Deer Park Townland, Glenavy

Statistical Account or Parochial Survey of Ireland

The following is an extract from the "Statistical Account or Parochial Survey of Ireland – Parishes of Glenavy, Camlin & Tullyrusk" by the Rev. Edward Cupples.

Near Lough Neagh, and separated from it by a narrow neck of land, known by the name of the Deer-park, is a beautiful sheet of water, of an oval form, called Loughbeg, or the Little lake. This body of water covers 625 acres of land; and is stored with pike, bream, trout, perch, roach, eels, and a variety of wild fowl. An ingenious attempt to drain it was made about the year 1740, by Arthur Dobbs, Esq then agent to Lord Conway. (This man, Arthur Dobbs, was the author of an excellent pamphlet on the trade of Ireland, and of another on the Rate of Interest. He died Governor of North Carolina.). For this purpose he erected a windmill at the place where the isthmus between the lakes is narrowest; which acting upon buckets, threw the water into the other lake, In this way the lake was emptied; but the water returning again, either through springs, or as some allege, (Sic) by a subterraneous communication with Lough Neagh, the scheme, after various experiments was abandoned.

In a sequestered spot in this lake, called Sally Island, tradition relates that the pious and learned Jeremiah Taylor, who was chaplain to Charles I, and Bishop of Down and Connor, in the year 1661, frequently composed his admired works; probably, among others, his celebrated "Doctor Dubitantium," the preface of which is dated from his study in Portmore, in Killultagh, on the banks of Lough-beg.

It has already appeared, that there were great forests here in the time of James 1, and for many years after. Considerable vestiges of them remained so late as fifty years ago, and fourteen hundred acres, covered with forest trees, on the banks of Lough Neagh, were held as a park by the Lords Conway. This park was stored with deer, pheasants, jays, turkeys, hares, rabbits, and a variety of game. A neat lodge was built in it by Lord Conway, for the purpose of enjoying the pleasures of the field with greater convenience. About thirty years ago, a considerable portion of it was leased to tenants, by whom it has been altogether cleared of wood, and is now well cultivated. The remaining part, forming a peninsula with Lough Neagh, was enclosed by a wall constructed at the entrance; and continued for some time a receptacle for deer, under the name of the Hogg, or Little Deer-park. This park was also given up to cultivation, about twelve years ago, and leased to tenants; since which time, it has been entirely divested of timber, and reduced under the dominion of the plough. Here grew an oak tree called, from its extraordinary size and dimensions, the Royal Oak. This noble tree was forty-two feet in circumference; the principal arm was sold for an axis of a mill; and the other branches built a vessel of fifty tons, called the Royal Oak. The bark sold for forty guineas; the trunk was sold for £121. 10s. The ground in which it grew, was a very stiff clay. This great tree being decayed at the roots, sunk under the pressure of time, about forty years ago on a calm day. (The above particulars were related to William Smith, Esq, agent to the Marquis of Hertford, by Tho? ?on, his lordship’s park-keeper. This oak tree is noticed in E?) Near to its stately brother grew another oak tree, of an unusual size, called the Broad Oak, from the great expansion if its branches. The trunk of this tree was about sixteen feet high, and twelve feet in circumference. The branches extended to the distance of four English perches, or twenty-two yards diameter. It was entirely hollow, occasioned by the trunk having been chipped with a turf spade, whence it absorbed moisture, and rotted. When it fell, it was therefore of little value.

There is no waste ground in the union; and only an hundred acres of turf-bog, at the Brown Moss, in the parish of Tullyrusk. There was formerly a quantity of moss in the Deer-park, which has been reclaimed, and converted into a meadow.

Extract from Griffith Valuation 1862 – Union of Lisburn (Part of)

County of Antrim — Barony of Massereene — Parish of Glenavy

Column 1 :	Number and letters of Reference to map
Column 2 :	Occupiers
Column 3 :	Immediate Lessors
Column 4 :	Description of Tenement
Column 5 :	Area
Not included –	Rateable Annual Valuation of land and buildings and Total Annual Valuation of Rateable property

