AN OLD GRAVE IN THE CATHEDRAL GRAVEYARD.
MARINO ROMA.
There can be seen to-day an old grave-stone in the Cathedral graveyard,
somewhat broken but still bearing quite legibly the inscription: "Mr. Marino
Roma, departed this life 2nd June, 1689.'' It may be of interest to-day to
recall some long-forgotten facts about a family that in early days were well
known in our town. The old graves in the Cathedral graveyard should be very
sacred, not only to us, but, indeed, to everyone in Ulster for there are
buried many of the men, who, in stormy days, laid the foundation of the
security and prosperity which we now enjoy.
The baptism of Marino Roma, whose name is on the stone, is registered:
"Marino Roma, son of Marino Roma, Capt. Baptised 1st April, 1663." He was
therefore only 26 years of age at his death. There is another entry of the
baptism of Olphert Marino Roma in November, 1664: and another of Liddia,
daughter of Mr. Marino Roma, of Lisburn ; baptised January 15th, 1655. She
died in infancy, as her burial is recorded 20th May, 1666. The boy Olphert
also died young; he was buried on the 29th January, 1668. There is also the
baptism of Frances, daughter of Capt. Romano Roma, of Lisburn, defunct,
March 14th, 1667. I think this Capt. Romano Roma, who was dead before his
daughter's birth, must have been a brother of Capt.. Marino Roma, who was
buried on 5th July, 1667.
The information to be gained from the State papers chiefly concerns Capt.
Marino Roma. He was Quartermaster in Lord Conway's troop of horse, and must
have been a trusted friend of the Conways. Lady Rawdon writing to her
brother, Lord Edward Conway, from Lisnagarvey, on 24th June, 1658, mentions
that Captain Roma was dining with them that day. On the 24th December, 1651,
Sir George Rawdon writes to Lord Conway, from Lisnagarvey, of " your
trusty friend Captain Roma."
He had a large farm of 180 Irish acres at Ballinderry, which he leased
from Lord Conway, at 2s. 6d. an acre. Sir George Rawdon thought the rent too
small and was trying to get Captain Roma to give it up. There seems to have
been some difficulty about the letting as Captain Roma was out for good
terms. Sir George Rawdon writes to Lord Conway, from Lisnagarvey, 15th June,
1656:
"Captain Roma is not come again since. I suppose he will not have
Ballinderry unless he will give up his obstinate desire to have all cess
paid out of rent for stock and all." Still, on the 20th June,
1657, he and Captain Spencer dined with Sir George at his home in Moyra.
He got his commission as Quartermaster in December, 1660, for Rawdon
writes to Conway, from Lisnagarvey, on 15th December: "I have sent
Captain Roma's commission to the troop; you will hear about that, affair
from my Cousin William Hill." On the 25th January following we find that
Captain Roma and Cornet Bolter are in Carlow. No doubt on some State
business.
The next mention of it is in a letter from Rawdon to Conway, from
Lisburn; " Captain Roma has gout; I got him £100 and hope for more from
Colonel Pigott, this term of which he hath great need:"
But there is worse to follow. Captain Richard Mildmay wrote to Lord
Conway, 26th June, 1667:-
"Captain Roma got his death's wound by his man.
The fellow being drunk and quarrelling with a maid. Captain Roma, just as
he, was going to bed, being in his waistcoat and slippers went down stairs
to hear his man. The fellow runs into the stable, draws his rapier back,
thrusts his master into the belly, which was made out slight of at first,
but so it is now that in the judgment of Mr. Brooks and all men else he
cannot live above two or three days. His face and hands and all parts of his
body are turned as yellow as saffron itself. Last night, he made his will
and is now thinking to die."
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On the same day, the rector, Dean Rust, who very soon after was made the
Bishop of Dromore, writes also. from Lisburn to Lord Conway:
"Providence pursues us with many accidents. The same day that William
Hoole was buried Captain Roma, was (I fear) mortally wounded. His man came
home very drunk, and according to his usual custom would have pulled off his
master's stockings but he (Captain Roma) refused him and bade him get to his
bed. The fellow being importunate he at last gave him leave and then bid him
go to his bed; but he not, shirring and continuing in drunken reveries and
impertenances Captain Roma gave him a box o' th' ear. Therefore he went down
grumbling and calling upon his master ` Rogue!' and making a noise below.
Captain Roma went after him to quiet him and sent him to his chamber; the
Captain followed him into the stable, and there his man (apprehending, I
suppose, that the Captain. would strike him) told him he would do his
business for him. Owing to the dark Captain Roma did not see the sword in
his hand, but fancied he held a pistol behind him, and as he reached to lay
hold of that the villain ran him into the belly. He cannot live many days
and has to-day received the Holy Sacrament, and I found him in very good
temper and spirit and preparation for death. He has made a settlement of his
estate, but it is very small, for the maintenance of his wife and education
of his children, and there is plenty of room for the charity of his friends.
Your Lordship knows him and his long devotion to his family, and must be
concerned for him and those he leaves behind him. I know so well how
charitable, your Lordship is that I say no more. I would suggest that you
should either quit the rent that is on the farm or free the mother from the
Charge of educating the eldest son, but, I would not article with your
Lordship, who, I know, is more generous in giving than I am confident in
asking. If you could let the poor woman know soon what your intentions are
you would help to assuage that passion which the sickness of her husband has
already put her into. I am afraid his death will highten into a great
extremity. This is only a matter of charity. I should be deeply gratified by
any expression of your kindness in the case."
On the 5th July, Sir George Rawdon writes to Lord ,Conway: -
"I came home on Thursday and went in to see Captain Roma who was dying,
but wished to live to see me. He did so, but when I came to see him, though
he knew me and looked very wishly on me he could not speak to me, and died
about an hour after, and yesterday was buried very handsomely. The Troop and
Militia Company gave three handsome, volleys and The Dean preached
excellently, and the church was very full, and he is much lamented and hath
left a widow a very helpless person with four children."
