grower of crop. There is every hope that this state of things will not only continue but improve; and you must all agree with me that whatever improves the state and prospects of agriculture must tend to the benefit of the merchants, the shopkeeper, the mechanic, the ? and members of all professions, so intimately ? and connected are all branches of the community.  Modern Image of the River Bann running through Coleraine Town. Image courtesy of Luke Watson.  The educational establishments of Coleraine are of rather an ancient date. It is quite plain that the ancient Corporation of our town exercised a ? and control over the only school in the town. In 1705, the society resolved to establish a free school in Coleraine. In Dec., 1714, the Irish Society applied to the Corporation of Coleraine, for an account of the number of scholars in the school, how many free scholars, and other particulars, and whether the master diligently and carefully attended and discharged his duty; and whether the school was in a flourishing condition. In 1715, the Society again inquired whether the Corporation had attended to these future ?, and whether a master had been provided, encouraged, and paid by them to teach reading, writing and arithmetic. In 1728, the Society again interested themselves about the school, and desired their agent to withhold the masters salary. On the 11th November, the decay of the school was ascribed to the divisions among the inhabitants of the town. On the 7th October, 1729. Mr. Ben. Every, the master of the school was dismissed. The school had fallen into decay from the mismanagement and incapacity of the master, and the gross negligence of the Corporation. In 1733, an inquiry was initiated in the cause of the decay of Coleraine school, and the ? of neighbouring schoolmasters to keep school in Coleraine district. On the 30th November, 1737, it was reported to the Society by the master that the school had totally declined, and on the 13th April, 1738, the master, the Rev. Richd Lloyd, receiving no encouragement from either town or Corporation, resigned his office as master.  On the 11th October, 1789, the society consulted Rev. George Cuppage, the rector, as the propriety of restoring the school on a different format, and on the 14th Nov., 1740, a school was established for teaching poor children gratis, to read, write, and comprehend accounts, and Mr. Joseph Young was appointed master, at a salary of £20 per annum. This school is still in existance at the Society’s institution, and has offered considerable benefit on the inhabitants of the place. This is the oldest school for education in the town. We have besides, for a higher class, the National Model School at Captain Street, where I believe there are capabilities and facilities for affording a good English education. We have also a classical and ?rastile school, under the superintendence of Mr. Goody. There are two educational establishments for the children of the gentler sex. You would almost say we have the means of learning and knowing as much as our neighbours. We want the inclination, and we want, I think, another school. I think we require either an industrial school or a ragged school. Perhaps the latter. What are the numbers of wretched boys running around our corners, depending on the precarious earnings of fish carrying, and horse holding, learning? Learning nothing but swearing, lying, and all other profligacy. I think the inhabitants of Coleraine might turn their attention in this direction. I believe we could make such a school for such a class almost self supporting. We could do a world of good, we would prevent our dock being filled with youthful criminals at Quarter Sessions. We would make our men more orderly and decent. We would hear less of the profane remark, and the obscene jest, and we would perhaps, in some instances, bring a class who are careless and negligent, who fear neither God or sin, to redact this they have souls to be saved, and that as they now here they reap hereafter.  Use the link above to discover more history of the Irish Society School.  I am nearly done. I would suggest very lastly indeed, for the improvement of our town, ourselves and posterity, that exertion be made to extend the trade and commerce of the town by incurring the navigation of the river, and connecting Coleraine more closely with the sea and the Port at Portrush. That our educational establishments be extended to meet the needs of all. That more enterprise and activity, ? with greater unanimity of sentiment than I hear we possess, be infused into our proceedings and deliberation for public improvement. I think, for the ? of employing the young population of the town, that the establishment of more manufactories is desirable. The ? state of the town requires attention, consideration and improvement, but this, I think, can safely be left in the hands of the Commissioners, and whatever we attempt for the public good, we should work to order, and go at it with heart and hand, and give a long puff, a strong puff, and a pull together.  Recent changes have now recognised an amalgamation of districts creating the title, 'Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council' rather than 'Coleraine Borough Council'. Use the link above to read the Council report, on the process involved with altering the Armorial Bearings, to take this change into account.  In conclusion, I must apologise for the want of power with which I have handled so great a subject as the past history and present state of your ancient town, and can only say that I sincerely hope that the oldest person present may live to see the day when science shall have cut its way through the only opposing barrier to the complete prosperity of the town and trade of Coleraine, and when the mist which has so long ? heavily over the commerce of your noble river shall be dispelled by the brilliant rays of the rising sun of art, and expose to view, gently resting on its placed waters at your quay, steamers and sailing vessels accepted as belonging in your shores the inhabitants of neighbouring and the ? of far off countries, about to exchange their produce for your manufactures, and where you may ? goodly ships laden with the wealth of distant ? and the merchandise of foreign ports. But be assured that these golden dreams, which I hope and feel assured may yet be realised, will avail ? do you not want yourselves, in every way, to provide, under Devine Precedence, that system of education that will ? you it’s profit by this prosperity, and so to cherish it by ? – without which the blessings that Providence so lovingly heaps upon her children will prove but as the passing sunbeam, lighting the path for a ? but leaving a deeper gloom behind – I say you ? by industry cherish this prosperity, in order that, when the day of adversity – liable, at all times, to fall upon countries, nations, towns, alike as individuals shall ?, you may, by having well used the day of prosperity, be enabled to bow before that adversity till the storm be over? And finally to rise, bent, it may be, but not broken, by the weight of the chastening and which shall have taught you to bear with ? solidarity, as well as with thankfulness prosperity.  Use the link above and search 'Coleraine' for more wonderful images captured by Robert French, photographer, as part of the Lawrence Collection held at NLI.  Dr. Babington resumed his seat amid thunders of applause. H.B. Mackay, Esq., then came and said, he had great pleasure on behalf of the respectable ? ? returning thanks to Dr. Babington for the highly interesting lecture to which they had just ? It was a lecture suggestive of much thought. Though he did not believe any of those present would live to see the bright visions, pictured by Dr. Babington in the end of his lecture, realised, yet, he had no doubt, before many years passed over, that noble ? which was at present flowing uselessly past their ? world because a great thoroughfare, and its ? ? dream would be enlivened by unmistakeable signs of surrounding prosperity and daily increasing traffic. (Cheers) He sat down by moving the thanks of the meeting to Dr. Babington. The Rev. Mr. McMillin accorded the ? with great cordiality. The Chairman having put the motion to the meeting, it was unanimously agreed to, said loud and continued cheers. Dr. Babington briefly returned thanks.  Thomas Bennett, Esq., having been called to provide. Dr. Carson proposed that the thanks of the meeting be given to Sir H. H. Bruce for his dignified conduct in the chair, and for his ? in contriving to be President of the Coleraine Mechanics Institute ever since its establishment in 1842. (Applause) Sir H. H. Bruce returned thanks. He said he took shame to himself for having done so little for the institute; but that was practically owing to his necessary absence from this part of the country. He therefore hoped they would look out for some person among themselves who would preside over them, and who would always give them the benefit of his presence, which it was impossible for him to do in present circumstances. Having earnestly im? ? the young son of the place to avail themselves of the advantages held out by the Mechanics’ Institute, and the necessity of attending to their spiritual as well as their mental wellbeing, the hon. Gentlemen sat down amid loud applause. The meeting then quietly dispersed.  Use the link above to discover more about 'Victorian' Coleraine.
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Robert McKirgan of Portstewart Circa 1830-1897  This document contains information found regarding Robert McKirgan of Portstewart. Robert, who married Sophia McGowan and their ‘known’ children, although there were most likely more children born before registration began. No church records have yet been found to confirm them. Robert’s birth cannot be confirmed. Only two pieces of evidence are available at present, a merchant seaman record stating a date of birth as 12th August 1830 and his death certificate stating his age to be 76 years in 1897 making him circa 1821? I have evidence of a death age being noted wrongly before so either he was born in 1830 and the death age should be 66 or he has given a false date of birth in the Seaman record? Robert and his family were well known fishermen and many accounts of their lives were found in the local papers. Along with birth, marriage and death evidence, and pictures taken of the area in the mid 1890’s, a picture of the life and times of Robert McKirgan can be painted. Maybe, just maybe his image has been captured?  Britain, Merchant Seamen, 1835-1857 The first record is in relation to a Robert McKirgan as a Merchant Seaman.  First name(s) Robert Last name McKirgan Birth year 1830 Birth date 12 Aug 1830 Birth place Portstewart Birth county/country Londonderry Archive The National Archives Series BT113 Piece number 211 Date range 1845-1854 Record set Britain, Merchant Seamen, 1835-1857 Category Education & work Subcategory Merchant navy & maritime Collections from Great Britain, UK None This document shows Robert McKirgan born at Portstewart in the County of Londonderry on the 12th day of August 1830? I am reading his height as 5ft 6”? First went to sea as an Able Seaman (A.S.) The document was issued at Coleraine on the 26th day of July 1850? Robert would have been about 20 years old if this date of birth is correct. Robert lived a full life as a fisherman in Portstewart. The McKirgans of Counties Londonderry and Antrim were either fishermen or farmers and would not have had an easy life. A document (of unknown origin?) sent to me by Tom McKirgan of Oregon tells a story of Robert. Although I have since found some of the details to be mistaken (Roberts fathers name and the date of death for Sophia), the story paints a picture of their life at the time.   Looking at the newspaper archives via www.findmypast.co.uk many articles naming McKirgans are found. some relating to Robert directly or possible family members. The finds have been narrowed to the nearest local paper, ‘Coleraine Chronicle’, although there are other papers such as ‘The Northern Wig’ which would recall some local news also. They will be shown by date throughout this document. Coleraine Chronicle 18 December 1852  FOUR MEN SUPPOSED TO HAVE DROWNED We learn just on the eve of going to press, that four fishermen, belonging to Portstewart, are supposed to have been drowned on Thursday night. – They had left the shore, it appears, about two o’clock in the afternoon, for the purpose of fishing, and have since not been heard of. It is said that they were all intoxicated. We have heard that the ill-fated boat was found yesterday morning at Innishowen, keel uppermost. The names of the parties, who, it is more than likely, have met with a watery grave, as the weather was very boisterous, are Samuel Turbitt, Robert Bacon, and John and Robert McKirgan. Turbitt was married and had a family. Several of the Portstewart men left yesterday afternoon for Innishowen, to find any traces, if possible, of the unfortunate men. Marriage Robert and Sophia married on the 3rd September 1856 at Coleraine Registrar’s Office, County Londonderry. The document names Roberts father as William, occupation Fisherman. They reside in the Parish of Ballyaghran, Portstewart, County Londonderry. (The Parish of Ballywillan, alongside Ballyaghran, falls into County Antrim, and contains McKirgan families not discussed here). Witnesses include Robert McGowan (brother to Sophia?) and William McKirgan (a possible brother to Robert).    Griffiths Valuation The Primary Valuation was the first full scale valuation of property in Ireland. It was overseen by Richard Griffith and published between 1847 and 1864. It is one of the most important surviving 19th century genealogical sources. McKirgans found in the Griffiths Valuation in the Parish of Ballyaghran, printed in 1859.   Robert can be seen residing on the Coleraine Road, East Tullymurry in the Town of Portstewart.  Their are various McKirgan families in the surrounding area. Possible brothers, sisters, Uncles or Aunts of Robert? Roberts father William is not named in the area so could either have passed or be living in a different area. The map below shows the same area some 100 years later. Found using PRONI Historical Maps viewer. www.nidirect.gov.uk  OSNI Six inch to one-mile Irish grid 1952-1969  Coleraine Chronicle 17 November 1860  FATAL ACCIDENT – A respectable young man belonging to Portstewart, named William Logan, had been employed fishing at Tory Island during the summer, with Daniel and Samuel McKirgan, of Portstewart. They were crossing a few days ago from the island to the main land, in a curragh, and not understanding the management of the frail craft, it capsized. Samuel McKirgan swam the distance of about a mile, saving his life, but poor Logan sank to rise no more. He has left an infirm father and mother to deplore his untimely end. Coleraine Chronicle 02 August 1862  MELANCHOLY AFFAIR – About half past 11 o’clock, on Monday morning, it was blowing hard, and a fishing boat, which was labouring on the sea opposite Gortnamullan, Innishowen, was capsized bodily by the fury of the waves. There were three men in the boat. One of them, Henry McKirgan, of Portstewart, was drowned. The other two, John McKirgan and Wm. Lewis, also of Portstewart, were saved through the heroic exertions of Geo. Doherty and John McKenna, and brought safely to land. The boat was dashed to pieces among the rocks. We trust that the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, or some kindred society, will confer a reward on these courageous men. Coleraine Chronicle 13 December 1862  Robert McKirgan, Portstewart, was charged by Mr Daniel McCurdy, with stealing cabbages from a field belonging to him on the night of the 6th inst. Fined 5s and costs, and value of cabbage, or one week’s imprisonment with hard labour. Lawrence Collection The Lawrence Collection consists of 40,000 glass plate negatives from 1870-1914. The images were produced commercially and capture scenes of that period throughout Ireland. The bulk of the outdoor images were taken by Robert French, the Lawrence's’ chief photographer. The pictures produced here are simply screen shots. In order to see more detail when zoomed go to the following link, https://www.nli.ie/en/photographs-introduction.aspx and search the collection , the detail is amazing! Photographs can be purchased from the nli website.  In an attempt to narrow down the date of these pictures by Robert French of Portstewart, dated as taken somewhere between 1865-1914, a closer look at all the pictures and research of the style of dress worn, the pushbikes etc, I have concluded they were taken around the mid 1890’s. This would make Robert McKirgan’s children young adults and if so, many of the harbour pics could include our McKirgan fishermen? This zoomed in shot of one of the harbour pictures shows three fishermen, one older, two younger. Using our imaginations there is no reason why they could not be Robert Snr (aged about 64) and his sons, either Robert (27), James (25) or Andrew (23)?  