Lurgan - from The General Directory of Newry, Armagh, etc.

Note: Refer to Source footnotes, below.

HISTORICAL ACCOUNT OF THE TOWN OF LURGAN.

LURGAN is situated about fourteen miles from Armagh, seventeen from Newry, and seventeen from Belfast. It is the second town in the county of Armagh, and was founded by William Brownlow, Esq. In 1619, it consisted of only forty-two houses, which were peopled with English families. The streets were paved, and kept remarkably clean, and two water-mills were constructed in the neighbourhood, for the benefit of the settlement. At present Lurgan is a beautiful town. It consists principally of one wide street, nearly a mile in length, and containts, at least, 379 houses, and 2207 inhabitants.
The church is spacious and well built, ornamented with a beautiful spire, and furnished with an excellent organ. There are also a commodious Presbyterian meeting-house, and a neat and comfortable Methodist chapel, at the rear of the beautiful residence of John Johnston, Esq.---A poor-school has been established here, which is supported by private subscriptions and an annual charity sermon. In this institution, nearly two hundred children receive education.
This town is situated in the extensive parish of Shankill, the rector of which (the Rev. Mr. Waring) receives his tithe by a modus of ten pence per acre, for which he agreed with his parishioners, and it is very cheerfully paid.
The trade of Lurgan consists chiefly in articles of the linen manufacture---viz. cambricks, lawns, diapers, and damasks; the sale of which, in the weekly market, averages from £2,500 to £3,000.
The beautiful and extensive demesne of Charles Brownlow, Esq. adjoins the town. The mansion is a very antique castle, which has received many additions since it was originally built. The demesne is highly ornamented with rich plantations and a fine sheet of water, which is covered with every description of water fowl. A pleasant gravel walk surrounds the lake; and the demesne is always open for the amusement of the inhabitants.