Glenavy Townland, Glenavy

Mills and Manufactories

The manufactories in this parish consist of a cotton factory, a bleach green with its machinery and a corn mill. The cornmill is situated in the village of Glenavy. The machinery is propelled by a breast water wheel 14 feet in diameter and 2 feet broad.

The cotton factory is within a short distance of the southern end of the village of Glenavy. It is in rather a dilapidated states, though at present at full work. The machinery is propelled by a breast water wheel 26 feet in diameter and 5 feet broad, and having a fall of water of 24 feet.

Rivers

…It is of very little importance as a mill stream, but would supply more machinery with water than is at present erected on the river, to take advantage of which it is the intention of Mr. Howe, who has a cotton manufactory in the town land of Glenavy, to erect a flax mill in the same town land next year (1836).

Cotton mill, lands and houses.

To be peremptorily Sold by Public auction, at the Sale Rooms of Mr. G.C. Hyndman, castle-Place, on Friday, 25th April next, at the hour of Two o’clock.

All those extensive Cotton Mills and concerns adjoining the Town of Glenavy. The Mill contains 2064 Throstle and 1968 Mule spindles, with 50 carding engines, and other requisite Machinery; is heated by Steam, was driven by a Metal Water Wheel, lately erected, of 24 feet diameter, equal to 25 horse power, with an abundant supply of Water; also a Steam Engine of 10 horse power, for which coals can be landed within one mile of the Mill.

Attached thereto are 40 acres of land, 25 of which are occupied as Reservoirs, with ten workmen’s Houses, and a comfortable Cottage, garden and Orchard; held under the Most Noble the Marquis of Hertford, for Three Young Lives, at the Annual Rent of £32, 12s 10d.

The property is situated in a fertile country, ten miles from Belfast, and adjoins the thriving post-town of Glenavy; would be admirably adapted for Spinning Flax or bleaching. Linen weavers are abundant, and labour cheap; it would also suit a Flour Mill or Distillery.

For particulars, apply to John Forsythe, Esq; or Mr. Thomas F. How, on the premises. Belfast march 17th 1834.

Rejoicings on the Hertford Estate.

When it became known on Tuesday last that the lady of W.T. Stannus, Esq., J.P., Lisburn, had given birth to a son and heir, the tenantry on the Hertford estate assembled in large numbers on yesterday evening to manifest their respect and gratitude towards the family, by kindling large bonfires on the range of hills extending from Aughrim towards Glenavy. Tar barrels blazed on Bannister’s Hill, Whitemountain, Aughrim, Crew Hill, Carnkilly, Sentry Hill and other places. Many hearty cheers were given, which broke the dull ear of night, and were echoed far and wide amid the Glens of Stoneyford, and the adjacent districts. Such demonstrations as these give a sure indication of the state of public opinion on the estate. The agent of the Hertford Estate is deservedly popular amongst all classes of the tenantry. They have always found him to be a gentleman in the highest sense of the term, willing at all times to investigate their claims in a fair, free and full manner. The best proof of this is that great improvements are taking place on the estate, and the sweet power of cultivation appears, when formerly there was nothing but a dismal swamp, or a barren heath. This is not the only time on which the tenantry of this great property manifested their respect and esteem for the agent. On the occasion of his marriage with a lady of high rank, they presented him with a valuable service of plate, and gave a dinner at which were present, not only the respectable and influential men of all parties on the estate, but also many gentlemen from the adjacent districts. Such demonstrations of regard indicate a sound state of things, and furnish a pleasing picture of the mutual confidence and good-will which prevail between the agent and tenantry of one of the largest properties in Ireland.

Society urges renovation rather than demolition
Call to save Old Mill in Glenavy

The Old Mill in Glenavy

One of the rarest mills in Ireland could be demolished to make way for a housing development in Glenavy.

Dundrum Developments is currently seeking permission to build 27 dwellings at the site of the 165-year old mill, the only known Irish example of a double water wheel in the same building which has fallen into a bad state of repair in recent years.

But the Ulster Heritage Society says it will oppose any plans to demolish a building of such historical significance. The mill was built in 1840 and listed four years ago and Andrew McClelland, Heritage Project Officer of the Ulster Heritage Society, said it is one of their "Buildings at Risk".

He said the charity would strongly oppose any decision by the planning department to approve the demolition of the building to make way for housing but would not oppose any scheme for it to be used as a dwelling.

"We believe it is very important to preserve such a rare building as this," he said.

"We would like to see the building restored and if it is used again as a dwelling then that would be fine as there are some very nice examples of that sort of scheme," he said.