It is most likely Robert and Sophia began having children soon after their marriage. Sadly no baptism records have been found to determine this but various references indicate further names. Civil registration began in 1864 allowing us to determine all children born to them after this date. Charlotte McKirgan 1866  Charlotte McKirgan was born in Agherton, Portstewart on the sixth of October, 1866 to Robert McKirgan, fisherman and Sophia McKirgan nee McGowan. Robert McKirgan 1868  Robert McKirgan was born in Agherton, Portstewart on the Twentieth of August 1868 to Robert McKirgan, Fisherman and Sophia McKirgan nee Magowan. James McKirgan 1870  James McGowan McKirgan was born on the Twenty-second of September 1870 in Agherton, Portstewart to Robert McKirgan, Fisherman and Sophia McKirgan nee McGowan. Andrew McKirgan 1872  Andrew McKirgan was born on the Tenth of October 1872 in Agherton, Portstewart to Robert McKirgan, Fisherman and Sophia McKirgan nee McGowan. A baptism record is found for Andrew dated 17th January 1873 at Agherton Church of Ireland. Here Andrew is noted to have the middle name of ‘Clarke’.  Martha McKirgan 1875  Martha McKirgan was born on the Sixth January 1875 in Agherton, Portstewart to Robert McKirgan, Fisherman and Sophia McGowan. A baptism record is found for Martha dated 5th September 1875 at Agherton Church of Ireland.  Coleraine Chronicle 29 July 1876  DRUNKENNESS. Head-Constable McKean, Acting-Constable Conway, and Sub-Constables Martin, Gordon, and Lecky, had each several people before the Bench upon charges of drunkenness. Fines from 6d to £2 and costs were imposed. ASSAULT AND OBSTRUCTING THE POLICE. Sub-Constable Copeland was the complainant in a case in which Robert McKirgan and Henry Shaw were charged with being drunk and disorderly. McKirgan having aggravated his offence by obstructing and threatening the Constable. Copeland, who is stationed at Portstewart, stated that when he first saw the defendants, they were drunk, and fighting. They did not get striking each other, because there was a third person between them. When they were separated, Shaw went one way and McKirgan another. After he had gone up the street a “bit,” McKirgan returned and said – “I will put my fists through your lights.” Wm. Morrison was then examined. He said – Shaw and I were coming up the street, selling some fish. McKirgan came forward, and said he would give us fish some morning, meaning salmon. Shaw said he would have nothing to do with him, when McKirgan said he would throw him over the wall and into the sea. They then went in to fight each other. Some additional evidence have been given. The Chairman, having consulted the Bench, said the defendants would each be fined 2s 6d and costs for assaulting each other; and McKirgan would be fined £1 and the costs for obstructing the police in the execution of their duty.  Sophia McKirgan 1877  Sophia McKirgan was born on the Twenty-seventh of June 1877 at Agherton, Portstewart to Robert McKirgan, Fisherman and Sophia McKirgan nee Magowan. A baptism record is found dated 1st September 1879 for Sophia at Agherton Church of Ireland.  Catherine McKirgan 1880  Catherine Ann McKergan was born on the Sixteenth of January 1880 at Agherton, Portstewart to Robert McKergan, Fisherman and Sophia McKergan nee Magowan. A baptism record is found for Catherine Anne dated 2nd May 1880 at Agherton Church of Ireland.  The birth certificates pictured here were located via www.irishgenealogy.ie and the baptism records via www.colerainefhs.org.uk Coleraine Chronicle 26 October 1889  Sergeant Shier, Portstewart, summoned Robert and James McKirgan, jun., for disorderly conduct, and to show cause why they should not be bound over to keep the peace. Mr. D. MacLaughlin appeared for the defendants. The Sergeant deposed that on Saturday evening, the 12th inst., at about 9.50 o’clock, he observed James McKirgan running into his own house, and afterwards heard screams. Robert was then put out by James, but got in again. Witness afterwards observed the defendants fighting and heard loud cries of “Murder,” “Police.” Witness went over and cautioned the defendants, but notwithstanding this the fighting was renewed. The conduct of James was disgraceful, and several people were complaining about it. Mr. MacLaughlin having addressed the Bench for the defence, James McKirgan was bound over, himself in £10 and two sureties in £5 each, to be of good behaviour for twelve months, or, in default, one month’s imprisonment. The case against Robert was dismissed. In this article it states the names of Robert and James McKirgan Junior. It is possible these are the children of James McKirgan who resided on the ‘Crescent’ as seen in the Griffiths Map previously.  Coleraine Chronicle 06 September 1890  PORTBALLINTRAE REGATTA ….This annual regatta was held on Friday last, and the weather could not have been more favourable for the several contests, the sun shining beautifully warm all day, and a nice breeze, not too stormy, blowing regularly from the North……Five boats got away to a good start in the race, the course being twice from the harbour to Blackrock, and then a mile Westward to a boat anchored two miles distant from the shore. The course was sailed twice over, and concluded in the following order:- 1.Mr. McKirgan’s boat, Portstewart. 2.Mr. J. McKay’s boat, Portrush. 3.Mr. G. McMullan’s Ranger, Portballintrae. Coleraine Chronicle 29 November 1890  DISORDERLY CONDUCT Sergeant Shier charged Robert McKirgan and James McKirgan, Portstewart, father and son, with disorderly conduct on the 11th November. Mr. D. MacLaughlin defended, and admitted the offence, stating that the father was the cause of the dispute, having been drunk when the son came home after a days fishing. The sergeant, instating his charge, deposed that he attributed the whole affair to the father. Robert McKirgan was fined 5s and costs, and James 2s 6d and costs. Coleraine Chronicle 26 November 1892  QUESTIONABLE RESPONSIBILITY McKirgan v. O’Kane In this case Sophia McKirgan, of Portstewart, a widow, sued Francis O’Kane, of Coleraine, fish merchant, to recover compensation for work and labour done in the knitting of a salmon net, the property of the defendant. Mr. R. O’Neil appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr. D. MacLaughlin for the defendant. The plaintiff stated that her son, James McKirgan, brought the twine for the making of the net, which was to be completed for the opening of the salmon season. Witness worked at it until she had knitted 300 yards, and then stopped, as she saw no prospect of retaining payment. The defendant came down to Portstewart, and told her to go on working and he would pay her when the net was completed. He gave her 2s 6d at the time. As it was not finished in time defendant sent for 300 yards of netting to Scotland, and this was attached to the piece which witness had knitted. Andrew McKirgan and Sophia McKirgan, son and daughter of the plaintiff, were also examined in support of her evidence. Francis O’Kane, the defendant, stated that he made an arrangement with James McKirgan, a son of the plaintiff, in January last to have a net made for the commencement of the salmon season. Witness purchased £5 worth of twine for the purpose, and gave it to McKirgan, who took it to Portstewart with him. The terms of the agreement were that McKirgan and his brothers were to use their boat in the fishing and witness was to receive a fourth share of all the fish taken, while he was to purchase the remainder of the “takings” at 1d per lb below the marker price. The net was to become witnesses property at the end of the season. Witness went to Portstewart on 27th May, and found that some of the twine had been used. About 285 yards of the net having been knitted. McKirgan came to him and told him that the net could not be completed in time and witness procured 290 yards of net from Scotland at a cost of £7. Witness had no dealings with the old woman (the plaintiff) on the subject. She sent him a message to the effect that she wanted £1 to pay her rent and he replied that he had nothing to do with the paying of her claim – that it was her son James she should apply to. The parties at that time lived together. It was not true that witness had told plaintiff at any time to go on with the net, and he would pay her. In answer to Mr. O’Neill, defendant said the old woman had asked him if he wasn’t “going to stand” and he gave her 2s 6d to provide tea for herself. Wm. Merritt, who was in the employment of the defendant, gave corroborative evidence, adding that he had asked for the return of the twine on several occasions, and could not get it. His Honour said that the old woman had been engaged at a very hard and very tedious work, and she was entitled to be paid for her labour. He thought the defendant had means of recouping himself against James McKirgan , and he would give a decree for £4 5s. The article above states Sophia is a widow but Robert has not passed at this stage so possibly a mere mistake. The named children leave me in no doubt that this is Sophia nee McGowan. Robert Snr death 1897 Robert passes on the 4th December 1897 at his home in Agherton, Portstewart. It states he was 76 years old at time of death although we are not certain of this fact. He is noted as a fisherman. The certificate states Robert ‘probably passed due to heart disease’. The death certificate was incurred from ? Caldwell. Coroner for County Londonderry. An inquest was held on the 6th December 1897.  Using this information we can find details of the inquest using the newspaper archives. Coleraine Chronicle 11th December 1897  REMARKABLY SUDDEN DEATH AT PORTSTEWART On Saturday evening last the inhabitants of Portstewart were startled by the news of the death of an aged inhabitant in the person of Robert McKergan, who has been for many years a well-known figure in the district. The suddenness of his demise occasioned the greatest surprise, as he had been seen on the street but a very few hours previous to the news of his death becoming circulated. He was aged about seventy-six years, and was a native of Portstewart, where he had resided during his entire life-time, following the avocation of a fisherman, a calling which his two surviving sons are also engaged in. The circumstances of his death will be noted in the evidence given at THE INQUEST which was held on Monday by Dr. W. H. Caldwell, J.P. (coroner), at the residence of the deceased. The following were sworn as a jury – Messrs. William Martin (foreman), Hugh Caldwell, Jas. McIlreavy, William Cox, Hugh Simpson, George Kane, Matthew Brown, James Lyons, Matthew M’Kinney, Nicholas Cunningham, Jon. McCurdy, James M’Curdy, Saml. Cox, Thomas M’Quiston and John M’Ilreavy. District-Inspector Loftus C L Totlenham, with Sergeant Gallagher, attended the inquest on behalf of the Crown.  Sophia McKergan, wife of the deceased, was examined and deposed that her late husband was 76 years of age. He had left the house on the previous Saturday about three o’clock, and was then in his usual health. He returned to the house at about six o’clock, and he had then some drink on him. He sat down in the kitchen and began taking off his clothes, and witness and her daughter helped him upstairs. About three quarters of an hour afterwards he called for some tea. Witness said she would not give him any, and he then said he would come down and make it himself. Witness daughter then made the tea and took it upstairs, the witness heard deceased say to her “God bless you”. Deceased got the tea with bread and butter, and the candle was left burning in the room. About ten minutes after that witness noticed that the candle was still burning, and went up with the intention of putting it out, and she then saw that her husband was dead. The bowl was lying on his arm, and some of the bread had been broken in the tea, and some of it was still in the bowl. Witness and her daughter had tea with bread and butter at the same time in the kitchen, and it was similar to that given to the deceased.  Martha McKirgan, daughter of the previous witness, corroborated her mothers evidence. Jennie Spence deposed to going to the house of the deceased on Saturday about seven o’clock. She heard the deceased ask for tea, which was afterwards taken to him by his daughter, who came down after leaving it with deceased. Mrs McKirgan went up about ten minutes after to put out the candle, and when she went up to the room she shouted that “he was gone”. She then ran down the stairs, saying she would go for Andy (her son). Dr. Young who had been summoned to the house after the occurrence, was present at the inquest, but said he could give the jury no information, as McKirgan was dead upon arrival at the house. Some of the jury mentioned that they were aware of the deceased having previously suffered from fainting fits. After consultation, the jury returned a verdict that the death resulted from natural causes – probably heart disease. 1901 Census of Ireland Residents of a house 167 in Mullaghacall North (Portstewart, Londonderry)  Looking at the information placed in the 1901 Census we find Sophia, a widow, aged 65, a midwife, residing with two possible grandchildren, John and James and a young housemaid boarder named Hessie McMichael. Using the House and Building return form below we can see they resided in a two room, 3rd class dwelling with one window. Most likely her sons, Robert and James live with their families either side of her in similar dwellings.    Robert Junior is seen living next to his mother Sophia with his wife and children in the 1901 census. Robert married Agnes Elliot on the 1st December 1891 at Agherton Parish Church.   James is also seen with his wife Lizzie and children. James married Elizabeth Wilson on the 13th January 1892 at Coleraine Parish Church.  Coleraine Chronicle 16 May 1903  FISHERY PROSECUTION The Conservators of Fisheries for Coleraine District were complainants in two cases against four Portstewart fishermen named James McKirgan, Robert McKirgan, Andrew McKirgan and a man called Hempill – (1) for that on the 10th April last, on the River Bann, they did use for the purpose of taking salmon, a net, without being duly licensed, and (2) for trespass on the said fishery. Mr S McDermott appeared for complainants, and defendants were represented by Mr Robt. O’Neill (Messrs, Macaulay & O’Neill). Mr McDermott said he appeared for the Conservators in both these cases, one of which was for trespass, and the other for fishing without a license. Both cases arose out of the same transaction, and he could ask their Worships to take both together. Their Worships decided to do so. John Patterson, in reply to Mr McDermott, stated that he was a water bailiff. He remembered Friday, 10th April last. On that date he was on duty along the River Bann in the townland of East Crossreagh. At about 11 o’clock at night his attention was attracted to a boat upon the Londonderry side of the river. Witness was on County Antrim side, and was in concealment with another bailiff named Jms. Dinsmore. There were four occupants in the boat, which was rowed right across the river. On reaching the shore on the Portstewart side one of the men came out of the boat into the strand, and the net was subsequently shot. They remained there until the net was brought ashore, and then they came down and asked the defendants for their licence. Defendants made no reply, and witness, along with Dinsmore, seized the net and took it from them. On examination they found eleven trout meshed in the net. Witness was able to identify the defendants, as he had often seen them previously.  Cross examined by Mr O’Neill – Witness was able to identify three of the defendants in court as the men who were in the boat on the night in question. The fourth man (Hemphill), who was summoned, he could not identify as being concerned in the matter. To the Chairman – Witness had considerable difficulty in securing the names of the men, as they refused to give them. (At this stage witness identified another man in court, also named Hemphill, as the fourth defendant). The other summons was accordingly struck out. Mr O’Neill said this was one of the most scandalous cases ever brought into that court. It would be proved by several respectable witnesses that none of the defendants had been engaged fishing that night. Patterson, further cross-examined by Mr O’Neill, stated that he did not know the Christian names of the defendants, but he knew them by their appearance well enough. The boat that was used on the occasion belonged to a man named Doherty. Witness did not as to anyone a day or two after the occurrence that a man named M’Gowan was in the boat. There was bright moonlight that night. James Dinsmore gave corroborative evidence. He was able to identify three of the defendants as being in the boat on the night in question. By Mr O’Neill – Witness and Patterson were concealed about one hundred yards away from the spot where the defendants came on shore. Mr R. Mackey, examined by Mr McDermott, deposed that none of the defendants held a licence for fishing. Mr O’Neill – We admit that, and we also admit that we would have been trespassing if found at the place alleged.  