Townland: Deerpark Ordnance Survey map number: 62
1	James Johnston	Marquis of Hertford	House, offices, land	25 00 19
2	As above	same		10 02 14
3	William J. Gregory	same	House, offices, land	09 01 15
4a	As above	same		23 02 13
4b	Church and yard	(see exemptions)
5	William J. Turtle	Marquis of Hertford	House, offices, land	33 00 24
6a	William Hickland	same	House, offices, land	21 01 20
7	As above	same		11 00 04
7b	John Lewis	William Hickland	house	–
7c	James McCartan	same	same	–
8a	William Maxwell	Marquis of Hertford	House, offices, land	10 03 04
8b	William McGarry	William Maxwell	House	–
9	William Gregg	Marquis of Hertford	House, Land	51 02 04
10	John McGarrell	same	House, offices, land	36 01 10
11	Richard Farr	same	House and Land	02 01 09
12a	John McManus	same	House, offices, land	19 03 09
12b	National School-house	(see exemptions)
13	William Beatty	Marquis of Hertford	House, offices, land	25 01 37
14a	William Beatty	same	same	160 03 17
14b	George Higgins	William Beatty	House and garden	00 00 30
14c	James Costello	same	House,and sm garden	–
14d	Thomas Bell	same	House and garden	00 00 30
15	William Falloon	Marquis of Hertford	House, offices, land	09 00 35
16	Peter O’Hara	same	same	09 03 34
17	same	same		01 03 00
18	John Johnston	same	House, offices, land	04 03 35
19	same	same		04 03 38
20a	James Creany	same	House, offices, land	83 00 27
20b	George Laird	James Creany	House	–
20c	–	–	House (in progress)	–
21	Patrick McCartan	Marquis of Hertford	House, offices, land	05 01 28
22	same	same		12 02 27
23	same	same		05 02 38
24	Henry McKevney	same	House, offices, land	47 01 34
25	William McKevney	Same	House, offices, land	05 02 38
26	Same	Marquis of Hertford	Same	01 02 39
27	Same	same	Same	01 00 35
28	Same	same	Same	03 02 19
29	Edward Bartley	Marquis of Hertford	House, offices, land	06 01 27
30a	Same	same	Same	10 01 14
30b	William Murray	Edward Bartley	House,sm garden	–
30c	John Totten	same	Same	–
31	Catherine Campbell	Marquis of Hertford	Land	05 00 38
32	Patrick Tallon	same	Same	02 01 29
33	Same	same	Same	01 00 20
32a	William Moore	Patrick Tallon	House	–
32b	Philip Totton	same	House	–
34	William Kane	Marquis of Hertford	land	04 02 08
35	Same	same	Same	07 00 14
34a	William Yarr	free	House	–
36	John Totton	Marquis of Hertford	House, land	03 01 20
37	John Totton	same		01 00 10
38	William J Creany	same	House, offices, land	00 03 00
39	Same	same		00 02 35
40	Same	same		00 03 15
41	John Turtle	same	Land	48 02 34
42	Denis Kane	same	House, offices, land	02 01 09
43	Same	same		02 02 09
44a	same	same		13 00 04
44b	William Kane	same	House,office,garden	00 01 00
44c	James Ray	Denis Kane	House	–
45	Jane Creany	Marquis of Hertford	House, land	00 03 30
46	John McQuillan	same	House, offices, land	10 00 15
47	Same	same		02 00 19
48	Same	same		08 00 16
49	Same	same		02 00 19
47a	Jane McManus	John McQuillan	House	–
50	Jeremiah Jordan	Marquis of Hertford	House, land	01 01 15
51	Same	same		01 00 35
52	Bunton Thompson	same	House, land	03 00 39
53	Same	same	House, offices, land	07 00 37
54	Bernard McCartan	same	House, office, land	04 00 08
55	Same	same		02 03 39
56	Henry Falloon	same	House, office, land	00 02 30
57	Same	same		01 00 10
58	John Falloon	same	House, office, land	01 03 30
59	Same	same	see no 61	01 01 05
60	Patrick Yarr	same	House, offices, land	00 01 30
61	John Falloon	same	Same	05 01 38
62	Charles Lavery	same	Land	03 01 00
63	John Mulholland	same	House, offices, land	38 03 30
64	Peter Moore	same	House, offices, land	16 02 21
65a	John Hall	same	Same	216 03 05
65b	Henry Grant	John Hall	House	–
65c	Unoccupied	same	Same	–
65d	Thomas Knox	same	Same	–
65e	Henry Lavery	same	Same	–
65f	James Handran	same	Same	–
65g	Thomas Johnston	same	Same	–
66	John McVeigh	Marquis of Hertford	House, office, land	12 01 00
67	Henry McVeigh	same	House, offices, land	12 02 04
68	Same	same		03 03 29
69	Mary McVeigh	same	House and land	03 03 38
70	Same	same		11 01 25
71a	Same	same		00 03 00
71	James McVeigh	Marquis of Hertford	Land	11 00 35
72	William McVeigh	same	House, offices, land	50 03 29
73	–	–	Water	148 02 165
Total of Rateable Property				1336 03 21
Exemptions
4b			Church & yard	00 01 05
12b			National School	–
			House
Total including exemptions				1337 00 26

Farm Auction – "Tunny Meadows"

The following is an extract from The Lisburn Herald 23rd April 1898.