That was the end of Captain Roma. There is just another note which has a
mixture of things ancient and modern in it. Rawdon writes to Conway on the
2nd August of the same year:-
"The rogue who killed Captain Roma escaped
hanging at the trial, but is soundly burned in the hand, and to be in prison
for one year without fail and for another year if he finds not bonds of the,
behaviour. The maids minct their evidence and spoke more than was true of
his master beating him."
I do not know how far his Lordship helped the widow and children ; but
she lived after her husband's death in the house of Adam Leathes-probably at
Lord Conway's expense.
Mr. Brooks mentioned above was the Lisburn doctor of those days; his
burial is registered as follows: "Mr. Francis Brooks, chirurgeon of Lisburn,
buried "November 14th, 1694."
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BISHOP JEREMY TAYLOR.
It is one of the glories of Lisburn Cathedral and town that the great
name of Jeremy Taylor is so intimately connected with them. He was not only
a great Churchman, but he was, and is still a giant in the world of letters.
Robert Browning in "Christmas Eve and Easter Day," referring to the sermon
heard in the little dissenting chapel, says:
The sermon proves no reading
Where bee-like in the flowers I bury me,
Like Taylor's, the immortal Jeremy."
Francis Jeffrey, the great critic, calls him "the most Shakespearean of
all our divines."
It is unfortunate that Jeremy Taylor's life in Ireland has not been more
fully written. It, has, of course, been referred to by all his biographers,
but by none of them is it fully or accurately written. "The Biography of
Jeremy Taylor," by Sir Edmund Gosse, in the "English Men of Letters," is a
useful contribution, but, there are inaccuracies which should be noted. On
page 148 we find "Lisburn, or, as it then was called, Lismagarry, where
there seems to have existed a Collegiate Church, in which the vicar taught
divinity." Of course, the name was "Lisnagarvey," not Lismagarry; and as for
the Collegiate Church, those who have read the previous pages will know how
inaccurate it is.
The account of how Jeremy Taylor came to Lisburn is not always fully
told. The facts are that the Rawdon and Conway families, and especially Lady
Dorothy Rawdon, had conceived an implacable dislike to, the Commonwealth
minister, Andrew Wyke, and Lord Conway was anxious to get a Churchman. He
seems to have consulted John Evelyn, the famous diarist, who at once
recommended Jeremy Taylor. It would also seem that Jeremy Taylor was not at
the time so happy at Golden Grove as he had been during the life-time of the
first Lady Carbery. I also think Cromwell was not sorry to get him out of
England. He was a well known author and public man, and a well-known
Royalist. When it was settled that Lord Conway would provide for him,
Cromwell himself gave him a permit signed by his own hand to leave England.
It would be impossible here to follow his life in Antrim and Down. He
suffered persecution for his opinions, from which even the powerful
protection of Lord Conway could not save him. At the Restoration he was made
Bishop of Down and Connor, and then his troubles really began. He found many
of the parishes and tithes held by men who had been placed there during the
Commonwealth, but who had never been episcopally ordained and who owned no
alliance to the Church. His efforts to remedy these things were not
accepted; they were, indeed, rejected with scorn, and he was driven to
action that must have been very painful to him who had written so eloquently
on "The Liberty of Prophesying." His conduct has, of course, been severely
criticised, but an unprejudiced study of the position in which he was placed
would show him in a more favourable light. There are many houses in the
neighbourhood of Lisburn and Hillsborough where he is said to have resided.
He was also Bishop, or Administrator of the Diocese of Dromore. It has
been disputed whether he was Bishop of Dromore, or whether he only
administered the Diocese as Bishop during the disturbed period after the
Commonwealth. My own conviction is that he was only administrator. To unite
the Diocese of Dromore to Down and Connor would have meant an Act of
Parliament and a petition to the Privy Council. There is no mention in the
Patent Rolls of any such petition. Again, if Dromore had been united to Down
and Connor it could not be separated without a petition and an Act of
Parliament, which certainly are not found on record. I am confirmed in my
opinion by finding that the early editions of Jeremy Taylor's works are by
"Doctor Jeremy Taylor, late Lord Bishop of Down and Connor in Ireland and
Administrator of the See of Dromore." At his death Dr. Rust succeeded at
once to the See of Dromore without any legal proceedings. Jeremy Taylor died
in Lisburn on the 13th August, 1667, of fever, contracted when visiting a
patient. The house in which he died was situated in Castle Street. It is
still pointed out; but, of course, it can only be the site, for the town of
Lisburn was destroyed by fire in 1707. The present occupants of the house
are the family of the late Mrs Wilson. The calendar of State papers throws
light on the circumstances of his death, and also on the way it was viewed
by those in authority.
On the 10th August, 1667, Sir George Rawdon wrote from Lisburn to Lord
Conway:-"The Bishop of Down has been very ill for three or four days, and
we fear a change here; but this morning the doctors give more hope of his
recovery than yesterday, when the Lord Primate took leave of him. I
insinuated to his Grace yesterday (in case the Bishop should die) the
worthiness of the Deans of Connor and Armagh to succeed, for it. will be two
Bishoprics hereafter. I do not know whether at the distance you are you can
have a voice in the choice of the next Bishop. His Lordship has made a will,
and has not in all £2,000 to dispose of, of which £600 is for his lady and
two daughters."
On the 14th, Rawdon again writes to Conway: -
"The Bishop of Down died
about three yesterday afternoon and has left a sad family. He was in such a
violent fever for several days that he could not make a will, and, had I not
reminded him to do so, would have died intestate. We are much mistaken in
his estate, for he has only left the £1.500 in Lord Donegal's hands, and
£600 which your Lordship has to pay. Unless we advance £100 of this I do not
know how the funeral charges will be met, for there is no money in the
house. There are two doctors, one from Dublin, to be paid, and his lady
cannot pay them without borrowing. Dean Marsh has gone to Dublin, having, I
think, some hope of being his father's successor in the See of Down and
Connor, and I have used all endeavours with the Primate and
Chancellor, and mentioned your favours in order to get the Bishopric of
Dromore for the Dean of Connor. Please write to the Lord Lieutenant in his
favour and use your influence to stop any letter that may be sent to Court
for any other person (to have the See). I am writing to Lord Orrery to use
his influence with the Lord Chancellor in the same direction. . . . We are
saddened by the Bishop's death and the distress of his family. I have been
very importunate with the Primate and Lord Chancellor that the half rent due
next Michaelmas may be reserved for her and for the two daughters
unpreferred. His Lordship desired to be buried in the, church he built at
Dromore, or at Ballinderry, if it- should be consecrated before his death,
but it is not so. They are putting his body in searcloth, which will not be
buried till the Dean of Armagh returns. "
On the 31st August he writes again:-
"The very night the Bishop
(Jeremy Taylor) died the orchard was broken into and the fruit all stolen.
