Black's Guide to Ireland (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1902 Excerpt: ...is navigable to the town, and at low water affords a fine level strand for many miles. It is a very ancient place, and was made a borough by James I. The Society of Friends were early benefactors of the town, and established a linen factory in the end of the 18th century. There are flax-mills, and weaving and hem-stitching. In 1214 a Dominican friary was established, and in it were held chapters of the order in 1298 and 1312. At the Dissolution it was granted to Jamea Viscount Clandeboy at the annual nominal rent of 13s. 4d. "By assignment" it afterwards became the property of Montgomery, Viscount Ards. The town and neighbouring country belong to the Londonderry estate. In the town an Irish cross has been erected to the memory of the fourth Marquis of Londonderry, and on Scrub's Hill, overlooking the town, is a monument to the third Marquis. The ruins of the church, founded by the first of the Montgomeries, a descendant of him who caused the accidental death of King Henry II. of France at a tournament, is an interesting ruin at the east end of High Street. The town-hall, erected in 1770, includes assembly-rooms. In the centre of the town is the pedestal of an ancient cross. About a mile to the north are the remains of the Abbey of Moville, founded about 540 by St. Finian. Grey Abbey, 7J miles from Newtonards by car, is one of the most interesting relics in the County Down. Africa, the daughter of Godred, King of Man, and wife of Sir John de 120 BALLYNAHINCH KILLYLEAGH DOWNPATRICK Courcy, founded it in 1193, under the title of the Abbey of St. Mary, Be jugo Dei. It was a cell or offset of Holm Cultram in Cumberland. In the rebellion of 1641 the original abbey was destroyed by the O'Neills, but was afterwards rebuilt by the Montgomeries. The ruins, ...