The Downshire Bridge Saga
(By Walter Porter)
The Downshire Bridge of Banbridge town is finished now, you see, with four great lamps whose light will show, the art of masonry. The contractor's name will rise in fame wherever it shall be, who built the bridge across the "Cut".
The above description in verse appeared in the "Banbridge Chronicle" on 28th November, 1885, when the Downshire Bridge over the "Cut" was rebuilt, the "Cut" itself having been reconstructed and the retaining walls, as we now know them, had been built. But the rebuilding of the bridge had been a long-running saga on a number of counts - costs and designs being amongst the main problems. At that time a large number of the town's businesses and residents - and also members of the Town Commissioners - had wanted the "Cut" filled in instead of being rebuilt, and many of these people continued to voice their objections when the bridge subject came up. When the proposal to improve the bridge finally was accepted, one of the Commissioners remarked this would be very beneficial - and he hoped to see it carried into effect "with more speed than usually characterises public movements in Banbridge."
Prior to the rebuilding programme the bridge had been known as "The Jingler's Bridge", as a lady often referred to as "The Lurgan Jingler" had kept an apple stall in close proximity to the bridge. Early on, when design and ornamentation was being discussed, it was proposed that the bridge be called the Downshire Bridge, as the Downshire family had for a long time shown a great interest in the town, and the Downshire Trustees had already contributed £100 towards the costs of building the new bridge. The Town Commissioners had agreed to leave the planning and design of the new bridge with the town surveyor, Mr McKeown. This was an improving town and they wanted to see the bridge over the "Cut" improved, and perhaps a metal railing with the Downshire Arms in the middle would look very well. At a later meeting a sketch was submitted by the surveyor, showing a lamp at each corner of the parapets. The surveyor wished to get instructions as to whether two or four lamps should be erected. They would cost £5 each, and the lamp standards would be metal and ornamental in design. It was also proposed to put a tablet in the centre of the parapet at either side - one in polished black metal with gold letters, the other in metal. It was agreed eventually to use marble tablets on both parapets, and a tender was later received and accepted from Newry Granite and Marble Works. A proposal that the lamps be taken from a different location in the town to save money was defeated, and it was agreed to erect four lamps.
Another design proposal was to place a small tower at each end of the "Cut" walls to serve as urinals, but this was dropped due to expense. Nearing the building stage, Mr Michael McCarten, Lisnaree, who had been appointed contractor for building the bridge, informed the Commissioners that his contract was for blue stone work in the bridge, but the surveyor said he was not aware of this, as he had intended to use old granite stones for the parapets. Apparently the County surveyor had changed this from the original town surveyor's plans. This was the first of several hold-ups in the bridge construction.
Following other meetings, Mr McCarten said he could build the walls in blue stone for £10 18s., and in granite for £58 16s., so the difference they would have to pay him was £47 18s. There was a lengthy series of debates concerning these prices, and
it was suggested by some of the Commissioners to seek subscriptions to complete the work. Others objected as the bridge would benefit everybody and the cost should be borne by the rates. Apparently the wrangle concerning the changes in materials for the bridge further delayed the work, and the contractor was asked to submit further prices for the materials, but he wanted to know who was going to pay the difference? One Commissioner was of the opinion that if the people of the town made an effort to contribute, the Downshire representatives would give an additional subscription. It was finally agreed to complete the work, using ornamental granite, with the Commissioners to open a subscription list to pay for the building, and that the contractor would submit amended prices. On receipt of Mr McCarten's price for the new design for a sum of £266, deducting £21 17s. for the masonry wall and coping, a Commissioner said "to put that in the waste paper basket". The chairman thought it was a scandalous price - more than twice the original estimate - and another said it was out of all proportion, and to give back the subscriptions. And after more debate the surveyor was requested to have the bridge completed in accordance with the original design and contract. However, a further meeting reconsidered the contract costs once again, and some wanted Mr McCarten to give up the contract, but it was finally passed to go ahead with the work, the contractor agreeing to let the cost be decided by arbitration.
In the months which followed, many meetings on the subject were held before the bridge was finally completed. Some seven years later, on Saturday, 26th November, 1892, the ceremony of unveiling memorial stones which had been inserted in the parapets of the bridge to commemorate the coming of age of Lord Downshire took place in the presence of a large and representative assembly. After having received authority from the Grand Jury of County Down, and on the application of Mr Andrew McClelland, representing the organising committee, these stones were put in their place on the bridge. They were in the form of massive blocks of granite from the Drumcashlone quarries, Newry. On the obverse of one, in a polished panel, is engraved this inscription: "Downshire Bridge. These tablets were inserted by the inhabitants of Banbridge to Commemorate the Coming of Age of the Sixth Marquis of Downshire, 2nd July, 1892". The reverse carried a raised shield on which are carved in high relief the Marquis's coronet and initial "D". In the panel of the second tablet the following words were engraved: "Downshire
Bridge. Erected A.D. 1834; Rebuilt A.D. 1885". The coronet and the letter "D" were repeated on the other side. During the ceremony, the approaches to the bridge were closed by temporary barriers with the bridge and its surroundings tastefully decorated.