A survey conducted by the Ulster Heritage Society described the mill as a "good example" of a medium sized rural enterprise which has existed for almost 230 years with a "surprising amount" of internal machinery which still survives.

They also stated that with exception of spade mills it is the only Irish example known which has two waterwheels in the same building.
"The fact that one of the waterwheels has an attested local manufacturer (Kane) is also of note" the survey added.

One concerned resident said he was aware the mill was in bad need of repair and that it is often used as a drinking den, but he urged the developer and the planners to do what they could to preserve the wheels.

"What I would like to see, if the mill cannot be saved, then the wheels being given to a museum" he said.

There is sufficient water supply and it is intended that more machinery will be erected. The men work 12 hours a day, total number employed is 100 to 120.

Mill Property, houses and Land for Sale

To be sold by private contract the Lessee’s Interest in Glenavy Mill. Land and premises, adjoining the new intended station of the Dublin and Antrim Junction Railway, and comprising 14a 2r 25p, with an excellent Dwelling-house, neat cottage, large garden and Orchard, and three workers’ houses, held under the Most Noble the Marquis of Hertford for two lives, subject to the yearly rent of £21 8s 8d. The Mill premises are on the Glenavy River, and a large Water Wheel has been erected thereon.

Also, about 17a 3r 3p of land adjoining the above, held for three lives, subject to the yearly rent of £19 2s.

For further particulars, apply to
Mrs. Wallace, Glenavy;
Rev Thomas F Black, Fortview, Doagh; or Mr. James Morton, solicitor, 110 High Street, Belfast.

Belfast Water Board Arbitration – the inquiry into the meaning of the phrase "average fine weather flow" employed in the Belfast Water Act of 1884, as indicating the compensation in water which millowners on the stream at Stoneyford, about in part to be appropriated by the Commissioners, were to receive, was resumed yesterday in the Grand Jury Room, County Courthouse, before Mr. Edmund Murphy, J.P., Government Arbritrator, with Mr. A.R. Binnie, C.E., Bradford, acting as assessor. Mr. Bewley, Q.C., and Mr. John McLean, Barrister – at – law (instructed by Messrs McLean, Boyle and McLean), represented the Water trust; Mr Dodd, Q.C. (instructed by Mr. Berryhill, Lisburn) appeared for Sir Richard Wallace; and Mr. Lorimer, on of the millowners affected, and Mr. Walter Long (instructed by Mr. David McGonigal) represented by Mr. Briggs, the owner of the Glenconway Mills. Mr. McCullough, assistant to Mr Macassey, was examined, and subsequently counsel on both sides addressed the Court, and the proceedings terminated. The arbitrator’s award will not be given for some time.

Lisburn Rural District Council
To Builders.

The Lisburn Rural District Council will, at their meeting on Tuesday, 14th July next, at the hour of half-past ten o’clock a.m., consider Tenders for the Erection of Labourers Cottages, as follows: Four cottages in the town land of Ballynadolly (Mr. J. Milliken’s land); four cottages in the town land of Glenavy (Mr. M. Armstrong’s land), two cottages in contractor (Mr. S. Green’s land_; one cottage in Ballyvannon (Mr. J. Craney’s land), the work to be done in accordance with the plans and specifications prepared by Mr. James Hunter, C.E., and which can be inspected at this Office, or at Mr. Hunter’s residence, Beechwood, Ballymacash, Lisburn. The work must be carried out to the satisfaction of the Architect, and he houses completed and ready for occupation before 1st November next. Contractors when Tendering should state plainly in their Tender which of the Cottages they are tendering for, and the lowest sums for which they are willing to do the work.

Tenders containing the names of two solvent Sureties who are willing to enter into a bond for the due performance of the Contract will be received by me up to the hour of Twelve o’clock noon on Saturday, 11th July next.

The lowest or any tender not necessarily accepted. No tender will be received after the hour appointed in this notice.

(By order)
William Sinclair, Clerk of the Council. Poor law offices, Lisburn.

Marriage

Mussen – Oakshott – July 12, at St. Peter’s, Rock Ferry, by the Rev. G.H. Oakshott, D.D., assisted by the Rev. C.F. Newell, Vicar of Templepatrick, and the Rev. T.J. Evans, Vicar of the Parish, Arthur Augustus Mussen, M.D., only son of Arthur Mussen, M.D., J.P., Glenavy, Co. Antrim, to Norah Elsie, youngest daughter of the late Thomas William Oakshott, J.P., Derby House, Rock Ferry, and Mrs. Oakshott, derby House, Rock Ferry.