Addressing the Bench, Mr O’Neill said he would not trouble their Worships with many remarks. The defendants lived in Portstewart, and they hoped to be able to produce clear evidence that on the night referred to they were not near the River Bann at all. Three of them were in their own houses, and another was in the house of a neighbour, on this particular night. Furthermore, Doherty was in court, and would be able to prove that his boat was not across the river, as alleged. It was of the same class as described by Patterson, and was used for lighting up the lamps on the river. He would tell them that it was moored on the other side of the river at nine o’clock, and was not touched again that night. Daniel McGowen, examined by Mr O’Neill stated that he was a fisherman, and resided in Portstewart. He remembered Good Friday night well. Why he did so was on account of his hearing afterwards that Patterson was going to summon him for being mixed up in the poaching affair, and he was preparing to prove an alibi as far as he was concerned. Witness had it from a Coleraine man the following day, whom Patterson himself informed, that he (witness) was going to be summoned for poaching on the Bann. Witness was acquainted with Robert McKirgan, who lived convenient to him – just around the corner. On tis night of the alleged poaching witness went into McKirgan’s house about eight o’clock. Robert and James were in at the time. He did not see Robert Mckirgan, as he lived in another house at Burnside. He stopped in Mckirgans a good while. He remembered the clock striking, and Robert McKirgan made a remark that it was ten o’clock. Witness remained in the house about twenty minutes longer, and then went away. The house was situate fully two miles from where the alleged poaching took place, and Robert McKirgan was in it when the witness went away. While in defendants house they were all engaged “righting” the lines, but a conversation was carried on about the America Cup races, and Shamrock’s chances of winning were discussed.  Mr O’Neill – Which is going to win this time? Mr Ferris – Better ask Patterson that. (Laughter) Witness (to the Chairman) – James McKirgan went out of the house before ten o’clock. Cross examined by Mr McDermott – McKirgan’s house was about a mile and a half from the place described by Patterson, if the journey were taken across the hills. It would take three quarters of an hour to access. Samuel Cox, examined by Mr O'Neill, stated that he fished along with James McKirgan. He was out with him on the morning of the Friday on which the alleged poaching took place, and they got back about two o’clock in the afternoon. They were preparing the lines for trawling the next day. Witness came back again to McKirgan’s house at about eleven o’clock that night for some bait, as his own had run done. He remained until twelve o’clock, and James McKirgan was not out of his house all that time. He remembered this night well, because the next day there was a great deal of talk in Portstewart about fishermen being caught poaching. Cross-examined by Mr McDermott – Who told you that some of the men had been caught poaching? – I might say that the whole of Portstewart was talking about it the next day. There was an outcry through the whole town. (Laughter) Give me the name of one single person who told you about it? – I could mention Daniel McGowan. What did he say? – He said he thought he was going to be summoned along with the McKirgan’s for poaching in the Bann. Did he say who had told him? – No, he did not. You say you stopped with McKirgan until about eight o’clock? – Yes. What were you doing up to that time? – We were preparing for the fishing the next day, and I went home to bait my line. You say you came back about eleven o’clock? – Yes; I found that my bait had run short, and I came down to McKirgan’s for some. Could you not have obtained some from McKirgan the next morning, when you were going out with him?  Mr O’Neill – Mr McDermott evidently does not know much about fishing, or he would not talk like that. (Laughter) Mr McDermott – Did McKirgan get you the bait? – He did. And did you go out the following morning? – No; the next day was coarse, and we did not get out. Mr McDermott – I see. (Laughter) James Hempill, examined by Mr O’Neill stated that Samuel Hempill was his son, and resided at Burnside. He knew the defendant Andrew McKirgan, who lived convenient. On Good Friday night Andrew was in witnesses house, and stayed till half past nine o’clock or thereabouts. They were engaged with one of the boats during the time. By Mr McDermott – He knew the place where it was alleged the defendants were found fishing. Witnesses' house was about a mile and a half from there. He lived in the townland of East Tullaghmurray. McGowan, re-called by Mr O’Neill, stated that when he left McKirgan’s house on Good Friday night Robert had taken off his boots, and he could not possibly have been at the River Bann that night. Mr O’Neill was proceeding to call further evidence when the Chairman said that the majority of the Bench were in favour of dismissing the summons. Mr O’Neill – Thank you your Worships. I will now ask you to allow 20s costs, as the defendants have been put to considerable trouble and expense being brought here. This request was refused, and the Chairman intimated that the decision to dismiss the summons was unanimous.  1911 Census of Ireland  Sophia is next seen in the 1911 Census of Ireland residing on the Coleraine Road. Portstewart. A couple of workmen are present in her home on census day and thus recorded.  Sophia McKirgan death 1917.  Sophia passes on the Eighth of February 1917 in Portstewart. She is noted as a fisherman’s widow. Cause of death simply ‘senile decay’. Her son Andrew, residing in Tullaghmurry was present at death. Sophia’s age, like Roberts is under question? She was noted as of ‘Full Age’ (over 21) on her marriage certificate in 1856 - 1901 Census – 65 – Circa 1836 1911 Census – 74 – Circa 1837 Death Certificate – 93 – Circa 1824. As you can clearly see it was a tough life for the McKirgan family but I am sure they had many a good time and a laugh as well as the falling out, that wouldn't be newspaper news would it ;) I have no doubt I will add bits and poeces of information to this story as time goes by. I hope you enjoyed reading about Robert and his family.
I feel amazing! 😊 Today is a good day! Have you ever tried on new clothes and thought…heyyyyyy….there you are! Well, that happened to me today 😊 I put on a dress for the first time in years and loved how I looked in it! Will include selfie pics at end of blog 😉 Soooo….since last here what has happened? I have worked a weekend of 12hr night shifts and two 12hr day shifts….not much time to squeeze in there sadly but nevertheless I have achieved 😊 I attended the last Power of 4 class ran by Causeway Enterprise. They definitely saved the best for last. I got through the finance like a boss and was completely focused by the end after talks, with local business woman, Sue McLoughin and ‘Planning’ with Karise Hutchinson. Extremely helpful and inspired these doodles later in the week.   Lol! Anyhow…….a photographer was there….  A screenshot and new Facebook profile pic for the now lol! The mentoring is not over though, no, we can attend four, one to one evening classes going over any issues we have and getting advice from fellow, already established, business folk. On returning home from work on Thursday evening I had received my booklets. LOVE! That is all! Will look at showing the product at some point this week? Amongst other things? Lol I had my mum stay for a night, always entertaining, she makes me feel so good <3 I bought some tulips….pretty flowers!  So far this weekend I have nearly finished a new product idea, namely focusing on a Townland that your ancestor lived, the history of that Townland, focusing on your ancestors home as well as the whole area. The project, nearly complete is for someone though so plan to create one as an example product, namely, Keely, Aghadowey. My own family history. As well as finishing a full blown tree….my week off is pretty much work lol! My son Jamie is coming home tomorrow from Uni! Yeah <3 I feel a night off squeezed in there with a game of poker thrown in and a good old natter with my kids….they are so funny and make me so happy. Still need to work on website….lol! Somewhere over the rainbow!!! By tomorrow I will have 4! Yes 4 episodes of Walking Dead to catch up with!!!! Where does the time go??? Lol! Well…that’s me caught up, I am away to indulge in my former punk self and listen to Skunk Anansie. Till next time 😊   23/3/2018 Ten days since my last update? Really??? Ooops! So, what have I achieved – lots of things! I have got myself a new logo and stationary pack that I am thrilled with for a very good price thanks to Isabella via www.fivesquid.com a great site offering services to help your business for very reasonable prices.  I got to work on the idea of creating posters and documents with a WW1 theme and successfully completed my first example, namely that of David Maguire 1892-1916. I have sent the booklets off to be printed and will do the same with posters soon, (I have others I need to work on to include with this order). I have updated the website to include them and am currently working on other products and how to offer them via the website.   This week’s class was dealing with finance (envisage my eyes looking upwards and my hand waving over my head) clueless! I have had dealings with this side of things, I completed a management course many years ago and dealt with this subject in detail, sadly I remember very little.  The class was very interesting and mainly looked into sources of funding and will look more into book keeping next week. I haven’t managed my time very well this week (surprise surprise) and need to look at the book keeping side of things myself. Nice weekend of nights from tonight so guess what I’ll be doing during breaks 😉  I managed to revamp the website to include new logo and have added a product page to display what is on offer although at this time I have only managed to include the WW1 items. Work in progress. I also played about with the About Me section and included an About Business and About you page. I started work on a product guide page, again work in progress. Attempting to get my head around cost etc. I had my first 'contact entry' today via my website! Unfortunately, the client was Portuguese and that falls out of my comfort zone, namely Ireland and the UK. I was able to reply with suggestions and advice though which felt good. Who knows, they may find their search brings them over here? It's good to know that people from all over the world can see my website and take an interest 😊  Onwards and upwards!!!
12/3/2018 Well after working a weekend of 12 hour shifts I had a well earned lie in this morning. The housework is ongoing in the form of trips from the washer to the dryer. After a trip to Tesco’s, dinner is in the oven. I have a few things on my list to complete today, namely, writing this blog, replying to emails (which involve aiding a lady concerning family history (part of personal family tree, not business related, so could take some time) and making sure I have all I need ready for the class tomorrow. I also 'need' to go to a my friend’s house and watch the latest two episodes of ‘The Walking Dead’ lol!  This song inspires an idea of my dream job and not what I actually do as a job to pay my bills… So how did I do? It is now 9pm and I have not yet replied to email and reckon it may have to wait until tomorrow after class? I have organised my file from the random pile it was in, into order and into the folder. I have noted down some costs. I have imagined what I would do with a £500 investment and I have watched one episode of ‘The Walking Dead’ lol! Although my friend has inspired an idea that I will be working on now while my water is heating so I can have a nice relaxing bath 😊 So….before and after a bath I worked at designing a flyer, made some notes and generally did not do anything I was supposed to do?!? In fact, as I made some notes I had an idea so made a title ‘Ideas’ then this happened… Ideas I forget what my idea was???? Time for bed….tbc…. 13/3/2018 Got to bed after 12 and struggled to sleep, my brain is working overtime! Up with laptop open before 6am. Sure I can have a doze after class? Another great class today, I blushed profusely lol! We had two speakers today, guiding us on MEDIA TRAINING, PUBLIC SPEAKING COACHING AND LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT and ONLINE MARKETING. Links below. Today opened my eyes to the fact that I am not an amateur, I have a talent and I should embrace it and be more confident in myself! (Still slightly dubious but working on it lol) This video clip was mentioned and the fact that if you tell yourself, “You can do this”, “You have a talent” etc whilst looking in the mirror, in my case whilst drying my wet head of hair or plucking my chin lol! I can convince myself and my attitude will change over time. I like this idea 😊 I can’t wait to strike this pose in my everyday job lol! So many inspirational women in one room! Two of which can help me in my progress. No names yet but one who has a business idea that will at some point involve ancestry related projects and another who, in a past life, went into the ancestry business herself, you know who you are, and I thank you both and am grateful for the encouragement. NETWORKING – VERY IMPORTANT!!!!! I have learned this 😊 I know what I need to do to make changes to my website, a clear definition of product and price is foremost. Implementing it will take time and lots of effort, which is fine, I can do this! After class today, I did everything and nothing, I floated through all ideas and suggestions but got nothing done. I think I need to walk away for a moment, rest my brain. Tomorrow I will relax, have a lie in and during my nightshifts, 7pm-7am, two of, I will attempt to create a list of things to do so when off at the weekend I can attempt to complete……wish me luck! 😊 P.S. Still haven’t replied to e-mail or sent an important message I need to send….progress….slow….working on it!
When I began creating this website of my business idea I was unwell and on long term sick leave from my regular full-time employment. I had a lot of time on my hands and I guess I was worried that my illness would not allow me to return to work at all? How would I pay my bills? I was lucky at the time to live in a lovely house out of town, giving me peace to work on my idea.  Even though I am no computer expert, after some research and trial and error, I found a self-build website program that allowed me to be creative and attempt to put my idea across. I had been researching my family tree for 20 years and had taught myself a way to share my findings with family members that was more than just a print out formulated by a program. It was more detailed, more personal. Looking at everyone in the tree and expanding on the story of their lives. Where they lived, how they made money, the highs and the lows of everyday life. This then led me to create personalised family tree posters, again more detailed than an average print out formulated via a program. I am still refining my skills.  Thankfully after a few months, medication was found that reduced my symptoms (A tablet a day, keeps the doctor away) and I was able to return to work. My job consists of 12-hour continental shifts. With the website up, I found I had no time or spare money to promote or offer services, so it has sat there in the background gathering dust. After moving home and getting settled, the business side of things was never far from my mind, but I lacked motivation to continue given the time restraints.  I then saw an advert via Facebook promoting women in business ran by Causeway Enterprise. They were looking for women from the Causeway Coast and Glens area with a business idea to take part in a programme called the ‘Power of 4’. I immediately applied and am happy to say was accepted to take part. It is all well and good having an idea for a business but knowing how to develop the idea, control sales and marketing and deal with all the financial details is beyond me! After week one of the programme I have been thrown into the world of business. Dealing with business models and valuation statements has me buzzing and I am more inspired than ever!  I did not gain many qualifications from High School, I believe my brain was not ready to absorb the information at that time. I have since gained various qualifications via courses and am very proud to be a life learner!