Some loose timber, which was very dry and unseasoned, was also taken. The
funeral is to be on Tuesday, and the body was sent in my old coach to
Dromore Church. I have now got a letter from the Primate which makes me
think all my requests will be granted-the Dean of Armagh for Down and
Connor, the Dean of Connor for Dromore, and that the widow shall have the
half year rents. . . . Your Lordship's help must be in England with the King
or the Archbishop of Canterbury to prevent anyone else but the Dean of
Connor being made Bishop of Dromore."
He was only 54 years of age when he died. But in that comparatively short
life he must have got through an enormous amount of work. The writing of
eight octavo volumes-considering the times in which he lived and the great
demands upon his time is a wonderful record, and every page is orthodox
divinity and brilliant literature, and what omniverous reader he must have
been! and what, an amazing memory he had! I find that in his two most
popular works, "Holy Living" (and "Holy Dying" there are 389 quotations from
Holy Scripture and 404 quotations from Greek and Latin authors, many of them
whose names are quite obscure.
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There was no monument to Jeremy Taylor in the United Diocese till Bishop
Mant had a fine mural tablet placed in Lisburn Cathedral to his memory. The
following is the inscription on it:
Not to perpetuate the memory of one
Whose works will be his most enduring memorial,
But that there may not be wanting
A public testimony to his memory in the diocese
Which derives honour from his superintendence,
This tablet is inscribed with the name
Of JEREMY TAYLOR, D.D ,
Who on the restoration in M.DC.LX.
Of the British Church and Monarchy,
In the fall of which he had partaken,
Having been promoted to the Bishopric
Of DOWN and CONNOR,
And having presided for seven years in that See,
As also over the adjoining diocese of DROMORE,
Which was soon after intrusted to his care,
"On account of his virtue, wisdom, and industry;"
Died at LISBURN, Aug. 13, M.DC.LXVII.,
In the 55th year of his age:
Leaving behind him a renown,
Second to that of none of the illustrious sons
Whom the Anglican Church
Rich in worthies hath brought forth.
As a Bishop distinguished
For munificence and vigilance truly episcopal,
As a theologian, for piety the most ardent,
Learning the most extensive and eloquence inimitable.
In his writings a persuasive guide,
To earnestness of devotion, uprightness of practice,
And Christian forbearance and toleration:
A powerful assertor of episcopal government,
And liturgical worship,
And an able exposer of the errors
Of the Romish Church;
In his manners a pattern of his own rules
Of holy living and holy dying,
And a follower of the GREAT EXEMPLAR of sanctity,
As portrayed by him in the Person
Of OUR LORD and SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST.
Reader, though it fall not to thy lot
To attain the intellectual excellence
Of this Master in Israel,
Thou mayest rival him in that
Which was the highest scope even of his ambition.
An honest conscience and a Christian life.
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JOHN NICHOLSON.
Another of the great names connected with Lisburn is that of John
Nicholson--a good and great man, a brave soldier and Empire builder, and a
wise administrator.
He was the son of Dr. Alexander Nicholson, whose marriage with Clara Hogg
is found in the Cathedral Marriage Register. They lived in Lisburn for a
short time after their marriage and then removed to Dublin, where Dr.
Nicholson practised his profession. They seemed to have lived in Moore
Street, also at Vergemount in the Parish of Donnybrook, and in Gardiner
Street in the Parish of St. Thomas.
It is unfortunate that inscription on the Statue in Market Square,
Lisburn, should state that he was born in Lisburn, for he was, without
doubt, born in Dublin. At the time of his appointment as cadet in the Bengal
Army he presented a declaration that he was born in the Parish of St.
Thomas, in the County of Dublin, on the 11th December, 1822, and a
certificate of his baptism by the Rev. George Bellett on the 18th December
of the same year was also furnished. This George Bellett was curate of
Magherahamlet and afterwards incumbent of St. Leonard's. Bridgeworth, and
rector of Whitbourne, in Herefordshire. He wrote a memoir, which was
published in 1889, in which he relates how he became acquainted with Dr.
Nicholson and his family when, they visited the Spa, near Ballinahinch, Co.
Down, and then goes on to say: .
"When I was left alone at Magherahamlet it was the greatest possible
treat to me to go to spend the day with him (Dr. Nicholson) at, Lisburn.
After he settled in Dublin he became intimate with my family, and once, when
I happened to be at North Lodge, he rode out from Dublin to bring me to
baptise a little child of his just born ; so I had the honour of baptising
the great General and hero of India,"
John Nicholson was educated at a private school in Delgany and afterwards
at the Royal School, Dungannon. It is also said that he attended for a time
a school kept by a well-known schoolmaster, Benjamin Neely, at Castle
Street, Lisburn. His mother, Clara Hogg, was a remarkable woman. She was a
sister of Mr. James Weir Hogg, also an Anglo-Indian, and chairman of the
East India Company. He was created a baronet, and was father of the first
Lord Magheramorne. It was her influence that formed the noble character of
her son, she is buried in the Cathedral Graveyard, she had a sister, Rosina,
who married Judge Maxwell, of Ballyrolly, Co. Down. A daughter of Judge
Maxwell married the Rev. Edward Loftus Fitzgerald, curate of Lisburn
Cathedral, who was father of Lady Fitzgerald Arnott.