Pretty Wedding at Liverpool
Mussen – Oakshott

At St. Peter’s, Rock Ferry, near Liverpool, on 12th inst., Miss Norah Elsie Oakshott, daughter of the late Alderman Oakshott, was married to Dr. Arthur A. Mussen, assistant medical officer of health for Liverpool, and only son of Dr. Arthur Mussen, J.P., County Antrim. The interior of the fine old church was beautifully decorated with white flowers and foliage. The very large congregation included employees, personal servants and spectators of all classes. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. G.H. Oakshott, D.D., who was assisted by the Rev. T.J. Evans, the vicar, and the Rev. C.F. Newell, vicar of Templepatrick, County Antrim. Mr. davies, the organist, gave a recital of music while the guests were assembling, and Mendelssohn’s "Wedding March" at the close of the ceremony.

The bridal party were met at the church door by the clergy and choir, who preceded them to the chancel, singing the hymn "O, Father, all creating." The bride, who was escorted by her brother, and given away by her mother, looked very beautiful in her lovely gown of silver brocade and old Limerick lace veil draped from a coronet of orange blossoms. She carried a bouquet of pink roses, and wore an amethyst and diamond pendant, the bridegroom’s gift. Following her came a retinue of six small bridesmaids – Miss Catherine, Miss Elizabeth and Miss Alice Oakshott, Miss May and Miss Louise Newell and Miss Nora Bannen. These little people wore Quaker frocks of white satin and white lace caps. Their bouquets of red roses were tied with pale blue ribbons, and the bridegroom presented them with pearl bar brooches as mementoes. The 67th Psalm and the hymns "Lead us, Heavenly Father," and "Father of all, to Thee with loving hearts we pray," were part of the service. The best man was Mr. Pierce, town clerk of Liverpool. After the ceremony there was a large reception at Derby House, at which numbers of Liverpool people were present, among them Sir Charles and Lady Pietre, Mr. and Mrs. Lancaster, Sir James and Lady Barr, Dr. and Mrs. Hope, Mr. and Mrs. R. Morrison, and Miss Hughes. The handsome old house was handsomely adorned with flowers and ferns, pink and white sweet peas, and roses everywhere – in the hall, in the upper corridors, and in the drawing rooms. The wedding cake, which sat among sweet peas and white heather, was cut in a blue and white pavilion erected in the grounds. The wedding gifts, upwards of 400 in number, were of the most beautiful kind, among them china, oak, silver, pictures, jewels, and rare glass. The bride and bridegroom left later en route for Paris and Switzerland, where the honeymoon will be spent, the bride going away in a beautiful gown of amethyst embroidered ninon over satin, with a travelling cloak of amethyst satin, and a hat of amethyst aeroplane, arranged with natural coloured marabout feathers.

Glenavy War Comforts Effort

In common with other centres Glenavy was working for war comforts during the winter months. Starting with a general collection of the district in November a sum of over £18 was raised. Appeals to the various L.O.L.’s brought in £1 each from Glenavy L.O.L. 227, Crew L.O.L. 124, Pride Of Glenavy L.O.L. 618, also Red Cross Volunteers R.B.P. 286. £3 was received from Ballydonaghy Temperance L.O.L. 351, and proceeds of concert pre Miss Wilson L.T.C.L., £10 1s 6d.

Many knitters answered the call, meeting once a month to receive wool, and return finished articles. On April 4th when an adjournment was made for a few months the following articles had been forwarded to the Ulster Gift Fund per Unionist Depot, totalling in all 212:- 20 pullovers, 61 scarves, 48 helmets, 56 pairs socks, 7 pairs gloves, 20 pairs mittens.

Exemplary Guide to the Study of a Placename by Deirdre Flanagan
Glenavy Townland, County Antrim; Barony Upper Masserene; Glenavy Parish; O.S. 59.

The original form of Glenavy is attested in native sources nos. 4 – 9 and by the semi- Gaelic version in number 10. The traditional explanation of the name Lann Abhaigh is given in source number 2: Luid I nDail nAraithi iar suidiu. ..Ocus asbertai dano conga bad du ita Lat(h)rach Patraic. Is and sin ata Daniel aingel 7 abhacc Patraic. (After this he went into Dal Araidi. ..And he proposed moreover to take the place in which Lathrach Patraic (Patrick’s site) is (now). Therein is Daniel (who is called from his purity) “The angel” and (from his small size) "Patrick’s dwarf".)^[2]

Here the compiler gives sufficient information to allow the reader to identify the site as Lann Abhaigh but avoids, apparently consciously, use of the anachronistic term lann. (Lann, Welsh llan, "enclosure, monastic enclosure, church", does not occur in the Patrician context but belongs to the immediate post-Patrician phase.^[3] The name Lathrach Patraic does not recur recognisably in later documentation^[4] and may possibly have been consciously composed in order to bring Lann Abhaigh within the Patrician mission.