I find myself so lucky to be able to network with an amazing group of likeminded individuals, to grow and learn with them will be an inspiration. I invite you to join me in my journey towards my goal of sharing our local history! Watch the website change for the better. I will update the blog on a weekly basis with a candid report of progress. Onwards and upwards! Wish me luck! Lucy :) On this day of remembrance we show our respects to the brave people who served their country with valour. This blog will detail the service history of the two main regiments whom the men from Northern Ireland, young and old, would have served for during ww1, the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers and the Royal Irish Fusiliers.   History of the Royal Inniskilling FusiliersThe Regiment’s history is rooted in 1689 following the Glorious Revolution. King James II was an unpopular King in Protestant England due to his Catholic religion and only managed to reign for 3 years. In 1688 his brother-in-law, Prince William of Orange was invited to take the throne by the English Lords and upon his arrival in England James II abdicated. However James II remained popular in Catholic Ireland which continued to recognize him as their true King, with the exception of the English Protestant towns of Enniskillen and Derry. In 1689 James II landed in Kinsale supported by King Louis XIV and a French Army, in an attempt to reclaim his lost throne. In response to this threat Zachariah Tiffin was commissioned to raise a regiment in Ennislillen as Tiffin’s Regiment of Foot, successfully defending the town at the Battle of Newtownbutler. In 1690 King William III arrived in Ireland and the Regiment went on to defeat James II’s army at the Battle of Boyne. The Regiment was incorporated into the British Army and went on to serve during the Nine Years War (1688–97) fighting at the Siege of Namur and then stationed in the West Indies, Minorca and Spain. The Regiment returned to England in 1745 when Bonnie Prince Charlie (the grandson of James II) landed in Scotland, attempting to regain the crown to the Stuart family and the Regiment fought at the Battles of Falkirk and Culloden. In 1751 the Regimental naming system was simplified with each Regiment assigned a number rank instead of naming after their current colonel therefore Blakeney's Regiment of Foot became the 27th (Enniskillen) Regiment of Foot. The Regiment went on to fight the French in North America and the West Indies during the Seven Year’s War (1756-63). The Regiment returned to North America to serve during the War of Independence. Due to the French alliance with America the Regiment once again found itself in the West Indies capturing French possessed Islands. War again broke out against the French in 1808 and the Regiment served during the Peninsular Wars (1808-1814) fighting at the Battles of Badajoz, Salamanca, Vittoria, Pyrenees, Nivelle, Orthes, Toulouse, Peninsula and then at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. The Regiment went on to serve in South Africa during the Cape Frontier Wars (1811-1858), when the native Xhosa tribes rose in armed rebellion against continuing European rule. It then went on to serve during the Indian Rebellion of 1857 and preserve law and order thereafter on North-West Frontier. In 1881 Childers Reforms restructured the British army infantry Regiments into a network of multi-battalion Regiments of two regular and two militia battalions. As part of this reform the 27th was merged with the 108th Regiment of Foot to form the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. The 108th Regiment of Foot was formed in 1854 by the Honourable East India Company as the 3rd Madras (European) Regiment and came under the command of the crown in 1858. The newly formed Regiment went on to serve during the Second Boer War fighting at the Relief of Ladysmith, in India and Burma fighting in the Tirah Campaign of 1897 and two World Wars. In 1968 the Regiment was amalgamated with the Royal Ulster Rifles and the Royal Irish Fusiliers to become the Royal Irish Rangers. In 1992 the Royal Irish Rangers was further amalgamated with the Ulster Defence Regiment to become the Royal Irish Regiment.   Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers during World War 1 Since 1815 the balance of power in Europe had been maintained by a series of treaties. In 1888 Wilhelm II was crowned ‘German Emperor and King of Prussia’ and moved from a policy of maintaining the status quo to a more aggressive position. He did not renew a treaty with Russia, aligned Germany with the declining Austro-Hungarian Empire and started to build a Navy to rival that of Britain. These actions greatly concerned Germany’s neighbours, who quickly forged new treaties and alliances in the event of war. On 28th June 1914 Franz Ferdinand the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne was assassinated by the Bosnian-Serb nationalist group Young Bosnia who wanted pan-Serbian independence. Franz Joseph, the Austro-Hungarian Emperor (with the backing of Germany) responded aggressively, presenting Serbia with an intentionally unacceptable ultimatum, to provoke Serbia into war. Serbia agreed to 8 of the 10 terms and on the 28th July 1914 the Austro-Hungarian Empire declared war on Serbia, producing a cascade effect across Europe. Russia bound by treaty to Serbia declared war with Austro-Hungary, Germany declared war with Russia and France declared war with Germany. Germany’s army crossed into neutral Belgium in order to reach Paris, forcing Britain to declare war with Germany (due to the Treaty of London (1839) whereby Britain agreed to defend Belgium in the event of invasion). By the 4th August 1914 Britain and much of Europe were pulled into a war which would last 1,566 days, cost 8,528,831 lives and 28,938,073 casualties or missing on both sides. The Regiment raised 13 Battalions and was awarded 46 Battle Honours and 8 Victoria Crosses, losing 5,890 men during the course of the war.  1st Battalion 04.08.1914 Stationed at Trimulgherry, India. Dec 1914 Embarked for England arriving at Avonmouth and then moved to Rugby and joined the 87th Brigade of the 29th Division. Mar 1915 Deployed to the Mediterranean arriving in Mudros in April 1915. 25.04.1915 Landed in Gallipoli and engaged in various actions against the Turkish Army including; First Battle of Krithia, the Second Battle of Krithia, the Third Battle of Krithia, the Battle of Gully Ravine, the Battle of Krithia Vineyard, the Battle of Scimitar Hill. 09.01.1916 Evacuated from Gallipoli to Egypt due to severe casualties from combat, disease and harsh weather. 18.03.1916 Deployed to France arriving at Marseilles and engaged in various actions on the Western Front including; 1916 The Battle of Albert, The Battle of the Transloy Ridges, 1917 The First Battle of the Scarpe, The Second Battle of the Scarpe, The Third Battle of the Scarpe, The Battle of Langemarck, The Battle of Broodseinde, The Battle of Poelcapelle, The Battle of Cambrai. 05.02.1918 Transferred to the 109th Brigade of the 36th Division; 1918 The Battle of St Quentin, The Actions at the Somme Crossings, The Battle of Rosieres, The Battle of Messines, The Battle of Bailleul, The First Battle of Kemmel Ridge, The Battle of Ypres, The Battle of Courtrai, The action of Ooteghem. 11.11.1918 Ended the war at Roncq north of Tourcoing, France. 2nd Battalion 04.08.1914 Station at Dover as part of the 12th Brigade of the 4th Division and then moved to Norfolk. 22.08.1914 Mobilised for war and landed at Havre and engaged in various actions on the Western Front including; The Battle of Le Cateau, The Battle of the Marne, The Battle of the Aisne, The Battle of Messines 1914. 06.12.1914 Transferred to the G.H.Q. Troops. 26.01.1915 Transferred to the 5th Brigade of the 2nd Division; 1915 Winter Operations 1914-15, The Battle of Festubert, The Battle of Loos. 22.07.1915 Transferred to the Third Army Troops. 18.11.1915 Transferred to the 14th Brigade of the 5th Division. 24.12.1915 Transferred to the 96th Brigade of the 32nd Division; 1916 The Battle of Albert, The Battle of Bazentin, The Battle of the Ancre. 1917 Operations on the Ancre, The pursuit of the German retreat to the Hindenburg Line. 03.02.1918 Transferred to the 109th Brigade of the 36th Division; 1918 The Battle of St Quentin, The Actions at the Somme Crossings, The Battle of Rosieres, The Battle of Messines, The Battle of Bailleul, The First Battle of Kemmel Ridge, The Battle of Ypres, The Battle of Courtrai, The action of Ooteghem. 11.11.1918 Ended the war at Roncq north of Tourcoing, France. 3rd (Reserve) Battalion 04.08.1914 Stationed at Omagh and then moved to Lough Swilly and then Londonderry. April 1918 Moved to Oswestry and absorbed the 4th and 12th Battalions as part of the West Lancs. Reserve Brigade. 4th (Extra Reserve) Battalion 04.08.1914 Stationed at Enniskillen and then moved to Lough Swilly and then Buncrana. 1916 Moved to Clonmany and then back to Buncrana. April 1918 Moved to Oswestry and absorbed by the 3rd Battalion. 5th (Service) Battalion Aug 1914 Formed at Omagh as part of the First New Army (K1) and then moved to Dublin to join the 31st Brigade of the 10th Division. Early 1915 Moved to Kildare and then Basingstoke. July 1915 Deployed to the Mediterranean arriving at Mudros. 07.08.1915 Landed at Gallipoli and engaged in various actions against the Turkish Army including; Battle of Sari Bair, Capture of Chocolate Hill and Hill 60. Oct 1915 Deployed to Salonika and engaged in various actions against the Bulgarian Army including; The Battle of Kosturino, Retreat from Serbia, Capture of the Karajokois, Capture of Yenikoi. Sept 1917 Deployed to Egypt and then Palestine and engaged in various actions during the Palestine Campaign including; Third Battle of Gaza, Capture of the Sheria Position, Capture of Jerusalem, Defence of Jerusalem. 28.05.1918 Left the 10th Division and deployed to France, embarking at Alexandria via Taranto arriving at Serqueux. 19.07.1918 Transferred to the 198th Brigade of the 66th Division; The Battle of Cambrai, The Pursuit to the Selle, The Battle of the Selle, a phase of the Final Advance in Picardy. 11.11.1918 Ended the war near Avesnes.  6th (Service) Battalion Aug 1914 Formed at Omagh as part of the First New Army (K1) and then moved to Dublin to join the 31st Brigade of the 10th Division. Early 1915 Moved to Kildare and then Basingstoke. July 1915 Deployed to the Mediterranean arriving at Mudros. 07.08.1915 Landed at Gallipoli and engaged in various actions against the Turkish Army including; Battle of Sari Bair, Capture of Chocolate Hill and Hill 60. Oct 1915 Deployed to Salonika and engaged in various actions against the Bulgarian Army including; The Battle of Kosturino, Retreat from Serbia, Capture of the Karajokois, Capture of Yenikoi. Sept 1917 Deployed to Egypt and then Palestine and engaged in various actions during the Palestine Campaign including; Third Battle of Gaza, Capture of the Sheria Position, Capture of Jerusalem, Defence of Jerusalem. 28.05.1918 Left the 10th Division and deployed to France, arriving at Marseilles. 07.06.1918 Transferred to the 43rd Brigade of the 14th Division. 18.06.1918 Transferred to the 103rd Brigade of the 34th Division. 29.06.1918 Transferred to defend the Lines of Communication 16.07.1918 Transferred to the 151st Brigade of the 50th Division and engaged in various actions on the Western Front including; The Battle of the St Quentin Canal, The Battle of the Beaurevoir Line, The Battle of Cambrai 1918, The pursuit to the Selle, The Battle of the Selle, The Battle of Valenciennes. 11.11.1918 Ended the war near Monceau N.W. of Avesnes, France. 7th & 8th (Service) Battalion Oct 1914 Formed at Omagh as part of the Second New Army (K2) and then moved to Tipperary and joined the 49th Brigade of the 16th Division. Aug 1915 Moved to Finner Camp and then Working. Feb 1916 Mobilised for war and landed in France and engaged in various actions on the Western Front including; 1916 The Battle of Guillemont, The Battle of Ginchy. 23.08.1917 Amalgamated with the 8th Battalion to form the 7/8th Battalion. 1917 The Battle of Messines, The Battle of Langemark. 22.04.1918 Reduced to training cadre with surplus personnel transferred to the 2nd Royal Irish Regiment. 1918 The Battle of St Quentin, The Battle of Rosieres. 17.06.1918 Transferred to the 102nd Brigade of the 34th Division. 26.06.1918 Transferred to G.H.Q. Troops and reconstituted with 18 Officers and 857 men from the 8th Rifle Brigade. 03.07.1918 Transferred to the 89th Brigade of the 30th Division; 1918 The capture of Neuve Eglise, The capture of Wulverghem, The Battle of Ypres, The Battle of Courtrai. 11.11.1918 Ended the war N.W. of Lessines, Belgium. 9th (Service) Battalion (County Tyrone) Sept Formed at Omagh from the Tyrone Volunteers and then moved to Finner Camp as part of the 3rd Brigade of the Ulster Division. 02.11.1914 The formation became the 109th Brigade of the 36th Division. Jan 1915 Moved to Randalstown and then Ballycastle and then Bordon area. Oct 1915 Mobilised for war and landed in France and engaged in various actions on the Western front including; 1916 The Battle of Albert (the Division suffered server casualties in this Battle and took the rest of the year to rebuild). 1917 The Battle of Messines, The Battle of Langemarck, The Cambrai Operations, The capture of Bourlon Wood. 1918 The Battle of St Quentin, The Actions at the Somme Crossings, The Battle of Rosieres, The Battle of Messines, The Battle of Bailleul, The First Battle of Kemmel Ridge, The Battle of Ypres, The Battle of Courtrai, The action of Ooteghem. 11.11.1918 Ended the war in Roncq north of Tourcoing, France. 10th (Service) Battalion (Derry) Sept 1914 Formed at Omagh from the Derry Volunteers and then moved to Finner Camp as part of the 3rd Brigade of the Ulster Division. 02.11.1914 The formation became the 109th Brigade of the 36th Division. May 1915 Moved to Randalstown and then Seaford and then Bordon area. Oct 1915 Mobilised for war and landed in France and engaged in various actions on the Western Front including; 1916 The Battle of Albert (the Division suffered server casualties in this Battle and took the rest of the year to rebuild). 