New Forge House, Magheralin

This short video shows the walls and New Forge House which was

built by the Waddell Family in 1795

Visit to PRONI

I visited PRONI and was able to examine letters written by James Waddell and the Marquis of Downshire

During my online research I have found some interesting information which is extremely relevant to my project. For example, I found a select committee on Orange Lodges, Associations or Societies in Irelan from 1835 wherein a Mr Jame Christie from Kircassock House in Magheralin detailed disturbances in Magehralin in the late 1790's. In his testimony James Christie discusses murder, the wrecking of catholic homes and the burning of churches in the village.

Down County Museum

The visit to the Dounty County Museum was both useful and interesting as I was able to see items used during the rebellion and looking at the actural cells where prisoners were kept gave an impression of how prisoners were treated at the time. Thomas Russell was executed outside this museum after having been kept prisoner there - this is particularly relevant to my research as the husband and brother -in-law of James Waddells daughter were jurors at the Russell trial.

What I have learned this week....

On a not so positive note - I have tried to contact a number of local historians in relation to my research and unfortunately have had no response to any of my requests. This has been quite frustrating but at the same time empahasised the need to undercover more primary research.  I will have to revisit the Public Records Office and the Armagh History library in order to further research the disturbances in Magheralin in relation to the United Irishmens rebellion.

Whats next ....

I plan to visit the Magheralin Graveyard

The prominent land owner and Justice of the Peace during the 1790s was Captain James Waddell and he is buried in the old grave yard with members of the family..

Research to date

So far I have visited

• The Irish History Library Armagh
• Lurgan Library
• Public Records Office Northern Ireland (PRONI), Belfast
• St Patricks Church, Magheralin
• Down County Museum, Downpatrick

I have managed to gather various sources of documentation including books, letters, journals etc and the challenge has been to extract information relevant to my research