Deerpark near Glenavy
Auction of Valuable Farm of Land

We have been favoured with instructions to sell by auction on the premises, on Monday 25th April, 1898 at 2 o’clock p.m.
That valuable farm of land, known as "Tunny Meadows" containing 51a 0r 14p statute measure, or thereabouts, situate in the Townland of Deerpark, Parish of Glenavy, County Antrim, held for ever, subject to payment of an annuity or yearly sum of £28 3s 2d to the Irish Land Commission, for 49 years, from 1st May, 1893, and afterwards free forever of all annuity or rent.

The lands are all in meadow, and are of good quality, well fenced and watered, and are situate adjacent to the County Road leading from Glenavy to Lurgan, distant about 5 miles from Glenavy.

There is a Caretaker’s House on the lands.

For further particulars as to Title and conditions of sale apply to

G.G. Fisher, Esq., solicitor, Huddersfield, or to
Ferguson & Harvey, Auctioneers and Valuers 19 Rosemary Street, Belfast & Lisburn.

George’s Island

The following extract is from the Lisburn Herald — Saturday Jan 18th 1913

George’s Island, Deerpark
Small farm
For sale by auction

To be sold by Auction at Mr. David Mairs,
Gawley’s Gate, on Saturday, 25th January,
At 2 o’clock, Henry Faloon’s, George’s Island
Farm
Containing between 9 and 10 acres of
Land, laid down in Meadow and Osier, and
Young Orchard. The land is excellent in quality,
and contains any quantity of unexhausted
Manures.
We would direct intending purchasers’ attention
To the fact that after this decade (near expired) it
Shall be at perpetuity price, about 27/6 per instalment.
Housing accommodation suitable for the
Holding.
Terms – £50 deposit, and 2½ per cent, Auction
Commission at time of Sale; the remainder on
Getting possession.
As to title, and for further particulars, apply to
Joseph Lockhart, Solicitor,
Bow Street, Lisburn.
George Preston and Sons,
Auctioneers, Dromore.

PRONI Will Calendars

The following information is taken from the will calendars in the PRONI and are reproduced with kind permission of Deputy Keeper of the Records, Public Record Office of Northern Ireland.

Thomas Little

Date of Death : 10 September 1862
Date of Grant : 1 October 1862
Registry : Belfast
Effects : Effects under £1,500

Full Abstract :

The Will of Thomas Little late of Aghalee in the County of Antrim Grocer and Farmer deceased who died 10 September 1862 at same place was proved at Belfast by the oaths of Eleanor Little of Aghalee aforesaid Widow David M’Quillan of Deerpark (Ballinderry) Farmer and James Boyce of Belfast Ironmonger all in the County of Antrim the Executors.

Patrick McCarton

Date of Death : 29 October 1869
Date of Grant : 15 March 1871
Registry : Belfast
Effects : under £200

Full Abstract :

The Will of Patrick M’Carton late of Deerpark Lower Ballinderry County Antrim Farmer deceased who died 29 October 1869 at same place was proved at Belfast by the oath of Charlotte M’Carton of Deerpark Lower Ballinderry (Lurgan) aforesaid the Widow and sole Executrix.

Peter Moore

Date of Death : 27 January 1874
Date of Grant : 23 March 1874
Registry : Belfast
Effects : under £100

Full Abstract :

The Will of Peter Moore late of Deerpark County Antrim Farmer deceased who died 27 January 1874 at same place was proved at Belfast by the oaths of John Mulholland and James Moore both of Deerpark (Lower Ballinderry) aforesaid Farmers the Executors.

William Beatty McDonald

Date of Death : 17 March 1875
Date of Grant : 23 December 1875
Registry : Belfast
Effects : under £1,500

Full Abstract :

The Will of William Beatty M’Donald late of Deerpark County Antrim Farmer deceased who died 17 March 1875 at same place was proved at Belfast by the oath of John Alexander M’Donald of Mossvale Aghalee (Lurgan) same County Farmer one of the Executors.

John Hall

Date of Death : 14 October 1877
Date of Grant : 12 November 1877
Registry : Belfast
Effects : under £6,000

Full Abstract :

The Will of John Hall formerly of Deer-park Glenavy County Antrim and late of Holywood County Down Farmer deceased who died 14 October 1877 at Holywood aforesaid was proved at Belfast by the oaths of Jane Cinnamond of Quinville-terrace Holywood County Down Widow and John Ferguson of 31 Linenhall-street Belfast Linen Merchant two of the Executors.