John Nicholson was killed at the Seige of Delhi, 1857.
There is an excellent steel engraving of John Nicholson in the Cathedral
Chapter Room, which was presented a a few years ago by the Marchioness of
Aberdeen, who is a relative of the great soldier.
There is a beautiful memorial tablet in the Cathedral to John Nicholson,
which has been visited by such distinguished soldiers as Lord Roberts and
Sir Henry Wilson. The eloquent and dignified inscription, which Lord Roberts
read with great interest, and approved of every word of it, is
The Grave of BRIGADIER-GENERAL JOHN NICHOLSON, C.
B., is beneath the fortress which he died to take,.
This Monument is erected by his Mother to keep alive his memory and
example among his countrymen.
Comrades who loved and mourn him add the story of his life.
He entered the army of the H.E.I.C. in 1839, and served in four great
wars-Afghanistan, 1841-42 ;
Sutlej, 1845-46 ;
Punjab, 1848-49 ; India, 1857.
In the first he was an Ensign; in the last a Brigadier-General and
Companion of the Bath; in all a Hero,
Rare gifts had marked him for great things in peace and war. He had an
iron mind and frame, a terrible courage,
an indomitable will.
His form seemed made for an army to behold, his heart to meet the crisis
of an empire; yet was he gentle exceedingly, most loving, most kind.
In all he thought and did, unselfish, earnest, plain, and true ; indeed,
a most noble man.
In public affairs he was the pupil of the great and good Sir Henry
Lawrence, and worthy of his master.
Few took a greater share in either the conquest or government of the
Punjab ; perhaps none so great in both.
Soldier and civilian, he was a tower of strength, the type of the
conquering race.
Most fitly, in the great siege of Delhi, he led the first column of
attack and carried the main breach.
Dealing the death-blow to the greatest danger that ever threatened
British India.
Most mournfully, most gloriously, in the Moment of victory, lie fell
mortally wounded on the 14th and died on the
23rd September, 1857, aged only 35.
|
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THE LASCELLES FAMILY.
Amongst the families of note that had a Lisburn connection, can be
reckoned the Lascelles, who claim descent from the old Yorkshire stock, from
whom Lord Lascelles descends--the husband of Princess Mary, daughter of King
George V.
I am indebted for the following information to the Hon. Emily Ward, who
has kindly allowed me to use it here: -
A manuscript was brought over last year by a Mrs. Lascelles, from
Australia, which was written by a certain Cornelius Lascelles, R.N., about
the year 1800-- a picturesque, discursive family record. There are two
stories in connection with his grand-parents-Mr. and Mrs. Francis Lascelles,
of Killough-which are worth recording.
Francis Lascelles, who was born in 1700, was the grandson of Thomas
Lascelles, who is described in the MS. as being a brother of Daniel
Lascelles, from whom the Earls of Harewood descend. This Thomas settled in
Lisburn, where he started a thriving business. His family were the
following:
1. Thomas H. Lascelles, born 1657, married in 1692 Elizabeth Donne, who died
in 1718.
2. Hannah, married Thomas Rogers of Lisburn.
3. Lucy, married Jacob Turner of Lurgan.
4. Mary, married George Rogers of Lisburn.
Thomas H. Lascelles had the following children:-1 Jane, born 1692. 2.
Letitia, born 1694. 3. Anne, born 1696. 4. John, born 1698. 5. Francis, born
1700. 6. Sarah, born 1702. 7. Catherine, born 1705. Letitia married Wm.
Palliser ; Sarah married John Bean; Catherine married Thomas Day.
The MS. tells us how "this Thomas H. Lascelles went into business,
selling broadcloth and gold lace in Lisburn, which business his Cousin Danby
had been in, though he was descended from a great, family in England. In the
trouble in Ireland, many in King William's army went off in debt to the said
Thomas H. Lascelles to the amount of many thousand pounds. Afterwards, in
the great fire in Lisburn, his house and most of his property was destroyed.
He then went over to Yorkshire, and stayed there for some time. From the
dying request of his wife, and other circumstances, he resolved to return to
Ireland."
After his wife's death, his fortunes-more or less retrieved during his
stay in Yorkshire--once more met with disaster. We are told that on his
departure from England all his worldly goods were packed in one vessel; but
when he and his seven children went on board it was so over-crowded that he
arranged to go, in another. The family of Lascelles arrived safely, but not
so their possessions. The first ill-fated vessel went down to the bottom of
the Irish Sea with all on board, and the luckless family were left without,
a penny in the world.
Judge Ward appears to have befriended them, and, ultimately, Francis, who
came fifth in the family, was appointed agent and general manager at
Killough. Within a year or two of this appointment he married Miss Frances Fétus.
She was the grand-daughter of Sir James Melville, of Carabee, in
Scotland. He migrated to Lecale, Co. Down, and is buried at Inch (see
Harris' Down, page 38). A very curious incident is here related. According
to the manuscript, Sir James exchanged sons with a Frenchman of the name of
Fétus. We are told nothing about young
Melville, but Fétus was adopted and
finally married Sir James' daughter. They had one son, Cornelius Fétus,
who was brought up at Tollymore Park, Co. Down; Mr. James Hamilton, of
Tollymore, being a cousin of his mother's.
Now, the old writer warms to his tale and describes the sad fortunes of a
young damsel named Jane Sinclair, who survived the Siege of Derry, albeit,
"the great bone of her arm was shattered by a mortar," followed by
the desertion of her father to the cause of King James. Those were romantic
days, and in the nick, of time Mr. , James Hamilton arrives and carries off
Jane to Tollymore Park, where she meets with Cornelius Fétus-half
French, half Scotch-and before very long she becomes his wife. Judge Ward
again appears on the scene with a nice place for the. young couple in
Killough, where they grow rich by trading for wine to Spain, Portugal, and
France; to Norway for timber, sending cargoes of salt from Killough in
exchange.
