W2B-004 Local history-2.txt
HILLSBOROUGH

That immaculate little County Down town, owes its origin to Peter Hill, son of Moyses Hill and husband of a sister of the formidable Somhairle Buidhe MacDonnell, cousin and son-in-law of Great Hugh O'Neill. Around 1630 Peter Hill started to build a village and a fort on the site of Hillsborough. These were, however destroyed in 1641, but somewhere in the 1650s Peter's uncle and heir, Col. Arthur Hill, built an artillery fort on the site. In 1660 it was made a Royal garrison, with Hill and his heirs hereditary Constables. It was not long after this that Hill obtained a charter for his town - from then onwards to be known as Hillsborough. The first Marquess of Downshire (Wills Hill) sponsored Goldsmith's "Deserted Village" and became George III's Secretary of State for the American Colonies. His successor, the second Marquess, who lived from 1753 until 1801, was a strong advocate of religious toleration and strongly opposed the Union, for which he dearly paid.

It is to the Marquises of Downshire that Hillsborough owes its English influence.

William of Orange stayed at the fort on his way to the Boyne in June, 1690, and throughout the years many Royal personages spent time at Hillsborough Castle when it was known as Government House, official residence of the Governor of Northern Ireland.

The building of this impressive structure was started around 1760 for Wills Hill and was enlarged for the second Marquess of Downshire at the end of the 1700's by Brettingham. Further additions were made to the house in the middle of the 18th century by the architect, William Sandys. A tall column on a high hill, south of the town commemorates the third Marquess of Downshire and at the north end of Main Street, facing the gate of St. Malachy's Church, there is a statue of the fourth Marquess. The lovely Parish Church of St. Malachy, which was completed in 1772 is a highly interesting Gothic structure which can still boast most of its original furnishings.

It was built for Wills Hill and is thought to incorporate much of the fabric of its 1662 predecessor. Wills Hill's aim was to have it made the cathedral of the Protestant diocese of Down.

The architect's name is unknown, but Hill himself closely supervised the work. Sir Thomas Drew re-arranged the chancel in 1898 and set the prayer desk and pulpit back against the side walls and aligned the pews (which had been behind the desk and pulpit) along the walls. In the same year, the screens shutting off the baptistry and vestry from the west end of the nave were removed. In 1951 and 1965, the well-known Ulster architect, Denis O'D Hanna, screened off the transept towers and removed the old vestry at the west end of the nave. The new electric lights were designed by Sir. Albert Richardson, P.R.A. Other noteworthy features include the 18th century prayer desk, pulpit and box pews, the east window (to the design of Sir Joshua Reynolds) by Francis Elginton of Birmingham; the north transept memorial to the fifth Marquess of Downshire (1844-74), by Forsythe; William Harty, father of Sir Hamilton Harty, celebrated conductor and composer was organist to the church from 1878 until 1918 and near to the west door is a memorial to Sir Hamilton in the form of a bird bath. There is the State Chair from the Chapel Royal, Dublin Castle; the south transept organ (from Hillsborough Castle) of 1795, by G. P. England and the west gallery organ (1772), by John Snetzler, which was- re-built several times. Near to the Parish Church stands Col. Arthur Hill's 17th century star-shaped artillery fort. A 1758 Gothic tower house occupies the site of the original gate-tower and a contemporary Strawberry-Hill gazebo crowns the 1758 cart entrance. The lawn gates in front of the tower house are late 18th century, as are the ones at the entrance to Hillsborough Square.

The Carriage Restaurant of Old Coach Road, Hillsborough, certainly has an enviable reputation for catering for functions, large or small. The restaurant can cater for all types of celebrations, from the intimate dinner-for-two, to weddings, family get-togethers, christenings, etc., and is suitable for parties of up to 80 people. Situated in the delightful County Down countryside, just half-a-mile from the town centre, the Carriage uses only the freshest local produce to maintain the highest possible standards. Personal menus can easily be arranged to suit individual needs. Whether dining as a member of a party or as an intimate twosome you can be assured of a warm Christmas welcome, with a friendly and efficient service, and as well, of course, excellent cuisine. An a la carte menu is available throughout December for parties up to 20 persons, with some tantalizing dishes on offer. Sample the delights of roast pheasant, fresh from one of the local estates, served with black cherry sauce, or Paupiette de Sole Duexelle Lobster sauce, a delicious fillet of sole stuffed with mushrooms and shallots, coated with a lobster sauce, and garnished with fleurons. The Restaurant is fully licensed and has an extensive wine list. If you are tired of the usual meals on offer this season, why not try the Carriage. You certainly won't be disappointed. Bon Appetit!

Especially for weddings! Owners Ray and Sylvia Beacom will happily prepare personal menus to the bride and groom's own specifications. The Carriage Restaurant is only too glad to help you make your wedding day that little bit different and certainly very special.

The Carriage Restaurant, Old Coach Road, Hillsborough. Tel (0846) 68924 (for reservations).

Pik-Kwik, Hillsborough's local newsagents and video library is the height of convenience. Dash in early in the morning to collect your daily newspaper along with the milk for your breakfast, and browse at your leisure in the evening at the wonderful selection of video-tapes for your night's entertainment.

Situated on the Lakeland Road in Annahilt is the beautiful little Cornmill Restaurant which provides the perfect setting for that intimate meal in a setting which is both friendly and welcoming. Brian and Yvonne Cosgrove are the hosts and they, and their helpful staff, take a deal of care that your meal will be both enjoyable and memorable. Tel. (0238) 532818.

Marjory Cunningham is putting a lifelong interest in flower arranging to very good use in her Flowers in the Attic business which she runs from her home in Hillsborough. Her forte lies in designing arrangements to suit your particular location and needs. Marjory, and her daughter Allison, can go along to your office, restaurant or your home to give expert and artistic advice on how to enhance your decor, Flowers in the Attic specialise in dried flowers, and, since setting up business two years ago, have been very pleased by the response from their many satisfied customers. Most of their business is generated by word of mouth, as sure sign that people are very pleased with their service. Tel. (0846) 683599.