William Johnston

Date of Death : 22 March 1886
Date of Grant : 6 March 1891
Registry : Belfast
Effects : £128 19s.

Full Abstract :

Letters of Administration of the personal estate of William John Johnston late of Deerpark County Antrim Farmer who died 22 March 1886 at Charters Towers Queensland were granted at Belfast to Edward Johnston of Tunny County Antrim Farmer a Brother.

John Mulholland

Date of Death : 21 September 1888
Date of Grant : 21 August 1889
Registry : Belfast
Effects : £281 7s. 69d

Full Abstract :

The Will of John Mulholland late of Deerpark County Antrim Farmer who died 21 September 1888 at same place was proved at Belfast by William Mulholland and James Moore both of Deerpark Farmers the Executors.

Patrick McGarrell

Date of Death : 11 May 1893
Date of Grant : 28 June 1893
Registry : Belfast
Effects : £119 10s

Full Abstract :

Letters of Administration of the personal estate of Patrick M’Garrell late of Deerpark, Glenavy County Antrim Farmer who died 11 May 1893 at same place were granted at Belfast to James M’Garrell of Glenavy Farmer the Uncle.

William Maxwell

Date of Death : 21 April 1897
Date of Grant : 1 November 1897
Registry : Belfast
Effects : £12 12s. 6d

Full Abstract :

Probate of the Will of William Maxwell late of Deerpark County Antrim Farmer who died 21 April 1897 granted at Belfast to Edward Johnston of Deerpark and James Farr of Ballyvannon County Antrim Farmers

Jane Kane

Date of Death : 22 October 1897
Date of Grant : 21 January 1898
Registry : Belfast
Effects : £61 17s. 5d

Full Abstract :

Probate of the Will of Jane Kane late of Deerpark County Antrim Widow who died 22 October 1897 granted at Belfast to Frederick L. Turtle of The Villa Aghalee said County Merchant.

Susan Faloon

Date of Death : 24 December 1896
Date of Grant : 18 October 1897
Registry : Belfast
Effects : £77 17s

Full Abstract :

Probate of the Will of Susan Faloon late of Deerpark County Antrim Spinster who died 24 December 1896 granted at Belfast to Henry Faloon of Deerpark Farmer.

Elizabeth Farr

Date of Death : 30 April 1901
Date of Grant : 16 May 1902
Registry : Belfast
Effects : £40 10s

Full Abstract :

Probate of the Will of Elizabeth Farr late of Deerpark County Antrim Widow who died 30 April 1901 granted at Belfast to David Mairs Farmer and Grocer and Edward Johnston Farmer.

David McQuillan

Date of Death : 22 February 1904
Date of Grant : 9 March 1904
Registry : Belfast
Effects : £476

Full Abstract :

Probate of the Will of David M’Quillan late of Deerpark County Antrim Farmer who died 22 February 1904 granted at Belfast to Thomas Lyttle Warehouseman and Edward Johnston Farmer

James Frazer

Date of Death : 13 April 1904
Date of Grant : 30 May 1904
Registry : Belfast
Effects : £87 12s. 3d

Full Abstract :

Probate of the Will of James Frazer late of Deerpark, Glenavy County Antrim Farmer who died 13 April 1904 granted at Belfast to Joseph Yarr Bookkeeper and David Mairs Merchant

James Moore

Date of Death : 1 November 1909
Date of Grant : 18 April 1910
Registry : Belfast
Effects : £366 10s. 1d

Full Abstract :

Probate of the Will of James Moore late of Deerpark, Glenavy County Antrim Farmer who died 1 November 1909 granted at Belfast to David Mairs Merchant and John Magee Farmer.

William Mulholland

Date of Death : 12 February 1916
Date of Grant : 21 June 1916
Registry : Belfast
Effects : under £6,000
Effects: £651 5s. 0d.

Full Abstract :

Probate of the Will of William Mulholland late of Deer Park Gawley’s Gate County Antrim Farmer who died 12 February 1916 granted at Belfast to David Mairs Merchant and Francis Bell Farmer.

James Megarrell

Date of Death : 6 August 1897
Date of Grant : 1 September 1897
Registry : Belfast
Effects : £962

Full Abstract :

Probate of the Will of James M’Garrell late of Deer Park George’s Island County Antrim Farmer and Saddler who died 6 August 1897 granted at Belfast to Catherine M’Garrell of Deer Park Widow.

William Creaney

Date of Death : 12 April 1900
Date of Grant : 1 August 1900
Registry : Belfast
Effects : £7

Full Abstract :

Probate of the Will of William John Creaney late of Deerpark County Antrim Basketmaker who died 12 April 1900 granted at Belfast to Edward Johnston Farmer.