Their daughter, Frances Fétus, was
only a little younger than Francis Lascelles, on his arrival at Killough,
and they were married in the year 1726, the manuscript being the work of
their grandson, Cornelius Lascelles, who went down with his ship in the
early years of the nineteenth century, when it foundered in the Gulf of
Aden.
There are numerous letters from Francis Lascelles at Castle Ward, and
Bishop Francis Hutchinson of Down mentions his name more than once in his
account book.
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THE HUGUENOTS.
The romance of the Huguenots and their settlement in Lisburn has often
been written, and can only be referred to here as it touches on the
Cathedral life. Their presence in Lisburn was all for the good of the town.
Men and women of their high character, deep convictions and tender
conscience helped very largely in building up the character of the
neighbourhood, and this is true in every part of Ireland in which they
settled.
The first to arrive under the Act of Parliament that was passed in 1697
to foster the growth of flax was Louis Crommelin, who came on the invitation
of King William III. He belonged to an old family that for hundreds of years
had been engaged in the linen manufactures of France. He invested £10,000 of
his own capital in establishing the trade in Lisburn and Hilden. He received
a grant of £800 a year for twelve years and was appointed "Overseer of the
Royal Linen Manufactory of Ireland." He invited a large number of his
countrymen to Lisburn and thus began the great impetus to linen manufacture
which has been such a remarkable feature in the history of Ulster.
Another family connected with the Crommelins, and fortunately like them,
represented in the country to-day, who came to Lisburn was the De Lacherois.
They, too, had been an old and distinguished family before coming to
Ireland. They originally belonged to Languedoc, but had fled to Holland
during the persecution. The story of bath families is told in the old
"Ulster Journal of Archaeology," Vol. 2, page 216.
The first chaplain who came with them was Rev. Charles Lavalade. The
Cathedral Baptismal Register contains the names of twenty-three children
baptised by him
For a long time the Huguenots remained a distinct congregation in
Lisburn. Their religious services were conducted in their own language and
held in the French Protestant Church, which was afterwards used as a
courthouse, and on the site to-day is the office of the Urban District
Council. The last Huguenot chaplain was the Rev. Saumarez Dubourdieu. In
time the French congregation became smaller and less distinct, chiefly owing
to intermarriage with the people of the neighbourhood, and about the
beginning of the nineteenth century the Church was closed and the Rev.
Saumarez Dubourdieu became rector of Glenavy. There is a very fine monument
to him in the Cathedral, with an inscription, of which this is a
translation :
Reader,
This monument is erected to the memory of
the Rev. Saumarez Dubourdieu,
A.M., Minister of
The French, Protestant Church in this town,
Vicar of the Parish of Glenavy, and fifty-six
Years master of the Classical School, of Lisburn.
In manners he was courteous and unaffected,
In conduct pious, candid, and of strict integrity.
Descended from French parentage,
Who had been forced from the land of their nativity.
By religious persecution, He merited and obtained for himself
A name, a habitation, and a country among strangers.
Unwarped by worldly allurements,
He instructed the youth, committed to his care,
In learning, useful and ornamental;
The flock of which, he was pastor,
In the pure principles of the Christian Faith.;
And all who were witnesses of his conduct,
By the bright example of a life well spent.
By a wife deservedly dear to him,
He left four children, Worthy of such a parent.
He departed this life the 14th, December, 1812,
Aged ninety-six years and three months.
His Scholars,
In grateful remembrance of his virtues,
Have caused this marble
To be erected.
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This monument was erected in 1814. It is the work of John Smyth, of
Montgomery Street, Dublin. It is in white marble, with a bust standing on a
handsome sarcophagus. A son of the Rev. Saumarez Dubourdieu was the Rev.
John Dubourdieu, who wars Rector of Annahilt. He was the author of the
"Statistical Survey of the Co. Antrim," published in 1812.
There, are still many descendants of the original Huguenots living in the
neighbourhood of Lisburn, who with good justification look back with pride
to their ancestors-amongst them The Boomers, The Refausses, 'The Petticrews,
The St. Clair's and The Brethets.
The graves of many of the original Huguenots are to be found in the
Cathedral Graveyard at the east end. Quite recently provision has been made
for keeping them in order
DUBOURDIEU FAMILY FROM " NOTES AND QUERIES."-4th JUNE, 1887.
Jean Armand Dubourdieu, who escaped to England at the Revocation of the
Edict of Nantes with his mother, the lady of La Valade, and widow of the
Sieur Dubourdieu, was married to the Countess D'Espouage. He became minister
to the Savoy Chapel and chaplain to the Duke of Richmond and Lennox. Jean A.
Dubourdieu had two sons; the first, the Rev. Saumarez Dubourdieu, who died
Rector of Lambeg, in Ireland. He married Miss Mary Thompson, of Lisburn, in
1750. His sons were the Rev. John Dubourdieu, Rector of Annahilt : Capt.
Saumarez Dubourdieu, killed at the Siege of St.. Sebastian; Captain Arthur
Dubourdieu, killed at the Siege of Badajos ; Lieut. Colonel Dubourdieu ; and
others. His second son, the Rev. Shem Dubourdieu, who married Miss Browne,
had a son, Saumarez Dubourdieu, of Corinna, Co. Longford, who married (1822)
Jane, daughter of Andrew Blair Carmichael, Registrar of the Court of
Exchequer in Ireland. Their only surviving children are Charlotte, widow of
the late Ralph Brabazon Brunker, Esq., solicitor, and Emma, wife of the Very
Rev. James Carmichael, Dean of Montreal.
FROM "ALUMNI DUBLINENSES."
Dubourdieu, Suamarez, Pensioner, educated by Mr. Dufay ; entered Trinity
College, Dublin, 15th May, 1734; aged 16; son of Rev. John Dubourdieu, born
in Dublin; B.A., Ven., 1738.
In the quotation from "Notes and Queries" it is stated that Suamarez
Dubourdieu was Rector of Lambeg; this has frequently been stated, but I
cannot find it supported by any evidence.
ROWLAND DAVIES.