1917 The Battle of Messines, The Battle of Langemarck, The Cambrai Operations, The Capture of Bourlon Wood. 21.01.1918 Disbanded in France and remaining personnel (7 Officer and 150 men) transferred to the 2nd Battalion. 11th (Service) Battalion (Donegal & Fermanagh) Sept 1914 Formed at Omagh from the Donegal & Fermanagh Volunteers and then moved to Finner Camp as part of the 3rd Brigade of the Ulster Division. 02.11.1914 The formation became the 109th Brigade of the 36th Division and then moved to Enniskillen. Jan 1915 Moved to Randalstown and then Seaford and then Bordon area. Oct 1915 Mobilised for war and landed in France and engaged in various actions on the Western Front including; 1916 The Battle of Albert (the Division suffered server casualties in this Battle and took the rest of the year to rebuild). 1917 The Battle of Messines, The Battle of Langemarck, The Cambrai Operations, The capture of Bourlon Wood. 21.01.1918 Disbanded in France and remaining personnel (20 Officer and 400 men) transferred to the 9nd Battalion. 12th (Reserve) Battalion April 1915 Formed at Enniskillen from the depot companies of the 9th 10th & 11th Battalion June 1915 Moved to Ballyshannon and then Newtownards and then returned to Inniskilling as part of the 15th Reserve Brigade. 1916 Moved to Finner Camp. April 1918 Moved to Oswestry and absorbed by the 3rd Battalion. 13th (Service) Battalion 11.06.1918 Formed in France from the 11th garrison Guard of the 119th Brigade of the 40th Division. 13.07.1918 The title ‘Garrison’ dropped and engaged in various actions on the Western Front including; 1918 The Final Advance in Flanders, The Battle of Ypres. 11.11.1918 Ended the war south of Roubaix, France.   History of the Royal Irish FusiliersThe Regiment was officially formed in 1881 when the 87th (Prince of Wales's Irish) Regiment of Foot and the 89th (The Princess Victoria's) Regiment of Foot were amalgamated as part of the Childers Reforms and titled the Princess Victoria's (Royal Irish Fusiliers). However the Regiment can trace its history back further than this date. The 87th was first formed in 1793 by John Doyle (a Dublin-born Veteran of the American Revolutionary War) and was named after the Prince of Wales as the 87th (The Prince of Wales's Irish) Regiment of Foot and later the 87th (The Prince of Wales's Own Irish) Regiment of Foot. In 1809 the Regiment went to serve during the Peninsular War (1808-1815) and was the first Regiment to capture a French eagle standard at the Battle of Barrosa, which was added to the Regimental badge. The Regiment also took part in the Capture of Mauritius in 1810 from the French as part of the Napoleonic Wars (1803–1815). In 1815 the 87th was deployed to India and remained there for 12 years fighting in Nepal and Burma during the Gurkha War (1814–1816). In 1827 the Regiment added the titles of Fusilier and Royal to its name when its namesake the Prince of Wales acceded to the throne as King George IV and became the 87th (or Royal Irish Fusiliers) Regiment of Foot. The Regiment went on to serve during the Burmese War of 1824-26 and returned to India in 1849 during the Indian Mutiny (1857-1859) fighting on the North West Frontier. The 89th was first formed in 1793, nicknamed ‘Blayney’s Bloodhounds’ after the commander; Lieutenant General Andrew Thomas Blayney, 11th Baron Blayney, who was famed for hunting down Irish Rebels during Irish Rebellion of 1798. The Regiment went on to fight at the Battle of Fuengirola during the Peninsular War (1808-1815) and distinguished itself at the Battle of Crysler’s Farm during the Anglo-American War of 1812 and also served during the Crimean War (1854) and the Indian Mutiny (1857). In 1866 the title of ‘Princess Victoria’, (possibly after the first daughter of Queen Victoria), was added to the regimental designation becoming the 89th (The Princess Victoria's) Regiment. In 1881 the two Regiments were amalgamated as part of the Childers Reforms, which aimed to restructure the British army infantry regiments, to create a network of multi-battalion regiments each consisting of; two regular and two militia battalions. The Regiment became The Princess Victoria's (Royal Irish Fusiliers) and went on to served during the Boer War (1899-1902) and two World Wars. In 1920 the Regiment changed its designation once again to The Royal Irish Fusiliers (Princess Victoria's). It was one of the few Irish Regiments that retained its identity within the British army after Irish Independence in 1922, because one of its traditional recruiting grounds remained in part of Northern Ireland. However in 1968 the Regiment was amalgamated with the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers and the Royal Ulster Rifles to become the Royal Irish Rangers. Under the Options for Change reorganisation in 1992, the Royal Irish Rangers were amalgamated with the Ulster Defence Regiment to form The Royal Irish Regiment (27th (Inniskilling) 83rd and 87th and Ulster Defence Regiment). However it escaped further restructuring in 2004 because of its unique status as the only remaining Irish line Infantry Regiment and providing the home defence for Northern Ireland.   Royal Irish Fusiliers during World War 1The Regiment raised a total of 14 Battalions and was awarded 40 Battle Honours and 2 Victoria Crosses, losing 3,330 men during the course of the First World War. 1st Battalion 04.08.1914 Stationed at Shorncliffe as part of the 10th Brigade of the 4th Division and then moved to York and then Harrow. 23.08.1914 Mobilised for war and landed at Boulogne and engaged in various actions on the Western Front including; 1914 The Battle of Le Cateau, The Battle of the Marne, The Battle of the Aisne, The Battle of Messines 1914. 1915 The Second Battle of Ypres. 1916 The Battle of Albert, The Battle of Le Transloy. 1917 The First Battle of the Scarpe, The Third Battle of the Scarpe. 03.08.1917 Transferred to the 107th Brigade of the 36th Division. 08.02.1918 Transferred to the 108th Brigade of the same Division. 1918 The Battle of St Quentin, The Actions at the Somme Crossings, The Battle of Rosieres, The Battle of Messines, The Battle of Bailleul, The First Battle of Kemmel Ridge, The Battle of Ypres, The Battle of Courtrai, The action of Ooteghem. 11.11.1918 Ended the war at Mouscron N.E. of Tourcoing, Belgium. 2nd Battalion 04.08.1914 Stationed at Quetta, India. Oct 1914 Returned to England arriving at Winchester to join the 82nd Brigade of the 27th Division. 19.12.1914 Mobilised for war and landed in France and engaged in various actions on the Western Front including; 1915 The action of St Eloi, The Second Battle of Ypres. Nov 1915 Deployed to Salonika and engaged in actions against the Bulgarian Army including; 1916 The capture of Karajakois, The capture of Yenikoi. 02.11.1916 Transferred to the 31st Brigade of the 10th Division. Sept 1917 Deployed to Egypt and Palestine as part of the Palestine campaign. Third Battle of Gaza, Capture of the Sheria Position, Capture of Jerusalem, Defence of Jerusalem, Tell ‘Asure, Battle of Nablus. 31.10.1918 Ended the war at Masudiye N.W. of Nablus, Palestine. 3rd (Reserve) Battalion 04.08.1914 Stationed at Armagh and then moved to Lough Swilly and then Londonderry. April 1915 Moved to Buncrana, County Donegal. Nov 1916 Moved to Clonmany Co. Donegal. April 1918 Moved to England stationed at Rugeley, Cannock Chase and absorbed the 4th Battalion. July 1918 Moved to Bawdsey, Suffolk as part of the West Riding Reserve Brigade. Oct 1918 Moved to Southend. 4th (Extra Reserve) Battalion 04.08.1914 Stationed at Cavan and then moved to Belfast and Carrickfergus, County Antrim. Mar 1915 Moved to Buncrana, County Donegal and then Belfast. April 1916 Moved to Dublin. Nov 1917 Moved to Ballincollig, Cork as part of the 25th Reserve Brigade. April 1918 England stationed at Rugeley, Cannock Chase and absorbed by the 3rd Battalion. 5th & 6th (Service) Battalion Aug 1914 Formed at Armagh as part of the First New Army (K1) and then moved to Dublin to join the 31st Brigade of the 10th Division. April 1915 Moved to Basingstoke. July 1915 Embarked for Gallipoli from Liverpool. 07.08.1915 Landed at Suvla Bay and engaged in various actions against the Turkish Army including; Battle of Sari Bair, Capture of Chocolate Hill, Hill 60. Oct 1915 Deployed to Salonika and engaged in actions against the Bulgarian Army including; The Battle of Kosturino, Retreat from Serbia, Capture of the Karajakois, Capture of Yenikoi. 02.11.1916 Absorbed the 6th Battalion. Sept 1917 Deployed to Egypt and Palestine as part of the Palestine Campaign. 30.04.1918 Deployed to France, embarking at Port Said leaving the 10th Division arriving at Marseilles. 23.07.1918 Transferred to the 66th Division. 24.08.1918 Transferred to the 48th Brigade of the 16th Division absorbing the 11th Battalion; The Final Advance in Artois. 11.11.1918 Ended the war at Antoing south of Tournai, Belgium.  7th & 8th (Service) Battalion Sept 1914 Formed at Armagh as part of the Second New Army (K2) and then moved to Tipperary to join the 49th Brigade of the 16th Division. Sept 1915 Moved to Pirbright. Feb 1916 Mobilised for war and landed in France and engaged in various actions on the Western Front including; 1916 The Battle of Guillemont, The Battle of Ginchy. 15.10.1916 Amalgamated with the 8th Battalion to form the 7/8th Battalion. 1917 The Battle of Messines, The Battle of Langemark. 1918 The Battle of St Quentin, The Battle of Rosieres. 10.02.1918 Disbanded in France. 9th (Service) Battalion (Co. Armagh) Sept 1914 Formed from volunteers of the Armagh, Monaghan and Cavan regions and joined the 2nd Brigade of the Ulster Division. 02.11.1914 Formation became the 108th Brigade of the 36th (Ulster) Division. Nov 1914 Moved to Belfast. Feb 1915 Moved to Newtownards and then Seaford, Essex. Oct 1915 Mobilised for war and landed at Boulogne and engaged in various actions on the Western Front including; 1915 Division initially concentrated around Flesselles, while groups of men attached to the 4th Division for trench familiarisation and training. 1916 Took over a complete section of the front line between the River Ancre and the Mailly-Maillet to Serre road. The Battle of Albert (the Division suffered 5,104 casualties during this action). 1917 The Battle of Messines, The Battle of Langemarck, The Cambrai Operations, The capture of Bourlon Wood. 25.09.1917 Absorbed the B & C squadrons (304 men) of the dismounted Irish Horse to become the 9th (North Irish Horse) Battalion 1918 The Battle of St Quentin, The Actions at the Somme Crossings, The Battle of Rosieres, The Battle of Messines, The Battle of Bailleul, The First Battle of Kemmel Ridge, The Battle of Ypres, The Battle of Courtrai, The action of Ooteghem. 11.11.1918 Ended the war at Mouscron N.E. of Tourcoing, Belgium. 10th (Reserve) Battalion Sept 1915 Formed at Lurgan, County Armagh from the depot companies of the 9th Battalion as a local reserve Battalion. Jan 1916 Moved to Newtownards as part of the 15th (Ulster) Reserve Brigade. Aug 1917 Move to Armagh. April 1918 Moved to England at Rugeley. Amy 1918 Absorbed by the 3rd Battalion. 11st (Service) Battalion 01.06.1918 Formed at Greatham, West Hartlepool. 18.06.1918 Absorbed the cadre of the 7th Battalion of the Royal Dublin Fusiliers. 28.06.1918 Moved to Aldershot and transferred to the 48th Brigade of the 16th Division. July 1918 Mobilised for war and landed in France and engaged in various actions on the Western Front including; The Final Advance in Artois. 29.08.1918 Absorbed into the 5th Battalion. 1st Garrison Battalion Sept 1915 Formed at Dublin. Feb 1916 Deployed to India. May 1917 Deployed to Burma. 2nd Garrison Battalion April 1916 Formed at Dublin and then moved to Templemore Co. Tipperary. Aug 1916 Deployed to Salonika and engaged in various actions against the Bulgarian Army. 01.03.1917 Transferred to the 228th Brigade of the 28th Division and engaged in various actions against the Bulgarian Army including; 1917 The capture of Ferdie and Essex Trenches. 06.08.1917 Transferred to defend the Lines of Communication. 30.09.1918 Ended the war in Macedonia. 3rd (Reserve) Garrison Battalion Dec 1916 Formed at Dublin. April 1917 Moved to Bere Island, Bantry Bay. May 1918 Moved to Seaton Carew, Hartlepool and then Greatham. Oct 1918 Moved to Castle Eden, west Hartlepool.   Roll of Honour
   The following articles are taken from various newspaper archives found on Find My Past. They describe and show the race from before and soon after the event. A history of the event can be seen on the official North West 200 website. Derry Journal 1st February 1929
'Displaying commendable enterprise, the City of Derry and District Motor Cycle Club have decided to make their big road race this year a 200-miles event, and the venue will probably be the triangular stretch of road running between Coleraine, Portstewart, and Portrush.' 'The event will be on scale practically with the Ulster Grand Prix, which is over a distance of 205 miles, and the date suggested for it is April 20. It will be known as “the North-West 200.” And there will be three classes, viz. – 250cc, 350cc, and 500 unlimited. There will also be prizes confined to the members of the club. The event has been promised large support in Portrush, Portstewart, Coleraine, and Derry.' Londonderry Sentinel 12th February 1929
Mr. Black said the club had the promise of a guarantee of three very valuable cups, and also every hope of getting motorcycles from the different manufacturers across the water. They might go in for something larger later on if they got this race ran. The race would attract people to the district, especially as there were seaside resorts near at hand. It was proposed to have the race from twelve noon to half past five… Belfast News-Letter 11th March 1929
