BALLYCULTER

In 1868, the parish of Ballyculter contained the following places:

"BALLYCULTER, a parish in the barony of Lecale, in the county of Down, province of Ulster, Ireland, 5 miles to the N.E. of Downpatrick. It is situated at the southern extremity of Lough Strangford, and contains the town of Strangford. The district is fertile and well cultivated. Lead has been obtained here. The living is a rectory in the diocese of Down, Connor, and Dromore, value £334, in the patronage of the crown. The church is a fine building with a tower and spire. The Roman Catholics and the Wesleyans have each two chapels in the parish. There are several schools, and four almshouses, founded and endowed in 1832 by Lady Sophia Ward. Three castles were erected at Ballyculter, by the De Courcys, which still remain. Castle Ward is the seat of Lord Bangor."

"RAHOLP, a village in the parishes of Ballyculter and Saul, barony of Lecale, county Down, province of Ulster, Ireland, 4 miles N.E. of Downpatrick. It is situated on the road to Strangford. There are a school and the ruins of an old church."

"STRANGFORD, a small port and post town in the parish of Ballyculter, county Down, province of Ulster, Ireland, 6 miles E.N.E. of Downpatrick, and 102 from Dublin. It is situated on the W. side of the entrance to Strangford Lough, facing Portaferry. It is a coastguard station and a sub-port to Newry. It contains a chapel-of-ease, a Roman Catholic chapel, Wesleyan chapel, police station, and a custom-house. There is a considerable coasting trade carried on. Strangford House is the seat of Lord de Ros. The Smythe family take the title of viscount from this town. Remains of four castles, founded by the De Courceys, are seen in the vicinity. Fairs are, held on 12th August and 8th November."

[Transcribed from The National Gazetteer of Great Britain and Ireland 1868]
by Colin Hinson ©2018