One of the notable men who comes into the history of Lisburn Cathedral,
but only for a short time, is Rowland Davies. He was son of Rowland Davies,
who lived in Co. Cork, and grandson of John Davies, of Bury, in the parish
of Richard's Castle in County of Hereford. He entered Trinity College,
Dublin, at the age of fifteen on 27th February, 1665; B.A., 1671; M.A., 1681
; and LL.D., 1706. He married, in 1674, Eliza Stannard, who was
grand-daughter of Richard Boyle, Archbishop of Tuam and Lord Chancellor of
Ireland. He was attainted by the Parliament of James II., and, with many
other Protestants, fled to England in March, 1689. He was ordained priest on
9th April, 1671, at Cork, and, after the manner of the day, held many
livings and prebends. (See Brady's Records of Cork) He was appointed Dean of
Ross in 1678. In May, 1690, he got a commission as Captain in King William's
Army, and then began a diary, which, is now very scarce. He sailed with the
Army to Belfast and ac-companied King William to the Boyne.
On the 21st May he preached in the Meeting House. Dunmurry, on II.
Corinthians v., 20. On the 25th he came to Lisburn and preached on John xv.,
14, and afterwards dined with the rector, Dean Wilkins. Amongst, those who
were present at the dinner party was Captain Sterne, who was probably the
father of Lawrence Sterne, the author of "Tristram Shandy." He was in
Lisburn again on the 28th, and notes that this time his dinner cost him 2/6.
The Diary gives an account of the Battle of the Boyne. Rowland Davies was
also at the, Sieges of Waterford, Limerick and Cork. He was rewarded for his
services by the Deanery of Cork in 1709. He died 11th December, 1721, and
was buried in Cork Cathedral. (See Ulster Journal of Archaeology, Old
Series, Vol. IV.)
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The following are the names of those members of Lisburn Cathedral
Congregation who were killed in the Great War:
Private Wm. Atkinson, 10th Gordon Highlanders.
Captain W. C. Boomer, M.C., 11th R.I.R.
Rifleman D. Boyd, 11th R.I.R.
Private G. R. Bell, Irish Guards.
Private Alexander Cairns, Canadian E.F.
Private C. J. Calwell, Irish Guards.
Private R. J. Clarke, Canadian E.F.
Rifleman A. Clarke, 11th R.I.R.
Sergeant H. Corkin, 11th R.I.R.
Rifleman J. Corkin, 11th R.I.R.
Corporal R.. J. Corken, M.G.C.
Rifleman J. Corry, 11th R.I.R.
Rifleman A. Cowan, 12th R.I.R.
Rifleman J. Fenton, 11th R.I.R.
Rifleman A. Griffin, 7th R.I.R.
Rifleman R. Heron, 11th R.I.R.
Rifleman W. H. Hughes, 11th R.I.R.
Lance-Corporal G. H. Hull, 6th R.I.R.
Rifleman H. Harvey, 11th R.I.R.
Lieutenant F. C. King, M.G.C.
Corporal G. Laird, 2nd R.I.R.
Rifleman W. Leathem, 11th R.I.R
Private H. Lovie, 2nd East Lancs.
Rifleman B. Lyness, 1st R.I.R.
Rifleman A. M'Bride, l1th R.I.R.
Rifleman R. M'Bride, 11th R.I.R.
Rifleman R. M'Bride, 1st R.I.R.
Riflennan F. M'Kibben, 13th R.I.R.
Rifleman J: M'Dowell, 5th R.I.R.
Rifleman J. E. Martin, 11th R.I.R.
Lieutenant A. Moore, 13th R.I.R.
Rifleman J. Mulligan, 11th R.I.R.
Corporal J. Murphy, 11th R.I.R.
Private David O'Hara, 7-8 R. Innis. Fus.
Rifleman S. Patterson, 11th R.I.R.
Corporal R. Porter, 5th R.I.R.
Rifleman R. Sally, 11th R.I.R.
Rifleman G. Smith, 11th R.I.R.
Sergeant J. Tate, 11th R.I.R.
Corporal D. Tate, 11th R.I.R.
Rifleman W. Thompson, 11th R.I.R.
Rifleman S. Topping, 11th R.I.R.
Lance-Corporal G. F. Walker, 11th R.I.R.
Rifleman W. Walsh, 1st R.I.R.
Corporal D. Walsh, 2nd R.I.R.
Rifleman A. Welch, 11th R.I.R.
Bombardier J. Wilson, R.F.A.
Rifleman T. Walsh, 7th R.I.R.
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The following are the names of those who served--.
Corporal D. Allen, Irish Guards.
Seaman T. J. Allen, R.N.
Rifleman W. Allen, 2nd R.I.R.
Trooper J. Allen, Inniskilling Dragoons.
Rifleman S. Allen, 11th R.I.R.
Rifleman G. Allen, 11th R.I.R.
Private S. Alister, Tank Corps.
Trooper A. Alderdice, N.I.H.
Trooper T. Andrews, R.I.F.
Rifleman F. E. Ashe, 11th R.I.R.
Sergeant T. J. Atkinson, 11th R.I:R.
Lance-Corporal M. Atkinson, 11th R.I.R.
1st Mechanic G. W. Bannister, R.N.A.S.
Corporal R. G. Beattie, 1st. R.I.R.
Rifleman R. Beatbie, 11th R.I.R.
Rifleman R. Bell, 11th R.I.R.
Private W. Bell, 1st R.I. Fusiliers.
Bugler W. J. Bingham, 11th R.I.R.
3rd Mechanic F. Boyle, R.A.F.
Rifleman I. Brown, 11th R.I.R.
Rifleman S. Brown, 11th R.I.R.
Private J. Burke, 2nd Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.
Sapper R. Booth, Royal Engineers.
Rifleman W. Bralt,ty, 2nd R.I.R.
Private R. Cairns, 1st Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Private R. Cairns, senior, Labour Corps.
Rifleman W. Calvert, 5th R.I.R. C.Q.M.S.
G. Clarke, 11th R.I.R.
Sergeant J. Clarke, M.M., 11th R.I.R.
Private W. J. Clarke, Liverpool Scottish.
