DESERTMARTIN

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

"DESERTMARTIN, a parish and post town in the barony of Loughinsholin, in the county of Londonderry, province of Ulster, Ireland, 2 miles W. of Magherafelt. It is situated on the road from Coleraine to Armagh, and at the base of Slieve Gullion. It includes Lough Insholin with its numerous islands. The soil is excellent and well cultivated. The living is a rectory in the diocese of Derry, value £687, in the patronage of the bishop. The church stands within a short distance of the village; it is a small building erected in 1820 by means of a loan from the late Board of First Fruits. There are Roman Catholic chapels at Munsterlin and Cullon united, and at Lecumpher is a meeting-house for Presbyterians. There are parochial and other schools connected with the Drapers' Company, and three under the National Board. Dromore House is the principal residence. Coal is found in small quantities, but lime and good building stone are abundant. Fairs are held on the 4th February, 8th May, 7th June, 28th July, 1st October, 8th November, and 27th December."

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