Chairman for the ceremony was Dr Robert Brown McClelland JP, former chairman of Banbridge Town Commissioners. After expressing his pleasure at being asked to preside on this important occasion, the chairman went on: "I am sure we all feel satisfied to have this Downshire Bridge completed, and delighted to have the Marquis of Downshire and Lord Arthur Hill present with us. This bridge has been a good while on hand, and there was a good deal of trouble in getting it. I think I was connected with it from the first, and it is a matter of great satisfaction to me to see it worthily completed. We value this bridge for its appearance. It is a great improvement on the old unsightly structure which most of us recollect. "We value it for the convenience and suitability to our requirements; also for the liberal contribution of £100 from the Downshire Trustees, which was a strong inducement in getting it passed by the Road Sessions and Grand Jury. I will now call on the secretary (Mr T H Weir) to read the address which has been prepared."
Following the address, the Marquis of Downshire read the following reply: "My dear friends - It is indeed most gratifying for me to receive this address, and to be present at the unveiling of these memorial tablets. I have so recently received a flattering address at your hands on the occasion of my coming of age, that I now assure you no further proof is needed of your good feeling to myself and my family. Everything which contributes to the improvement of Banbridge must ever possess a deep interest for me. I sincerely join in the hope you express, that the example of my predecessors may ever be my guiding star through life. I remain yours very truly - Downshire" The chairman then requested Lord Arthur Hill MP to unveil the tablets.
Following an address by Lord Arthur Hill, the outdoor proceedings were brought to a close with loud cheers for the Marquis of Downshire. Subsequently, the Marquis and Lord Arthur Hill were entertained at luncheon in the Downshire Arms Hotel.
Dr Mulholland occupied the chair, and Mr Andrew McClelland the vice chair, and on either hand of the chairman were the especially invited guests.
Parish of Seapatrick and Townland
DERIVATION OF NAMES
DR. JOYCE says-" This great name system began thousands of years ago by the first great wave of population that reached our Island, it was continued unceasingly from age to age, till it embraced the minutest features of the country in its intricate network ; and such as it sprang forth from the, minds of our ancestors, it exists almost unchanged till this day."
The Parish of Seapatrick is called in Trias. Thaum. Suidhe-Padruic, St. Patrick's sitting place. Suidhe (see). This word means a seat or sitting place. We find it variously written. In the Magennis Patent, 1610, it is Sipatrick. In map of Down (Harriss'), 1743, Sea-Patrick. Williamson's map of Down, 1810, it is Seapatrick.
TOWNLANDS
BALLYVALLY-Baile an Bhealaigh, THE TOWN OF BEALACH-ROAD OR PASS. In the grant by James I. (1611) made to John Maguiness and others this townland is given Ballinvally, alias Ballaynahnahare. On a map of the estate of the Whyte family in 1727 it is Ballyvaly:
BALLYDOWN-Baile an duin, THE TOWN OF THE DUN OR FORT. In the James I. grant it is Ballndowne ; on a map of Whyte estate, made in 1727, it is. Ballydowne, and Ballydown on Williamson's map, 1810.
DUHERY-Dubhchaire, BLACK WEIR. The Whyte estate map of 1727, it is Duchery; on Williamson's map it is Doughary, in the Freehold Registry,,1830, it is Dughery.
LISNAREE-Lis-na-Righ FORT OF KINGS. In the Book of Survey-and Distribution (1661-1665) it is Lisnery, on the Subsidy Roll (1663) it is Lisineare.
TULLYEAR-Tullach fheir, HILLOCK OF THE GRASS OR GRASSY HILL. In the James I. grant it is Tullycrie, on the 1727 Whyte estate map it is Tullyear; and Williamson's map Tullyears.
TULLYCONNAUGHT-Tulach Conchonnacht, CUCHONNACHT'S HILL. (This personal name Cuchonnacht is now anglicised Constantine). In the Patent of James I, it is Ballitullyconnagh, on Williamson's map it is Tullyconaght.
Local Dialect
By
Norman Kerr