Rifleman C. Clarke, 11th R.I.R.
Rifleman W. Corkin, 11th R.I.R.
Captain J. A. Cooke, R.I.F. Private
J. K. Crawford, N.Z.E.F.
Rifleman R. Crone, 11th R.I.R.
Rifleman J. Crone, 3rd R.I.R.
Private S. Coulter, Royal Innis. Fusiliers. Private
A. Crone, Scottish Fusiliers.
Sergeant I. Coard, Irish Guards.
Sapper Robert Cargo, R.E.
Rifleman W. J. Dalzell, 5th R.I.R.
Rifleman S. Dalzell, 11th R.I.R.
Private F. Dowling, 3rd Connaught Rangers
Rifleman A. Dowling, 11th R.I.R.
Rifleman R. Dowling 1st R.I.R
Rifleman A. Dowling, 11th R.I.R.
Private J. Downey, King's Liverpools.
Private W. Dodds, Labour Corps
Capt. J. S. English, R.A.M.C.
Corporal W. Elliott, R.I.F.
Corporal H. Elkin, 11th R.I.R.
Lieut. A. Fryer, 1st Korelian Regt.
Petty Officer Jas. Frazer, R.N.R.
Corporal J. Fulton, 11th R.I.R.
Rifleman J. Gallaher, 2nd R.I.R.
Lieut. J. R. A. Gell, 16th R.I.R.
Rifleman J. Gilliliand, 1st R.I.R.
Sergeant T. Gilmour, M.M., 11th R.I.K.
Sapper J. Gilmour, Canadian Engineers.
Gunner Jas. Gilmour, Canadian Artillery.
Private J. Gilmour, 5th Royal Innis. Fusiliers.
Sapper S. Graham, R.E.
Rifleman R. Graham, 11th R.I.R.
Gunner H. Greenfield, R.G.A.
Sapper W. Griffin, R.E.
Sergeant J. Hamilton, R.G.A.
Sergeant W. Harvey, A.S.C.
Rifleman H. Hawthorn, 11th R.I.R.
Private D. Hasley, 6th South Lanes.
Rifleman W ', J. Heron, 11th- R.I.R.
Corporal J. P. Henderson,
Canadian E.F. Sapper T. Higginson, R.E.
Sapper J. Higginson, R.E.
Rifleman W. Higginson, 11th R.I.R.
Lt.-Commander W. T. Hughes, R.N.R.
Sapper V. Hunter, R.E.
Private W. Hall, Shropshire, L.I.
Rifleman W Jefferson, 11th R.I.R.
Rifleman W. D. Johnston, 11th R.I.R.
Sergeant J. Johnston, Canadian E.F.
Trooper W. Jones, N.I.H.
Driver Jas. Kerr, R.A.F.
Private I. Kerr, R.A.F.
Rifleman WT. Keery, 11th R.I.R.
Lieut. G. King, Tank Corps.
Private A. Kidd, Labour Corps.
Private W. Kidd, 9th Royal Innis. Fusiliers.
Rifleman J. Kidd, 11th R.I.R.
Rifleman R. Kidd, 11th R.I.R.
Private S. Kidd, R.I.F.
Rifleman J. Leckey, 11th R.I.R.
Rifleman Jas. Lovie, 3rd R.I.R.
Rifleman John Lovie, 11th R.I.R.
Sergeant C. Lyness, 11th R.I.R.
Rifleman' C'. Lyness, sen., 11th R.I.R.
Rifleman J. Lyness, 11th R.I.R.
Rifleman T. Lyness, 11th R.I.R.
Private J. Lannigan, Canadian E.F.
Sergeant J. Matier, 11th R.I.R.
Lance-Corporal R. Matier, 11th R.I.R.
Sergeant J. Megran, Duke of Cornwall's L.I.
Corporal T. Megran, 11th R.I.R.
C.S.M. J. Mearns, M.C., 11th R.I.R.
Private W. M'Cartney, Manchester Regiment.
Private J. M'Cormack, Royal Innis. Fusiliers.
Lance-Corporal J. M'Neice, 11th R.I.R.
Rifleman T. M'Kinley, 11th R.I.R.
Corporal E. M'Kibben, Royal Marines.
S.Q.M.S. T. Mulligan, A.S.C.
Driver Thos. Megarry, R.E.
Petty Officer W. Nash, R.N.
Sergeant T. Nash, 11th R.I.R.
Corporal R. Nash, A.S.C.
Private J. D. Neill, A.S.C.
Private J. Norwood, R.A.F.
Rifleman J. Norwood, 11th R.I.R.
Rifleman F. Norwood, 12th R.I.R.
Rifleman C. Patterson, 11th R.I.R.
Rifleman S. Poets, 11th R.I.R.
Corporal W. E. Peel, 11th R.I.R.
Private W. H. Rainey, R.A.F.
Rifleman W. Reid, 11th R.I.R.
Rifleman J. E. Reid, 11th R.I.R.
Private F. Rice, Royal Fusiliers.
Capt. Nelson Russell, M.C., 1st R. Irish Fusiliers..
Rifleman T. Roy, 11th R.I.R.
Corporal J. Shields, Canadian E.F.
Rifleman Jas. Shields, 11th R.I.R.
Rifleman W. Shields, 11th R.I.R. C.Q.M.S.
R. Stevenson, R.E.
Private D. Stewart, 5th R.I.F.
Sergeant H. Smith, M.G.C.
Private W. Sloan, East Lanes.
Rifleman J. Stevenson, 11th R.I.R.
Sergeant R. Tacy, 3rd R.I.R.
Rifleman J. Thompson, 11th R.I.R.
Rifleman H. J. Thompson, 11th R.I.R.
Rifleman R. Thompson, 3rd R.I.R.
Lance-Corporal S. Walsh, 11th R.I.R.
Rifleman A. Watson, 11th R.I.R.
Private W. Welch, A.S.C.
Sergeant A. E. Welch, R.A.M.C.
Capt.. P. Wilson, M.G.C.
Capt. W. F. Wilson, M.C., M.G.C.