The sources of numbers 4 – 6 are locational glosses in the metrologies on Aedhan mac Colca (Nov. 6.) The sources of numbers 7 and 8 refer to "Maelpatraig (mac Celen) .i. Aircinech Lainne Abhaich 7 secnab Bennchair" (Maelpatraig son of Celen .i. Erenagh of Glenavy and vice-abbot of Bangor.) The Annals of the Four Masters give the obit: A.D. 927 Maolpatraicc mac Celen, sac cart 7 secnap Bennchair (decc). At the dissolution of the monasteries the rectory of Glenavy, with its 13 town lands, was found to be appropriate to the Abbey of Bangor (sources nos. 12, 17,18); the association obviously goes back at least to the early 10th century.

Lettir – phadruic (no. 3), with the same reference and in the same context as Lathrach Patraic (nos. 1,2) may be an error for the latter on Colgan’s part. But on the strength of Colgan’s Lettir -phadruic, Reeves (Eccl. Antiq., p. 237) and Olivetti (Down and Connor, 11, p.303) suggest the equation of Glenavy with "Leitir Dal Araidhe", a locational gloss in the metrologies on the three "daughters" of Comhghall (Jan. 22); the Mart. Donegal^[5] account is the most detailed:

The corruption of lann to "glen", which had obviously set in by 1625^[7] (no.19), was no doubt accelerated by the presence of a physical glen. The alternative name Clenough/Cleona (nos. 17,18) does not survive recognisably and is too lightly documented to justify speculation on is original Irish form; it may be no more than a corrupt spelling-form of Lann Abhaign (or possibly Lann Abhaic^[8] in its transitional anglicised stage.

Footnotes

^[1] The modern Irish form of Lann Abhaich.

^[2] Translation from Stokes, Tripartite Life of St. Patrick, 1, pp.163, 165.

^[3] cf. Proc. 10th Congress Onom. Sciences, Vienna, 1969, p.283.

^[4] On the strength of this name-form, Olivetti (Down and Connor, V, 140) identifies the church of Latrach in Dalebinu, granted to St. Patrick’s Abbey, Down c. 1183, with Glenavy; since Glenavy was appropriate to Bangor – an association of long standing – it is unlikely to have been included in a grant to the Abbey of Down.

^[5] O’Donovan, Martyrology of Donegal, pp. 24-5.

^[6] Near Coleraine

^[7] Reeves (op.cit., p.47) has noted that the earliest from with g that he observed was that in Vis. 1661. This is so in the ecclesiastical documentation which tends to use earlier source-lists; it is obvious from the civil documentation that the substitution of "glen" for lann was part of the early 17th c. Anglicisation of the name.

^[8] Abhac is the basic form (cf. R.I.A. Dict. sub abacc and Dneen, s.v.) but the form abhach is also attested: McKenna, Focloir Bearla agus Gaedhilge, s.v.; Wagner, gaeilge Theilinn, p.78, where the form is Abhach. In the documentation on Glenavy abhach is the commonly attested form. Form no. 7 has the unlimited c but a suprascript dot appears to have been added by a later hand.

The opening ceremony of the Aghalee, Glenavy and Ballinderry Welfare Centres, commenced in connection with the Lisburn and Rural District Councils Maternity and Child Welfare Scheme, will be performed by the Rt. Hon. Wm. Grant, M.P. (Minister of Health) on Monday next in Aghalee Village Hall at 3pm. It is hoped to include a report of the ceremony in our columns next week.

Anne Oakman

Date of Death 28 07 1859
Date of Grant 25 01 1860
Effects under £1500
Registry Belfast

Full Abstract:

The Will of Anne Oakman late of Glenavey in the County of Antrim Spinster deceased who died 28 July 1859 at Glenavey aforesaid was proved at Belfast by the oath of Mary Jane Oakman of same place Spinster the sole Executrix.