Charles Henry Jebb

Date of Death : 5 March 1903
Date of Grant : 9 April 1903
Registry : Belfast
Effects : £1,814 8s. 4d

Full Abstract :

Administration of the estate of Charles Henry Jebb late of Deerpark Gawley’s Gate County Antrim Farmer who died 5 March 1903 granted at Belfast to Robert Jebb Farmer.

Robert Jebb

Date of Death : 19 September 1906
Date of Grant : 17 October 1906
Registry : Belfast
Effects : £4,218 7s. 7d

Full Abstract :

Probate of the Will of Robert Jebb late of Deerpark House Gawleys Gate Lurgan County Antrim Farmer who died 19 September 1906 granted at Belfast to Alexander Jebb Merchant Robert Henry Jebb Farmer and Joseph Allen Solicitor.

Maria Falloon

Date of Death : 13 July 1907
Date of Grant : 20 October 1916
Registry : Belfast
Effects : £127 5s. 0d

Full Abstract :

Probate of the Will of Maria Falloon late of Deerpark, Gawley’s Gate County Antrim Spinster who died 13 July 1907 granted at Belfast to John E. Moore and Robert Girvin Farmers.

Ann Falloon

Date of Death : 6 March 1916
Date of Grant : 11 October 1916
Registry : Belfast
Effects : £16 5s. 0d.

Full Abstract :

Probate of the Will of Ann Falloon late of Deerpark Gawley’s Gate County Antrim Spinster who died 6 March 1916 granted at Belfast to John E. Moore and James Brankin Farmers.

John Dornan

Date of Death : 29 March 1923
Date of Grant : 14 May 1923
Registry : Belfast
Effects : £226 18s 3d

Full Abstract :

Dornan John of Gobrana county Antrim farmer died 29 March 1923 at Deerpark Gawley’s Gate county Antrim Probate Belfast 14 May to James Henry Haslett farmer and carpenter.

James McKavney

Date of Death : 4 June 1924
Date of Grant : 18 March 1925
Effects : £8 0s 0d

Full Abstract :

McKavney James of Deerpark county Antrim farmer died 4 June 1924 Probate Belfast 18 March to David Mairs and John McNally farmers.

John Edward Moore

Date of Death : 10 December 1927
Date of Grant : 4 December 1929
Registry : Belfast
Effects : £21 10s 0d

Full Abstract :

Moore John Edward of Deerpark county Antrim farmer died 10 December 1927 Probate Belfast 4 December to David Mairs and Patrick McKavanagh farmers.

Edward Johnston

Date of Death : 31 May 1930
Date of Grant : 4 May 1931
Effects : £15 0s 0d

Full Abstract :

Johnston Edward of Deerpark county Antrim farmer died 31 May 1930 at Tunny Deerpark Administration (with Will) Belfast 4 May to John Johnston draper.

John McCartan

Date of Death : 25 July 1931
Date of Grant : 18 December 1931
Registry : Belfast
Effects : £335 15s 6d

Full Abstract :

McCartan John of Deerpark county Antrim farmer died 25 July 1931 at Feumore in said county Probate Belfast 18 December to William John Lavery farmer.

William Henry Hickland

Date of Death : 1 April 1932
Date of Grant : 17 February 1933
Registry : Belfast
Effects : £148 2s 0d

Full Abstract :

Hickland William Henry of Tunny House Deerpark county Antrim farmer died 1 April 1932 Probate Belfast 17 February to David Mairs farmer.

Moses McConnell

Date of Death : 16 October 1936
Date of Grant : 1 April 1937
Registry : Belfast
Effects : £32 9s 9d

Full Abstract :

McConnell Moses of Deerpark Gawley’s Gate Lurgan county Armagh rifleman died 16 October 1936 Administration Belfast 1 April to Mary Emily Doon married woman.

Joseph Laird

Date of Death : 29 October 1937
Date of Grant : 29 March 1938
Registry : Belfast
Effects : £41 0s 0d

Full Abstract :

Laird Joseph of Deerpark Gawley’s Gate county Antrim farmer died 29 October 1937 Probate Belfast 29 March to David Mairs and George Laird farmers.

Henry Addis

Date of Death : 22 April 1940
Date of Grant : 30 July 1940
Registry : Belfast
Effects : £896 5s 11d

Full Abstract :

Addis Henry of Deerpark Gawley’s Gate county Antrim civil bill officer died 22 April 1940 at The Bridge Ballinderry Probate Belfast 30 July to William James McKavanagh farmer and Sarah Florence Laird married woman.