Good headway is being made by the City of Derry and District Motor Club with their North West 200 miles race for motor cycles on the 20th April next at Portrush. Prominent cross Channel riders appear in the first batch of entries received and the club is at present considering the possibility of erecting a grandstand, as numerous inquiries have been received from interested parties. The course is an ideal one, passing through the picturesque seaside resorts of Portrush and Portstewart and touching Coleraine. The circuit is 11 miles…
Mid-Ulster Mail 16th March 1929 Belfast News-Letter 28th March 1929
The 2nd April is the closing date for the entries for the City of Derry and District Motor Club’s North West 200 miles motor cycle race at Portrush next month. Among the principal entries so far received are the following:- Stanley Woods (Norton);Percy Hunt (Norton), holder of the amateur T.T. race, Isle of Man; G. E. Nott (Rudge), holder of the Brooklands record for 200 miles; J. W. Shaw, Belfast, winner of the Ulster Grand Prix; H. G. T. Smith (Rudge), Dublin University; C. W. Johnston (entered by Burney & Blackburn, Surrey); J. G. Burney, Dublin, holder of the 100 miles championship of Ireland; W. H. T. Meagan, Whitehaven, former winner of the T. T., Isle of Man; the Crabtree brothers. Of Warrington, who will ride Excelsiors.  A.McIntyre (Belfast) Abington K.D. R.H.Patterson (Derry) O.E.C. R.M.Osbourne (Kilkenny) Raleigh G.McIntyre (Belfast) New Imperial M.McQuigg (Coleraine) Zenith C.Brockerton (Coleraine) A.J.S. W.Hunter (Bangor) A.J.S. K.G.Lammey (Moneymore) Rex-Acme J.Gordon (Whiteabbey) Excelsior W.Boston (Bangor) Rex-Acme J.Woodside (Belfast) O.K. Supreme H.Taggart (Belfast) Excelsior J.Carson (Belfast) Calthorpe J.E.Byrne (Dublin) A.J.S. T.Stewart (Belfast) O.K. Supreme J.R.Hallwell (Ballycastle) Triumph E.Brooks (Belfast) Raleigh R.S.Magee (Devonport) A.J.S. J.Dolan (Newtonbutler) Velocette W.J.McCracken (Belfast) Velocette S.A.Crabtree (Warrington) Excelsior J.McKane (Dervock) Norton J.G.Burney (Dublin) Royal Enfield J.W.Shaw (Belfast) Norton F.J.Drummand (Belfast) Norton W.H.T.Meageen (Whitehaven) J.A.P. B.G.Corry (Groomsport) Matchless T.G.Byrne (Dublin) Norton G.McManus (Coleraine) Zenith G.Brockerton (Coleraine) Excelsior C.W.Johnston (Bookham) Cotton-Blackburn G.E.Nott (Coventry) Rudge-Whitworth P.Hunt (Heywood) Norton H.G.Tyrell Smith (Dublin) Rudge-Whitworth Stanley Woods (Dublin) Norton Belfast News-Letter 11th April 1929  Belfast News-Letter 15th April 1929  Belfast News-Letter 18th April 1929  Londonderry Sentinel 18th April 1929  Belfast News-Letter 20th April 1929  Belfast News-Letter 20th April 1929 George Brockerton was born in Moyarget, County Antrim on the 28th September 1898 to John Brockerton and Elizabeth O’Mullan.  Birth certificate found at irishgenealogy The family moved to the Millburn area of Coleraine soon after Georges birth and are seen there in the 1901 and 1911 census.  1901 census found in the national archives.  Belfast News-Letter 20th April 1929  Belfast News-Letter 20th April 1929  Belfast News-Letter 20th April 1929  Belfast News-Letter 20th April 1929  Belfast News-Letter 20th April 1929  Belfast News-Letter 20th April 1929
The first “North-~West 200” road race for motor cycles takes place today on the Portrush-Coleraine-Portstewart circuit, and the City of Derry and District Motor Club are to be congratulated on their courage and enterprise in promoting this “classic” among Ulster motor-cycle racing events. The very title “North West 200” conjures up all the glamour of motorcycle racing and with an entry that includes many of the foremost sportsmen, spectators are assured of a thrilling days sport. Though the majority of people would probably put motor-car racing first in popular favour, motor-cycle racing has a thrill all it’s own, and those who have taken part in it that the other offers nothing to induce them to abandon their saddles. Be that as it may, the spectators find the one equally as thrilling as the other, and the organisers will no doubt be given a large measure of public support. ADVICE TO SPECTATORS So far as lies in their power, officials have done everything to make the event a success, and all that is now required is good weather. Councillor W.J.Chambers, whose work for the Ulster Grand Prix is well known to everyone, will be in charge of the marshals, and an earnest appeal is made to spectators to obey the marshals, keep clear of the corners, and keep well back from the roadway. The timing arrangements are under the direction of Mr R.H.Wright, who may well be described as a genius in this matter. The triangular course of eleven miles passes through Coleraine, Portstewart, and Portrush, the start being at Magherabouy, about a mile from Portrush, on the Coleraine leg of the circuit, and here a stand has been erected to accommodate a couple of hundred spectators. At one o’clock the first rider will be sent off and the others will follow at intervals according to handicap, until both scratchmen – Stanley Woods and Tyrell Smith – are despatched at 1.50. Thereafter the thrills will be seen, and it is expected that the fastest men will average between sixty and seventy miles per hour.
The race is to be run under the open competition rules of the Motor Cycle Union of Ireland (Ulster Centre), and in addition to the prizes for the North West 200 Handicap, which will include the North-West 200 Perpetual Trophy and replica, there will be the Portstewart Cup for the fastest time in the 250cc class, the Portrush Cup for the fastest time in the 350cc class, the Coleraine Cup for the fastest time in the 500cc and over class, a replica of the North-West 200 Handicap Trophy for the fastest lap, a silver cup confined to the Trophy and replica for the fastest time in the three specified classes. There will also be prizes confined to the members of the promoting club, and these will include the City of Derry Perpetual Trophy and replica for the fasted time in the three specified classes. The manufacturers are supporting the event, and a Manufacturers Cup has been presented by Mr. A.M.Stuart, Coleraine. For the convenience of spectators special excursion trains are being run by the R.M.S. (N.C.C.) Railway Company. Cheap one-day tickets to Coleraine, Portstewart Station, and Portrush are available from all stations on the line. AN EARLY CASUALTY While practising over the course yeaterday evening James McKane, Dervock, one of the entrants, came into collision with a Belfast motor-car, and was severly injured. The accident occurred near Ballyreagh, on the road between Portrush and Portstewart, and McKAne, who was travelling at a fast speed, was rendered unconscious. It is stated that one of his legs was fractured, and he also abstained head injuries. He was removed to Hopefield Hospital, Portrush, and later regained consciousness, but his condition is still critical. Northern Whig 20th April 1929   Northern Whig 20th April 1929 Northern Whig 20th April 1929 THE “NORTH WEST 200” The Portrush-Portstewart-Coleraine circuit and Riders who are competing in today’s big motor-cycling event – 1. Gordon Burney (Royal Enfield) 2. Stanley Woods (Norton) 3. J. W. Shaw (Norton) 4. G. E. Nott (Rudge Whitworth) 5. B. G. Corry (Matchless) 6. George Brockerton (Excelsior) 7. A. McIntyre (A.K.D.) 8. H. G. Tyrell Smith (Rudge Whitworth) 9. J. M’Kane (Norton) 10. C. W. Johnston (Cotton-Blackburn) 11. J. Woodside (O. K. Supreme) 12. Tom Stewart (O. K. Supreme) 13. W. Boston (Rex-Acme) 14. S. A. Crabtree (Excelsior) 15. Percy Hunt (Norton)  Northern Whig 20th April 1929  Northern Whig 20th April 1929  Northern Whig 20th April 1929
W.J.McCracken, of Belfast riding a Velocette, was first home in the North-West 200 miles road race which was run over a triangular course between Portrush, Portstewart, and Coleraine on Saturday. He covered the total distance in 3hrs, 5mins, 35secs, an average speed of 63.4 miles per hour, which, with a handicap allowance of 27 minutes, reduced his net time to 2hrs, 41mins and 35secs, thus placing him first. So far the best actual time was concerned G.E.Nott (Rudge-Whitworth), of Coventry, claimed that distinction by traversing the ful, distance in 61/2 minutes less than any other competitor. His actual time was 2hrs, 58mins, 48secs, which works out an average speed of 67 miles per hour – an excellent performance by the Brookands crack. It is questionable, however, if he would have been able to claim that distinction had Percy Hunt’s 490 Norton withstood the gruelling test to which he put it. The English rider and Nott had set off together from the half minute mark, and when they both streaked through at the end of the first lap, after doing the eleven miles in approximately ten minutes, it was evident that, barring accidents, their strggle was going to be a long and stern one. Hunt was 19 seconds faster on the first circuit, and ? Seconds on the second. At the end of 33 miles Hunt was over four minutes ahead of his rival, and he maintained that lead until a defect in his engine unfortunately put him out of the race at the end of eleven laps. The promoters of the race, the City of Derry and District Motor Club, had taken infinite pains to ensure that the event, which has in it’s first venture reached a classical status, should not be marred by any lack of adequate supervision or control. In this they had the whole-hearted support of their more experienced Belfast friends, who not only made the arrangements for the time-keeping, but assisted in the starting of the competitors, marshelling of the course. The club ghad erected a fairly substantial grand stand at Magherabouy, the starting point, but a cold wind which blew steadily from the Portrush direction made it a rather unprofitable expenditure. The couple of hundred people gathered in the proximity of the pits preferred the lower and warmers altitudes along the sides of the fields, where they were able to move about at will. The club honoured it’s South of Ireland visitors by flying the Free State tri-colour, which, with the Union Jack, fluttered along side each other on the roadway. The scene at the atart resembled a miniture Grand Prix. There were refreshments in a marquee for those who desired them, and a band from the maiden city rendered selection. Ten minutes before the start the competitors wheeled their machines from the paddock. It was then observed that out of the thirty-five entrants four were absent. OcKane, from Dervock, who broke an arm and a leg and received severe cuts to his face when he collided with a car a Dhu Varren the previous evening, was still in Hopefield Hospital. Tommy Stewart’s O.K. Supreme machine did not arrive in time, and he was compelled to discharge the role of marshall, much to the regret of his many admirers. The other absentees were J.Carson and E.Brooks, both Belfastmen. The only other departures from schedule were an alteration in T.G.Byrnes handicap from 17 minutes to 10; and the deputising of W.Sullivan, of Belfast, for George McIntyre, who, however, rode the latters New Imperial. Mr. Harry Ferguson had closed the road, and punctually to time A. McIntyre, of Belfast, on his little Abington Dick, pushed off, accompanied by R.B.Patterson, Derry (O.E.C.), and R.M.Osbourne (Raleigh), Kilkenny. McIntyre was credited with having done two laps, and, with the other two, left 53 minutes before the scratch men. The remainder of the riders left on their journey as the clock, seemingly slowly, worked off their respected handicaps.   Belfast News-Letter 22nd April 1929  Irish Times 22nd April 1929  Londonderry Sentinel 23rd April 1929  Londonderry Sentinel 23rd April 1929  Londonderry Sentinel 23rd April 1929  Londonderry Sentinel 23rd April 1929  Londonderry Sentinel 23rd April 1929  Londonderry Sentinel 23rd April 1929  Londonderry Sentinel 23rd April 1929 RESULTS 1.(£20 and the North West 200 Perpetual Trophy and replica) – W.J.McCracken (Belfast), 348 Velocette (27mins); actual time 3hr, 8mins, 35secs. 2.(£10) – M.McQuigg (Coleraine), 246 Zenith (51mins); actual time, 3hrs, 30mins, 50secs 3.(£5) – W.H.T.Meageen (Whitehaven), 346 J.A.P. (18mins); actual time, 3hrs, 7mins, 12secs. 4.J.W.Shaw (Belfast), 349 Norton (19mins); actual time, 3hrs, 10mins, 14secs. 5.E.G.Lamney (Moneymoore). 346 Rex-Acme (38mins); actual time, 3hrs, 4 mins, 4secs. 6.A.McIntyre (Belfast) 174 Abington K.D. (two laps and 53mins); actual time, 4hrs, 49mins, 6secs. 7.G.E.Nott (Coventry), 499 Rudge-Whitworth (30sec); actual time, 2hrs, 58mins. 8.J.G.Burnley (Dublin), 346 Royal Enfield (22mins); actual time, 3hrs, 29mins, 25secs.  Fastest time in 500cc class (Coleraine Cup and £2) – G.E.Nott, 2hrs, 58mins, 41secs. Fastest lap (replica of handicap trophy) – Percy Hunt, 2hrs, 58mins, 41secs. MANUFACTURERS’ ENTRIES Fastest time (North West 200 Silver Cup – G.E,Nott averaged 66.93mph. CLUB PRIZES Confined to members of the City of Derry District Motor Club:- City of Derry Perpectual Trophy and replica – W.J.McCracken. Fastest time in 250cc class – M McQuigg. Fastest time in 350cc class – J.W.Shaw. The prizes were distributed after the race in the Trocadero Restaurant, Portrush, by Mrs. D.H.Christie, Mayoress of Coleraine. A dance followed. Ballymena Observer 26th April 1929
Thousands of spectators were attracted to the City of Derry and District MotorClub’s 200 miles motor-cycle race over the Coleraine-Portrush-Portstewart circuit last Saturday. These roads were in excellent condition, and yet provided a decidedly difficult task for the competitors. There were nasty corners to be negotiated such as at the Convelalescant Home, Portrush; Henry’s at Portstewart, and at Millburn, the junction of the Portstewart and Portrush main roads, on the outskirts of Coleraine. The start was at Magherabouy, on the Portrush-Coleraine leg, where a stand to hold about 200 spectators had been erected. The total distance of the circuit was 11 miles. 130 yards, eighteen laps making in all slightly under 200 miles. The success which attended the race was decidedly encouraging to the promoters in their first big adventure of the kind, and the event is likely to become a classic in the motor cycling world. The North West 200 is still enjoyed today by the local community and visitors from all over the world. Visit the official North West 200 website to learn more about the event and possibly plan a visit.
