Killyleagh

7 JUNE 2014

A very wet Saturday 7th June saw the first of our afternoon summer outings. Some 40 members assembled at Killyleagh where we were met by Clive Scoular, our guide for the day. After a short introduction in the shelter of the castle gate house, huddling under our umbrellas, we crossed the courtyard to the castle.

Mr Gawn Rowan-Hamilton made us very welcome  and gave us a very detailed history of the castle and his family followed by a tour of this fascinating castle, which first and foremost is the comfortable to Gawn  and his family, but at present also being used as a film set.

Emerging again into the rain we walked down to Mary’s stile where Clive gave us the sad story of Mary’s misfortunes.

Walking back through the town, we paused at the site of Hans Sloane’s birthplace and headed for the 18th Century Parish Church. Here Clive told us the story of the celebrated Rev. Edward Hicks, a Fellow of Trinity College at the age of 21 and famous Egyptologist. He served as Rector here for many years.

After a brief stop at the Hans Sloane statue down towards the harbour, our final visit was to 1st Killyleagh Presbyterian Church where again Clive told us its history and of Rev. Henry Cooke’s ministry there.

We are very grateful to Clive Scoular – a long time friend of the Society - for making it such an interesting afternoon. Despite the rain it was enjoyed by all.