Sapper G. Wilson, R.E.
Private W. Wilson, A.S.C.
Rifleman T. Wilson, 11th R.I.R.
Captain J. A. Woods, RAY
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In this book will be found the names of some great men who can be fairly
claimed as "Lisburn" men. But there are many others who have grown up, or
lived for a time beneath the shadow of the Cathedral, who have earned for
themselves niches in the temple of fame.
I think very few towns in Ireland can boast more truly than Lisburn of
such a, goodly number of members who have gone forth into the world and
attained to greatness.
I cannot hope to give a complete list, but I will mention a few.
THE REV. PHILIP SKELTON.
The Rev. Philip Skelton, though born in Derriaghy, where his parents
resided, came into Lisburn every morning to school. Those who have read his
life, by Burdy, will remember what a strange, eccentric genius he was; yet
by his writings he did splendid work for true religion in his day.
I have always regretted that his baptism is not recorded in the Cathedral
Register, though the names of several members of has family are unmistakably
there. He was son of Richard Skelton, born 1706, entered T.C.D. as a Sizar,
2nd June, 1724; Scholar, 1726; B.A., 1728. He was educated by Mr. Clarke, of
Lisburn. He was ordained for the Curacy of Drumully, and received Priest's
orders, 25th September, 1728. He became Curate of Monaghan in 1732, Rector
of Templecarne 1750, Prebendary of Devenish 1759, Prebendary of Donacavey
1766. He died in Dublin, 4th May, 1787, and was buried in St. Peter's
Churchyard. There is a long inscription on his tombstone. His published
works include twenty-one volumes, amongst them a Book of Hymns. His
eccentricity can be noted in the titles he gave one of his sermons is on the
subject: "How to be Happy Though Married."
THE REV. THOMAS ROMNEY ROBINSON.
Thomas Romney Robinson spent part of his early life in Lisburn, and was
educated by the Rev. Dr. Cupples. He was born in St. Anne's Parish, in
Dublin, on the 23rd April, 1793. He entered Trinity College, Dublin, before
he was thirteen years old. He published a book of Juvenile Poems, which was
printed in Belfast by J. Smyth and D. Lyons in 1806. He became Scholar,
T.C.D., in 1808; Fellow, 1814; M.A., 1817; B.D., 1821; LL.D., 1863. He was
made Prebend of Donaghmore, October 16th, 1872; Rector of Enniskillen, 1823;
Rector of Carrickmacross, 1824. He became astronomer of Armagh, and held
that office for more than 58 years. He died 28th February, 1882, aged 89. He
published many scientific works, including "Places of 5,345 stars, observed
from 1828 to 1854, at the Observatory, Armagh. ' He was President of the
Royal Irish Academy, 1851-1856; Canon of St. Patrick's, Dublin representing
Armagh and Clogher, 1872-1882. He is mentioned in "Recollections of the
Irish Church," by the Rev. R. S. Brooke, as a man "who delivered
striking and original sermons, full of power and frequently flinging them,
as it were, from his mind for his auditors to gather up, and with a
Jove-like toss of his head."
His mature wisdom led him to suppress the "Juvenile Poems." One of its
chief interests to-day is a list of thirty pages of the names and addresses
of subscribers. His early efforts were patronized and encouraged by Bishop
Percy, of Dromore.
The following lines, written before he was seven years, on Coulson's
damask factory, may be of interest to those who follow the progress of
machinery:
Four rollers here of polished wood we view
Two different kinds-the sycamore and yew.
Above the screws, of iron made, are seen,
And many bars of metal come between.
'They seem to keep the rollers firm and tight;
Which by continual friction have grown bright;
Beneath, a horizontal frame is found,
Turned by a horse, then the machine goes round.
SIR RICHARD WALLACE.
Sir Richard Wallace, born in 1818, succeeded to the Hertford property in
1870. There is a mystery about his parentage and birth; but be is known
throughout the world as a great collector of pictures and works of art,
which may be seen to-day in London at Hertford House, and are known as "The
Wallace Collection." He was a noble, philanthropic and generous man. To him
Lisburn owes two of the finest parks that any provincial town in the Kingdom
can boast of. His generosity to, and liberal treatment of the tenants, after
he became owner of the Hertford Estate, will not easily be forgotten. There
are two memorial windows to him in the Cathedral-one erected by Lady
Wallace, and the other by public subscription.
W. H. W. BETTY.
The story of Betty belongs rather to the theatrical world than to the
ecclesiastical. He was the son of a linen draper. His father resided in
Chapel Hill. At the early age of twelve he appeared as an actor in the
Theatre Royal, Belfast, and at once leaped into fame. For a few years he
drew crowded houses and amassed a great fortune. He visited Dublin,
Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester, and London. The House of Commons was
actually adjourned by Mr. Pitt that he might have an opportunity of seeing
him on the stage. He is said to have received 4,000 guineas for a month's
performance. The strange thing is that from the time he was 16 years old his
power of drawing audiences seemed to fail, and he quitted the stage in 1808.
After a few years at Cambridge he returned again in 1812, but his day of
popularity was gone. He finally retired in 1824 and studied for the
ministry, and it is said that his preaching was so dull that he could not
keep the attention of a country congregation for half an hour. He died in
London, 24th August, 1874.
LADY MORGAN.
Lady Morgan resided for a time during her childhood in Lisburn, though
her biographers do not say so. D. J. O'Donoghue, in "The Poets of Ireland,"
says "she was born in Dublin, or probably at sea." He also says
"she
successfully resisted all attempts, even after becoming famous, to discover
her exact age." Her father was Robert Owenson, who had a theatrical company
that gave performances in Bow Street, Lisburn, in 1803-1804. She was a
prominent figure in Dublin society in the early part of the nineteenth
century. She was the author of some poems, a number of novels, a comic
opera, books on France and Italy. She married Sir Thomas Morgan, M.D. She
died in London, 13th April, 1859, and was buried in Brompton Cemetery.
There are, indeed, many others whose names might be included here did
space permit.
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