Discover Northern Ireland For local genealogy of the Causeway Coast and Glens area visit the Coleraine Family History Society website.  Picture from www.workhouses.org.uk/Coleraine/ Last night, Sunday the 20th August 2017, this historic building in the Town of Coleraine was ablaze. It is known to all as the old workhouse building, later to become part of the town hospital. Since the construction and opening of the new hospital in 2001 the site has lain desolate. Planning permission was given for housing with this listed building being used as a focal entrance point. Sadly now, unless restored, if not beyond repair, this building, and part of the towns history will be gone forever. The following extracts have been put together from three main sources: - www.workhouses.org.uk/Coleraine/ www.nidirect.gov.uk/proni www.findmypast.co.uk A small insight into the early years of the workhouse here in Coleraine. The records on these websites are available to all. Our ancestors have left a paper trail.  Picture from www.news.causewaycoastcommunity.co.uk/local-news/4-fire-appliances-tasked-former-coleraine-hospital-site/ Coleraine was among 27 Union districts in, as is now known, Northern Ireland, which became part of the Irish Poor Law of 1838. Coleraine’s Poor Law Union was formally declared on the 28th November 1839.  ‘Newry Telegraph 05 December 1840’ www.findmypast.co.uk The new Coleraine Union Workhouse was erected on a seven-acre site at the East of Mountsandel Road in Coleraine and was declared fit for the reception of paupers on the 11th April 1842.  The main accommodation block had the Master’s quarters at the centre, with male and female wings to each side. At the rear, a range of single-storey utility rooms such as a bakehouse and a washhouse connected through to the infirmary and idiot’s ward via a central spine containing the Chapel and dining hall. http://www.workhouses.org.uk/Coleraine and www.nidirect.gov.uk/proni PRONI Reference : BG Regarding the granting of relief this was to be at the discretion of the guardians and consequently no person, however destitute, could be held to have a statutory right to relief. As for the implementation of the Act, the Poor Law Commissioners for England and Wales had overall control. Inspired by fears of a population explosion of the destitute, the government was determined to make relief as unattractive as possible lest the poor became dependent on hand-outs and bred recklessly. Thus, relief could only be given within a workhouse: conditions there were to be 'less eligible', that is less attractive, than the worst prevailing outside; inmates had to work; children were separated from their parents and husbands and wives could not share the same quarters. https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/proni PRONI Reference : BG Extracts from the rough minute book of Coleraine workhouse. 10 October 1844-2 April 1846 17 October 1844 'The average cost of a pauper for the week was 1s. 5 405/711d.' 'The Master's estimate of Provisions ... required for the ensuing week was examined and orders were duly made for ...: 100 lb. bread 35 lb. mutton 2 lb. butters 15 lb. soup meat 2 lb. tea 2 ox heads 3,584 lb. potatoes 1,140 qts. buttermilk 82 qts. sweet milk' '... The cost of Provisions ... received during the week was £14. 11s. 11.5d.' Mr Courtney was asked to find the cost of a quantity of laurels and evergreens required for the grounds of the workhouse. 'A report from the officers with regard to the shoemaking department was laid before the Board and deemed to be most satisfactory. 'The punishment book was examined and orders made on the cases therein reported as follows: Biddy McGeown to be confined 4 hours in the refractory ward. Mary McFarlane to be confined 24 hours in the refractory ward. Margaret Ingram to be confined 6 hours in the refractory ward. Ann Wilson to be confined 24 hours in the refractory ward. Hanna(?) Johnson to be confined 24 hours in the refractory ward. [1] https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/proni PRONI Reference : BG/1/A/1   The buildings were hardly finished when the island was swept by potato blight engulfing Ireland between 1845 and 1852. Over one million people died of starvation, fever and dysentery, including 20% of those who emigrated. About 200,000 of the ill, hungry and destitute were accepted into the workhouses-although those who possessed more than a quarter acre of land were refused entry. Since the workhouses had been designed to cope with only about half that number, the conditions in them were appalling and disease spread rapidly. Moreover, since relief was to be financed almost totally out of the Irish poor law rates-although, as with earlier schemes, the Treasury provided some help-many Poor Law Unions were soon bankrupt. Latterly, owing to the obvious inability of the workhouses themselves to cope with the demands made upon them, a system of 'outdoor relief ' was introduced, and in this way about 800,000 victims of the Famine were given relief in their own homes. Although the level of outdoor relief was somewhat unevenly spread, it gradually became more accepted later in the nineteenth century and the workhouses increasingly became the last refuges of orphans, the elderly, families of men who were imprisoned, unmarried pregnant girls and other destitute persons. For all its shortcomings, however, the Poor Law did introduce representative institutions into the Irish countryside. Until 1898, counties had been governed by Grand Juries made up of local landlords and property owners. From the outset, the Boards of Guardians were elected by the ratepayers and an opportunity was given to people of comparatively humble origin to participate in public life. https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/proni PRONI Reference : BG During the famine in the mid-1840’s, lofts were raised over the boys’ dormitories to accommodate an additional 60 inmates. In 1847, a 40-bed fever hospital was erected south of the workhouse. The workhouse had its own burial ground at the North of the site. http://www.workhouses.org.uk/Coleraine/ Extracts from the rough minute book of Coleraine workhouse. 10 October 1844-2 April 1846 https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/proni PRONI Reference : BG/1/A/1 20 February 1845 'Sarah Donnely a married woman with 3 children (the 2 eldest by a former husband) having applied for admission into the workhouse, and it having on enquiry, been ascertained that her present husband was now a patient in the County Infirmary from a venereal affection, communicated by her and that she herself was at present labouring under that disease, the Guardians on a due consideration of the case refused admission to the mother, but as it was apparent that the entire family were in a state of abject destitution, the Guardians consented to admit the two eldest children, not only on the ground just mentioned but also on account of the said children being the issue of a deceased parent.' 27 February 1845 'Ordered that John Donelly the step-father of the children admitted at last meeting of the Board and mentioned in the minutes of that day's proceedings, be noticed that so soon as he is discharged from the County Infirmary he will come forward and take said children out of the workhouse or otherwise enter therein himself as a pauper. 6 March 1845 ‘The clerk reported 'That he had addressed a notice to John Donely who was supposed to be in the County Infirmary respecting the children in the workhouse for whose support he was liable but that he had subsequently learned that no person of that name had within the last six months been admitted into that institution.'  29 January 1846 The average cost of a pauper for the week was 1/9 1/5 and 1/10 3/5 in the Infirmary. The Master's list of requirements for the week includes 2,260 lbs. oatmeal half pound coffee 2 lbs. tea. 'That James Diamond be summoned before the bench of magistrates at Antrim for quitting the workhouse on several occasions contrary to orders and for general refractory conduct.' 'Ordered that a cheque be drawn on treasurer for £16.14.0. to the Clerk for potatoes procured by order.' 'Resolved that the schoolmaster be allowed one day's leave.' Applicants admitted 7 22 January 1846 'Resolved that the Fever Hospital nurse be granted rations to correspondence with those allowed to the schoolmaster of the workhouse namely 3.5 lbs . bread 25 lbs. potatoes 2 oz. tea 12 ozs. sugar 2.5 lbs. oatmeal 3.5 quarts sweet milk and 5 lbs. meat weekly. 13 February 1846 The Master's requirements for the week included 20 tons. stones 15 tons gravel 1 cwt. black soap 1 web flannel 70 tin porringers to repair 12 spit pans 1 ton straw. 'Letter from Mr Latham Esquire M.D. Medical Superintendent of the Antrim Dispensary acknowledging the receipt of a communication from the Board of Guardians enclosing tickets for the admission of patients into the Fever Hospital and expressing his willingness to afford at all times his advice and assistance to the Board of Guardians in arresting the progress of fever so far as the extent of his district was concerned.' Resolution accepting the estimates of Mr McAdorey for construction of a piggery at £24.18.6., a coal shed at Fever Hospital at £4.14.0. and the making of a manure tank at 15/-. 'Resolved that the proposal of William (?) Shannon for the cleaning of the cess pools at the workhouse at £3.15.0. be approved of and accepted.' 19 March 1846 Special Business '... ordered that ten iron bedsteads (additional) be procured from the committee of the "Old Poor House Belfast" on terms as heretofore namely £1. each. 'Resolved that the adult paupers be allowed 3/4 lbs. bread for dinner instead of 1/2 lb. as at present; children to be allowed 3/6 lbs. instead of 1/4 lb. as at present. 'The sample of bread furnished this day having as usual been submitted to the inspection of the Board and the same being considered objectionable. 'Ordered that the contractor be notified of the fact and directed to be particular as to the quality of that article supplied in future. 'At the request of Eliza McCormick the only surviving parent of Edward McCormick it was ordered that the registry of the religious denomination of said child, now appearing Roman Catholic, be altered to that of the Established Church. 'The Master having complained of the refractory conduct of a number of the women during the past week. 'Ordered that in case of a recurrence of insubordination on the part of the women the Master be directed to employ the delinquent at stonebreaking (the amount of labour not to exceed 5 cwt. per day) and in default of the completion of the task allotted the party to be kept on half diet till the full complement of work shall have been performed. https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/proni PRONI Reference : BG/1/A/1  ‘Coleraine Chronicle 06 June 1846’ www.findmypast.co.uk  15 March 1847 ‘Letter from the Poor Law Commissioners 'referring to the weekly return to pauper inmates of the workhouse for the week ended 6th inst.; that there were 19 deaths and 70 paupers beyond the number for which the building was originally intended. The Commissioners desired to impress upon the Board of Guardians the great importance of not admitting to the workhouse a greater number of persons than can be lodged and maintained therein, consistently with a due regard to health and the Commissioners would recommend the Guardians to be guided in this respect by the advice of their medical officer ....' https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/proni PRONI Reference : BG/5/A/4  11 October 1847 The master's list of requirements for the week includes: 75 loaves of bread 4 lbs. each, 2 cwt. coarse bread Provisional admissions confirmed 22, applicant admitted 23, applicants rejected 4. The Poor Law Commissioners instruct their solicitor to enforce their order fixing the chaplains' salaries. The Board ask that proceedings be deferred until after 1st November 'when it will be brought before a full Board of Guardians'. 'The master reported that Mary Loane (?) annoyed the other inmates by scolding and cursing; that Sampson McCabe had been caught two days in the carrots and turnips and that Mary McGaughey had annoyed two idiots in the dormitory; that he had kept the dinner from Mary Loane (?), and whipped Sampson McCabe. 'Resolved that Mary McGaughey and Sampson McCabe be discharged from the workhouse and the punishments of the master be approved of.' Provisional admissions confirmed 14, applicants admitted 12, applicants rejected 1. In reply to a letter of the Poor Law Commissioners the Guardians state 'that the paupers who had been discharged from the workhouse on the 17th inst. were both strong and healthy; Sampson McCabe was brought up in the workhouse and learned the trade of shoemaking; Mary McGaughey was admitted with one child, which has died and the Guardians [consider] she will be able to do for herself. Provisional admissions confirmed 6, applicants admitted 7, applicants rejected 1. https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/proni PRONI Reference : BG/5/A/4  25 November 1848 'The punishment book was produced by which it appeared that Margaret McGill Mary Darragh Mary Ann Moore Jane Campbell Margaret Finlay Margaret Devlin Sarah Duffy Nancy Wilson Mary Wilson George McKirgan John Millar John McMullen and Hugh Dempsy had been refractory during the week in consequence of the reduction of the dietary. 'The following punishment were ordered with the sanction of the Medical Officer: That each of the females be confined 6 hours per day for four successive days in the refractory ward and that on those days bread and water be allowed for dinner, also that those who were removed from the penitentary on condition of good conduct be sent back thereto as soon as their punishment be over. 'That John Millar and George McKirgan be confined each 6 hours per day for four successive days in the refractory ward, bread and water to be allowed them for dinner those days and that John McMullan and H. Dempsey who are infirm be punished by the alteration of the dietary for the number of days specified for the others. https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/proni PRONI Reference : BG/10/A/6 The George McKirgan mentioned in the above extract is most likely an ancestor of my own although I do not have absolute proof yet. He was known to be from the area of Liswatty, Ballyrashane were I have narrowed down a direct ancestor, Roger McKirgan born circa 1816. George McKirgan appears to hail from Ballyrashane, Coleraine. Born circa 1800. The evidence begins with the birth of George and Martha Browns children. Five children are found in St. Patricks Church of Ireland baptism records sourced via ‘Causeway Coast and Glens Family History Society’ website. This website contains transcriptions of many of the graveyards in the Causeway Coast and Glens area which can be viewed by all. Transcribed Church records are available to view by becoming a member. http://colerainefhs.org.uk Name Date of Birth Date of Baptism Address Father Occupation Mother Church Elizabeth McKirgan 4th Feb 1841 31st Oct 1847 Liswatty Workhouse George McKirgan - Martha St Patrick’s, Coleraine Church of Ireland Mary McKirgan 15th April 1835 31 Oct 1847 Liswatty Workhouse George McKirgan - Martha St Patrick’s, Coleraine Church of Ireland Matty McKirgan 5th April 1826 20th March 1827 Lisnarag George McKirgan Labourer Matty Brown St Patrick’s, Coleraine Church of Ireland Rose Ann McKirgan 16th Jan 1824 6th April 1824 Lisnarag Parish Ballyrashane George McKirgan Weaver Martha Brown St Patrick’s, Coleraine Church of Ireland Samuel McKirgan 31st Oct 1821 29th Jan 1822 Lisnarag George McKirgan Weaver Martha Browne St Patrick’s, Coleraine Church of Ireland 26 May 1849 'The following is a list of the names ages etc of the parties approved of by the Poor Law Commissioners to be sent out from this workhouse to Canada by the ship Riverdale.’ 