Publisher's Synopsis
Although the Civil Parish of Lambeg comprises only five townlands, it contained one of the greatest concentrations of linen manufacture in the world. This book gives a detailed history of the Lambeg area and of the Barbours, Richardsons and other families who lived within it. The story is told within the context of twelve descriptive walks round the area as it is today, but can be enjoyed as an authoritative history, even if you don't feel like a walk. This title features - Lambeg, Ballyskeagh, Tullynacross, Seymour Hill, Conway, Harmony Hill, Belsize, Belfast Road, Hilden and Queensway. The aspects of local history uncovered and presented to the reader are wide-ranging and varied. You might expect Lambeg drums and William III to be given a mention, (and they are) - but an Egyptian mummy case and a totem pole? Ulster Day provides a link to Jonathan Swift. We meet James McKowen, the little known 'Bard of Lambeg' whilst Tullynacross schoolhouse opens a window on Reading and Recreation Rooms. Harold Barbour introduces the co-operative movement: we connect Glenmore House with the Battle of Vinegar Hill: beside Hilden Mill we meet William McIlroy, a papal knight.Local figures connect with the Boer War and the two world wars and a local medical practitioner provides a lurid account of Lisburn Infirmary in the 1800s. This is all part of the rich tapestry of local history, which is uncovered in the pages of this book. This is local history designed to hold your interest and intended as a good read.