Robert Phillips

Date of Death 07 09 1891
Date of Grant 30 10 1891
Effects £202 2s 6d
Registry Belfast

Full Abstract:

The Will of Robert Phillips late of Aghagallon County Antrim Farmer who died 7 September 1891 at same place was proved at Belfast by Mary Ann Phillips of Aghagallon Widow and John Loughrey of Glenavey said County School Teacher two of the Executors.

Obituary
Death of Mr. Arthur Mussen, Lisburn

Genuine sorrow and regret is felt in Lisburn and district of the death of Mr. Arthur Mussen, which took place at his residence, 22 Railway Street, on Wednesday. Mr. Mussen was laid up with a severe illness from September of last year until April last, and he never really regained his wonted health and strength, although he was able to be up and about. A fortnight or so ago he began to feel worse, and, gradually growing worse, he passed peacefully away on Wednesday from heart failure following bronchitis, from which he had suffered more or less severely for several winters.

The late Mr. Mussen, who had reached his 76th year, and who, by the way, was a cousin of Dr. Arthur Mussen, J.P., Glenavy, was a descendant of one of the old Huguenot families. Early in life he began to serve his apprenticeship to the Drapery and outfitting business in the establishment of an older brother, the late Mr. James Mussen, in the Cross Row. In the process of time a partnership was formed between the brothers. Eventually Mr. James Mussen, retired, and his younger brother, the subject of our notice, continued the business on his own behalf for a considerable number of years. he retired into private life about 14 years ago.

He was a staunch Churchman, and worshipped in Christ Church. For many years he taught a Sunday School class, and was a member of the Select Vestry. He was a member of Pounden L.O.L. No. 915, and a P.M. of No. 178 St. John’s Masonic Lodge, and had the distinction of being the oldest Mason in Lisburn.

The late Mr. Mussen was particularly keen on all forms of manly sport. Cricket, however was his favourite pastime, and in his day he was no mean batsman. He retained his interest in the game until the end, and, although one might almost say of a shy as well as reserved disposition, he was very fond, when chatting with friends, who recall the old days, and his reminiscences were always well worth listening to, as we have good reason to know. Arthur Mussen was a kind-hearted, lovable, and very worthy man, and in their grief his widow and children have the sincere sympathy of the entire community.

The funeral will take place tomorrow (Saturday) at 11 o’clock for Lisburn Cemetery.

Lost – spare wheel for Austin 5-ton lorry, between Glenavy and Belfast. Reward. David McCullagh, The Mill, Glenavy, phone Crumlin 235.

For sale in 1 or 2 lots
Modern detached bungalow

In about ¾ acre grounds together with Olde Worlde Cottage in ¼ acre grounds.

The Croft and The Curatage

"The Croft" is a modern detached bungalow on a beautifully elevated and wooded site of about ¾ acre on the outskirts of the village.

"The Curatage," which adjoins "The Croft" is an Olde Worlde Cottage which requires modernisation for which a grant is available.

Accommodation – "The Croft." Porch. Wide entrance hall with telephone. Hot pree. Copper cyclinder Immersion heater, lounge (brick fireplace, wall lights), working kitchen/ dinette (stainless steel sink unit. Double drainer, mixer tap, larder, Xpelair), bathroom (pedestal Wash hand basin, low flush WC. Panelled bath, wall tiling), 3 bedrooms (all with built in robes). Oil fired central heating throughout. Insulated roofspace. Garage (up and over door), power point. "Willis" oil fired boiler, tarmac carriageway, grounds of about ¾ acre in lawns, shrubs and vegetable plots. PLV £36.00. Held free of rent.

"The Curatage" – Tiled entrance hall, lounge, tiled fireplace. Dining room (tiled boiler grate with all-night burner). Living room (Wellstood fuel cooker). Working kitchen. Bathroom, 3 bedrooms. Workshop/ Fuel store. Barn 36′ x 20′. Tarmac Carriageway. Grounds extending to approximately ¼ acre. P.L.V. £18.00 Free of rent. Viewing from agents.

The Killultagh Historical Society were very pleased with the response from Star readers to two photographs published in last week’s issue.

Mussen Mystery Solved

Doctor Gallagher of Glenavy was able to name all those in the Doctor’s Lodge. He told Tommy Lamb, secretary of the Society that the photograph was taken outside Dr. Mussen’s house which is situated just outside Glenavy.

Doctor Gallagher said that Dr. Mussen’s house was once a cholera hospital and gave some details of the doctor’s life and times. This will be published in the society’s journal later this year.

Last week’s photograph included William Morgan (The Black Prince); James Lorimer, George Thompson, Joe Young, Hugh Gault and the famous Dr. Mussen.