41 George McKirgan 48 Knockantern 6 10 - 42 Mary McKirgan 13 Knockantern 4 10 - 43 Sarah McKirgan 11 Knockantern 4 10 - 44 Eliza McKirgan 8 Knockantern 4 10 - 45 Rose A. McKirgan 22 Knockantern 6 10 – https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/proni PRONI Reference : BG/10/A/7   17 September 1850 'The master having requested to know from the Board if potatoes would be given to the inmates it was ordered that for the present the paupers receive potatoes and milk 2 days bread and soup 2 days and stirabout and milk 3 days in each week for dinner.' 12 November 1850 Report from Dr White inspector of lunatic asylums following his visit to the workhouse. 'I visited and inspected this workhouse and was much pleased with its appearance and regularity. It is kept in the nicest order, every apartment in the establishment was in the utmost state of cleanliness; the idiot wards were uncommonly clean and well ventilated, so were the school-rooms. 'The children appeared very clean, well clad and comfortable. Upon the whole, I look upon this institution as reflecting the highest credit upon the Board and officers. 'I was particularly struck with the circumstance detailed to me by the chairman Mr Paton and the master that they were able to apprentice out both the grown boys and girls, which has been the means of relieving the house of that over pressure from the juvenile classes which exists in other houses. 'The school department appears to be well conducted. The idiot classes are humanely and judiciously treated.' https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/proni PRONI Reference : BG/10/A/7  21 October 1851 'The master's journal was submitted to the Board and read as follows: "On visiting the house today at 8.30 a.m. I found the girls from the school-room working and mixing with the adult women. This is not only unfavourable to them in a moral point of view but is also opposed to the workhouse rules which the master is bound to obey. I have the fullest brief in the excuse he makes for this, namely the want of able bodied females to clean the house, and I trust the Guardians will not be so strict on their admissions as to refuse able bodied females when their destitution is doubtful on the ground of personal character. 'There are two infants under one year of age without their mothers; the proper care of these seriously adds to the master's difficulties, and ? is left suited for the health of an infant than the ? it is in fact almost certain death. See the experience of ? hospitals. 'These deserted children should be refused admission and supported by the Grand Jury Presentment until proper age". [Signed] E. Senior 16th October 1851. 16 December 1851 'Ordered that the master be directed to give the children in the school-rooms on Christmas Day one penny currant cake each in addition to the usual daily allowance.' https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/proni PRONI Reference : BG/10/A/7  ‘Belfast Mercury 17 January 1852’ www.findmypast.co.uk 13 July 1852 Report of inspection by the visiting committee William Jenkinson, Thomas Coyne and John Orr. 'We have this day inspected the grounds attached to the workhouse and found them in a superior state of cultivation. The neatness and cleanliness observable everywhere show that the master must have bestowed much care and attention on their management and requires from us the expression of our highest approbation. We also examined the house itself and the hospitals and were exceedingly gratified at the admirable condition in which we found every part of the institution. It affords us great pleasure to be able to report so favourable to the Board as to the general management and superintendence of Mr Archer.' https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/proni PRONI Reference : BG/10/A/7 The workhouse site later became Coleraine Hospital and most of the workhouse buildings were demolished. The entrance block survived, together with the fever hospital which was used as a nurse’s home. www.workhouses.org.uk/Coleraine/  Londonderry Sentinel 15 January 1952 www.findmypast.co.uk  See my previous blog for the history of the poorhouse graveyard located just off the Ballycastle Road, in use from 1858-1947.
www.justpeoplelikeus.com/blog/poorhouse-graveyard-coleraine  The history of the poorhouse graveyard located just off the Ballycastle Road begins circa 1850. Contained within the workhouse minute books, available via proni, the call for a separate burial place for the workhouse inmates ensued. (See the transcription of notes below) The Commissioners had been told that, in the opinion of the General Board of Health, cemeteries should be located at least a quarter of a mile from any town, village, hospital or workhouse, in order to prevent the accumulation of malaria. The Commissioners were of the opinion that the Guardians should give the subject their immediate attention, and would not experience much difficulty, in locating and purchasing an appropriate site for this purpose. The Board of Guardians voted on the matter and the majority vote went to continuing to use the onsite burial ground. The Commissioners strongly objected to this outcome and requested that the Guardians hasten to procure a new site and desist in the burial of inmates onsite. It seems the Guardians are under the impression, that they may be able to retain a portion of a new burial site, being obtained by the inhabitants of Coleraine, at an appropriate distance from the town and workhouse. Unfortunately, they have difficulty in coming to an arrangement with the inhabitants and instead advertise in the Coleraine Chronicle for land, for their use. The following advert was placed on the 20th and 27th April 1850.  There was no response to the advertisement. The Commissioners are now involved in procuring land for the purpose of a cemetery. They insist that the agent for the Marquis of Waterford be contacted regarding lands held, and what the terms would be to obtain some for their use. A reply stating that the Marquis of Waterford had no wish to sell any of his land was received. The Board replied requesting what terms could procure the possible lease of lands? A reply stated that the Marquis of Waterford did not wish to have any of his land used for a cemetery under any circumstances. The plaque situated at the memorial gardens states; ‘This garden was constructed on the site of the former poorhouse graveyard in 1973. The area was in use as a graveyard for nearly 100 years from 1858 until 1947.’  Did it take them until 1858 to obtain land? Did they continue to bury the inmates onsite until then? Burial Ground info found at www.proni.gov.uk Coleraine Workhouse Minute Books [26 January 1850] 'Ordered that the collectors be directed to lodge weekly the entire amounts collected by them and not fortnightly as directed on the 12th inst. Letter of the 23rd inst. from the Poor Law Commissioners in reference to interments which take place in the workhouse grounds of this Union close to the infirmary yard, and requesting the attention of the Board of Guardians to the opinion expressed by the General Board of Health that the localities selected for the purpose of cemeteries should be at least a quarter of a mile from any town, village, hospital or workhouse and in a sufficiently exposed place to prevent the accumulation of malaria and that as the Commissioners cannot suppose that the Guardians would experience much difficulty in procuring an eligible site for a cemetery a request that the Guardians will give the subject their immediate attention, and that the Commissioners will readily co-operate with the Guardians in procuring a piece of land for the purpose. [9 February 1850] 'The Board proceeded to consider the question of the removal of the cemetery to a distance from the workhouse which Hugh Lecky Esq proposed and Henry Anderson Esq seconded that a cemetery at a distance from the workhouse be provided if the cost does not exceed £25. 'It was then proposed as an amendment by Daniel Givin Esq and seconded by James Lancy Esq that the present cemetery be used as hitherto. 'The votes having been taken there appeared a majority for the amendment and so the original motion that the cemetery be removed to a distance from the workhouse was lost. [23 February 1850] 'Letter of the 22nd inst. in reference to proposal made on the 9th inst. to provide a cemetery for burial of deceased inmates at a distance from the workhouse which was lost on a division and Guardians resolved to adhere to the peasant practice of burying the bodies of deceased inmates on the workhouse site. 'The Commissioners state that on sanitary grounds they strongly object to the continued interrments of the bodies ... on the workhouse site and they request that the practice may be discontinued, and that the Guardians will again take into consideration the expediency of providing a cemetery for the purpose. 'Ordered that the Commissioners be informed that the consideration of the subject has been postponed in order that an arrangement may be entered into for a piece of a new burying ground which the Guardians learn the inhabitants of the town of Coleraine are about to provide at a suitable distance from the town and workhouse'. [30 March 1850] 'Resolved that the following Guardians be appointed a committee for the purpose of treating with the inhabitants of Coleraine in reference to providing a joint cemetery for the town and workhouse: John Cromie Esq Daniel Givin Esq Hugh Lecky Esq Alexander Macky Esq James A Lyle Esq Mr Hugh Bellis 'The above committee to meet on ... the third proximo at 12 o'clock and to report to the Guardian on the 6th proximo. Three to be a quorum. [6 April 1850] The report of the committee considering the removal of the cemetery from the vicinity of the workhouse. 'The committee having taken into consideration the propriety of providing a joint cemetery for the use of the town and workhouse are of opinion from the difficulty of getting the inhabitants of Coleraine to come to any arrangement that a separate cemetery for the workhouse should be provided, and advertisement made for an acre of land at a suitable distance from the workhouse'. Following a resolution an advertisement was placed in the Coleraine Chronicle for half an acre of land. 'Wanted by the Guardians of the Coleraine Union a portion of land not exceeding half an acre for the purpose of a cemetery; the distance from the workhouse should not be much greater than half a mile ...' [4 May 1850] No tenders were received in response to the advertisement for land for a workhouse cemetery. [18 May 1850] The Poor Law Commissioners enquire about land suitable for a burial place sufficiently near the workhouse and propose to treat for the same. They 'observe that the objections to interrments so close to the workhouse, or any part of the land now held with it, are so strong that they would feel warranted in prohibiting the practice by a sealed order. The Clerk was ordered to send details of some land held under the Marquis of Waterford and also to write to Mr Beresford his agent for terms for land for a cemetery. [10 August 1850] 'Letter of the 8th inst. from J B Beresford Esq agent to the Marquis of Waterford stating that the Marquis of Waterford does not wish to sell any portion of his property to be set apart for a cemetery'. The Clerk was instructed to write to see if a lease would be granted for a cemetery and on what terms. (17 August 1850] 'Letter of the 16th inst. from J B Beresford ... states that the Marquis of Waterford does not wish to appropriate any part of his property for a cemetery, on any terms whatever.  We next see 2 more adverts in the Coleraine Chronicle dated 27th August 1859 and the 12th November 1859.  COLERAINE UNION The Cemetery Committee of the Coleraine Union will, on SATURDAY, the 31 proximo, be prepared to receive and consider Tenders for making a MAIN DRAIN at the New Cemetery, according to a Plan and Specification in the hands of Mr James H Lithgow, Brook Street, who will give any information relating thereto. Tenders to be lodged with me at the Board Room before Eleven o’clock, AM, on the day above named. JOHN V FLEMING Clerk of Coleraine Union 24th August, 1859 5426  COLERAINE UNION THE CEMETERY COMMITTEE of the Coleraine Union will, on SATURDAY, the 19th Inst, be prepared to receive and consider Tenders for making a WALK Round, and a Cross Walk, in the New Cemetery. The Round Walk to be at a distance of six feet, inside from the wall, and to be six feet in breadth, paved with large Stones to a depth of six inches, on top of which a coating of broken Stones to a depth of three inches is to be spread, and over which as much Gravel, free from earth and sand as will completely blind the Stones. The Cross Walk to be made in a similar manner. The earth in both cases to be removed by the Contractor to the depth of one foot, and spread over the lollow part of the ground. Sealed Tenders stating price per lineal perch of 21 feet, the entire breadth of the Walk, will be received by me up to, and not later than, 11 o’clock on the day above named. By order, JOHN V FLEMING Clerk of the Union Board Room, 5th Nov, 1859 5572 A look at proni’s historical maps give us an aerial view of the site. Marked is the Workhouse and the site of the poorhouse graveyard. OSNI Historical Edition - (1846-1862) PRONI maps then jump to 1900-1907 The Griffiths Valuation of the area, (available at www.askaboutireland.ie) was taken in 1859. Again, I have marked both the Workhouse and the poorhouse graveyard.  Details of the land tenant and landlord can also be found for the particular plot, noted here as the number three. From this we can see that William Lettison was leasing the land from Robert Given.  Here we can see the whole area of Bellasses where the burial ground is situated.  We can now follow this area of land by looking at the valuation revision books. VAL/12/B/30/9A (1859 - 1865)  Here we can see that the tenants of plots 2 and 3 have been crossed out and the burial ground is now noted as plot 19 after the Railway, dated 1863. The land is In Fee and is leased by the Guardians of the Poor of Union of Coleraine. The books show the Burial Ground right through until they end in 1929. VAL12B309B (1866 - 1874) VAL12B309C (1874 - 1884) VAL12B309E (1885 - 1892) VAL12B309G (1893 - 1899) VAL12B3014E (1899 - 1910) VAL12B3014F (1911 - 1929)  This picture found at www.britainfromabove.org.uk was taken in 1948. A year after the poorhouse graveyard was no longer in use. The picture shows Bengers factory, now known to us as the Cheese Factory. Looking at the area on the top left we can see Harpurs Hill, an area of fields, and just at the very top, a triangle of trees. This was the burial ground. We can see it was located a good distance from highly populated areas at the time.  This is where the story of the poorhouse graveyard ends. A further look at newspaper reports unfurled another issue within the town of Coleraine itself regarding cemeteries. Coleraine Chronicle dated Saturday 8th March 1862
To be continued.... |
Lucy LavertyA keen amateur genealogist Archives
June 2018
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