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Tomorrow: William Allen White

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The strange ruin encountered on a trail through Castlewellan Forest, turnedย out to be a 20ft diameter tea house, built by Hugh Annesley (5th Earl Annesley) for his family on his Castlewellan estate in County Down. It had spectacular views over the Mourne Mountains and a nearby lake which is also part of the Annesley Castlewellan estate. It forms part of a popular trail through the forest and gardens, enjoyed today by the public.
The strange ruin encountered on a trail through Castlewellan Forest, turnedย out to be a 20ft diameter tea house, built by Hugh Annesley (5th Earl Annesley) for his family on his Castlewellan estate in County Down. It had spectacular views over the Mourne Mountains and a nearby lake which is also part of the Annesley Castlewellan estate. It forms part of a popular trail through the forest and gardens, enjoyed today by the public.
Hugh Annesley's tea-house, built in 1844
Hugh Annesley’s tea-house, built in 1844
The Annesley family built up a substantial estate in the south of County Down over a number of generations including a castle and forest at Castlewellan. They held a lease on the estate since the 17th century, and bought the freehold in 1741.
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Hugh Annesley, (1831-1908) was an Eton-College-educated professional soldier who became Colonel of the Scots Fusilier Guardsย in 1860. He became 5th Earl Annesley after the death of his brother,ย William Richard in 1874,ย inheriting the family seat ofย Castlewellan Castle. Here, as a keen gardener, he continued the development of the arboretum and gardens, and even published a book about the rare trees in his collection.
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After his military career, Hugh became MP for County Cavan. The photos in today’s post show what remains of the 20 foot diameter tea-house, which he built in 1884 for his family. Constructed on high ground, it provided a panoramic view of Castlewellan Lake. On fine summer days the family would make the journey to the tea house, one of two in the demesne, by pony and chaise. A groom and footman would be in attendance. The task of the footman, described as ‘a tall Londoner’, was to brew and serve the tea.
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Hugh Annesley was also a pioneering amateurย photographer. Thirty-five albums of his photographs are in theย Public Record Officeย of Northern Ireland. They include pictures taken during the wars in South Africa and the Crimea, (where he was severely injured) and during a visit toย Japan, as well as photographs of his home at Castlewellan and the surrounding area. He became the third largest landowner in County Down, with about 25,000 acres, extending from the mountains of Slieve Croob to Slieve Donard.

Past/Future: Charles R Swindoll

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A walker takes a stroll through Castlewellan Forest on an afternoon during lockdown.
A walker takes a stroll through Castlewellan Forest on an afternoon during lockdown.

With a view of the mountains and a nearby lake, this has become a favourite place for people to get away from it all during COVID restrictions and the current period of lock-down. Yesterday, (Tues 6th April) was the last day of the traditional Easter holidays. Here in Northern Ireland in normal times, many would have made a day-trip to the North Antrim coast or other seaside resort for a break.

This year, the Easter period has been much different. Travelling anywhere for leisure purposes where there are likely to be crowds, is discouraged; so thankfully, places like this forest exist. With statistics recording an increase in mental health problems during the lockdown period, it may help to spend some time in a different environment, preferably one that’s conducive to de-stressing.

2020 has been a most difficult year for many. Loss of life and livelihoods have been part of the package of the COVID pandemic.ย In today’s quote from Charles Swindoll, he advises us to put the past behind, and look to the future with hope. This may not be an easy thing to do, but thankfully there are natural resources that can help. Forests, lakes, the sea, and places of quietness and solitude can help de-stress the mind and give us hope for a better future.

Charles Swindoll is the former president ofย Dallas Theological Seminary and the author of more than 70 books. He is also the founder of the radio programme, “Insight for Living” which is aired on more than 2000 stations as well as beingย webcast.

Happy Easter

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A Very Happy Easter to people of goodwill everywhere. The photo above shows the site of the very first Christian church in Ireland, founded by St Patrick in 432AD, making this the oldest ecclesiastical site in Ireland. It's located at Saul, County Down, in Northern Ireland, just a few miles from where St Patrick's remains are buried at Down Church of Ireland Cathedral, Downpatrick.
A Very Happy Easter to people of goodwill everywhere. The photo above shows the site of the very first Christian church in Ireland, founded by St Patrick in 432AD, making this the oldest ecclesiastical site in Ireland. It’s located at Saul, County Down, in Northern Ireland, just a few miles from where St Patrick’s remains are buried at Down Church of Ireland Cathedral, Downpatrick.

