History

Killyleagh - Cill Ó Laoch - Church of the Descendants of the Heroes

Origins

The origins of the history of Killyleagh are lost in the mists of time but there is evidence of prehistoric man in the district and the many raths still visible around Strangford Lough point to settlements in medieval times.

Arrival of St Patrick, Vikings and the Normans

With the coming of St Patrick in 432 AD and the arrival of Christianity, the Macartan clan, who inhabited the woodlands around Killyleagh known as the Dufferin, became more aware of the outside world. As the first Millennium progressed they were raided by waves of Vikings who would have found the anchorage at Killyleagh an attraction. In 1205 the Normans arrived, led by John de Courcy who married the daughter of the King of Man and built the first Killyleagh Castle.

The Rowan-Hamilton family

Later Norman families, the de Mandevilles and Whites fought with the local clansmen, O'Neills and Macartans, for possession of the castle, which changed hands several times until a Scot, Sir James Hamilton, took over the property in 1610. Descendants of the family held the lands around Killyleagh until the Irish Land Acts saw the local tenants acquiring their own properties by the end of the 19th century and the castle is still lived in today by the Rowan-Hamilton family. One of the forbearers of this family, Archibald Hamilton-Rowan was deeply involved in the rise of the United Irishmen in the 1790's but later settled down in Killyleagh having spent some time in America and avoided being caught up in the Rebellion in 1798.

Emergence of Industry and Maritime port

The anchorage brought trade and prosperity to the growing town of Killyleagh. It was designated a Maritime Port in 1620 and a stout harbour was built. This also led to the expansion of the fishing industry. A cotton mill was built at the end of the 18th century and soon, at Shrigley, Martin's great flax spinning mill was erected which became on of the largest in Ireland.

School of Philosophy and Sir Hans Sloane

Since the arrival of the Scots and Presbyterianism in the 17th century, Killyleagh became known for its learning. A School of Philosophy was founded in 1687 and scholars went out all over the world. Among the famous men to benefit from the ethos of learning was Killyleagh's most famous son, Sir Hans Sloane who became a great physician and naturalist. His collections formed the nucleus of the British Museum. A plaque to his memory is in front of the castle in Killyleagh and a replica of his statue in Sloane Square in London has recently been erected near the harbour.

Other Famous people in history

Other great men of Killyleagh were the Rev. Edward Hincks who became a world expert on Egyptology and Dr Henry Cooke, Minister of 1st Presbyterian Church, who went on to become Moderator of the General Assembly and a leading exponent of orthodox Presbyterianism in Belfast in the mid 19thcentury.
His statue in Belfast is known as "The Black Man".

Killyleagh today

The linen industry has now declined in Ulster. The great mills have closed and small ports like Killyleagh are long forgotten by the trading ships of today. The waterfront is still the focal point of the town and growing interest in tourism and small boat sailing have been fostered not least by the appointment of Prince Andrew as Baron Killyleagh in 1986. His visits after his marriage and latterly to unveil the Sir Hans Sloane statue have helped to highlight this small and busy town which is surrounded by the beautiful scenery of Strangford Lough with the backdrop of the fairy-tale castle.