Castlewellan Forest 2

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An arboretum is defined as:ย ‘a place where trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants are cultivated for scientific and educational purposes.’ Northern Ireland’s National Arboretum is located here at Castlewellan Forest in County Down. Some of the trees here hold records across the United Kingdom and Irelandย for their height. The overall collection of trees here, ranks as the finest in Ireland and among the top three in the British Isles. They are set in beautiful surroundings which include fountains, ponds, ornamental greenhouses and broad sweeping scenic views.
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Castlewellan Forest 1

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Castlewellan Forest, County Down. A favourite for walkers and a place of refuge for people seeking a peaceful setting away from the stresses and anxieties of COVID and other life circumstances.

Inch Abbey 3

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The River Quoile from Inch Abbey, Downpatrick, with a view of the Mound of Down Cathedral where St Patrick's remains are buried.

The River Quoile from Inch Abbey, Downpatrick, with a view of the Mound of Down Cathedral where St Patrick's remains are buried.

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Some of the detail from the ruin of the 12th Century, Inch Abbey, in this peaceful island setting in County Down

Inch Abbey 2

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A distant Down Cathedral, St Patrick's resting place, as seen from the grounds of Inch Abbey, Downpatrick, County Down

A distant Down Cathedral, St Patrick's resting place, as seen from the grounds of Inch Abbey, Downpatrick, County Down

Part of St Patrick's Trail and popular site for visitors in Downpatrick

Part of St Patrick's Trail and popular site for visitors in Downpatrick

The text on the signage reads:

Inch Abbey was founded as a Cistercian Abbey by John De Courcy in the 1180s in atonement for his destruction of nearby Erenagh Abby

The Abbey was colonised by monks from Furness in Lancashire and, together with Grey Abbey, is the earliest example of Gothic architecture in Ireland and finest example of Anglo-Norman Cistercian architecture in Ulster. It may have been here that Jocelyn, a monk from Furness, wrote his life of Saint Patrick under the patronage of De Courcy as he attempted to win over the local population.

The island site still retains a feeling of peace and seclusion for the visitor, and as well as the picturesque ruins of the church and surrounding buildings, it is also possible to see more unusual survivals, including a bakehouse and possible infirmary.

Monasterboice, founded by an early follower of St Patrick

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High cross at the remains of an early Christian monastic settlement in County Louth.

High cross at the remains of an early Christian monastic settlement in County Louth.

This site which is a favourite with tourists, is a monastic settlement located at Monasterboice in County Louth. It was founded in the late 5th century by Saint Buite who was one of St. Patrick’s original followers. The cross above, known as the Tall Cross, stands at seven metres or twenty-two feet high, making it the tallest of the Irish crosses. The engravings depict stories from the Old and New Testament that would have been used to educate early Christians.

Also at Monasterboice, standing 5.2 metres high, the cross of Muiredach. This 'west face' depicts scenes from the New Testament and there are also scriptural panels on the sides.

Also at Monasterboice, standing 5.2 metres high, the cross of Muiredach. This 'west face' depicts scenes from the New Testament and there are also scriptural panels on the sides.

It’s St Patrick’s Day! Wherever you may be, wishing everyone happiness and goodwill on this special day.

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St Patrick figure from the Hill of Tara, County Meath

St Patrick figure from the Hill of Tara, County Meath

Patrick's tombstone at Down Church of Ireland Cathedral, County Down.

Patrick's tombstone at Down Church of Ireland Cathedral, County Down.

St Patrick's tombstone and local Council plaque at Down Cathedral

St Patrick's tombstone and local Council plaque at Down Cathedral

St Patrick's day 2019 - the last year the public could visit his grave before COVID restrictions of 2020 and 2021

St Patrick's day 2019 - the last year the public could visit his grave before COVID restrictions of 2020 and 2021

Down Cathedral (Church of Ireland), Downpatrick, County Down

Down Cathedral (Church of Ireland), Downpatrick, County Down

Explore St Patrick

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The St Patrick Visitor Centre, Downpatrick, County Down.

The St Patrick Visitor Centre, Downpatrick, County Down.

Want to find out more about St Patrick? Here’s a good place to start. The St Patrick Centre in Downpatrick can give you pointers to the many ancient sites, crosses, etc., with which he is associated. You’ll also be close to Down Cathedral where you can see his tombstone; Saul, where he built the first Christian church in Ireland, and the ancient monastic site and ruin at Inch Abbey is just a short drive away.

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