Blue Plaque Commemorating Viscount Castlereagh Unveiled in Newtownards

The Ulster History Circle and Ards and North Down Borough Council have unveiled a blue plaque to commemorate Robert Stewart, Viscount Castlereagh and 2nd Marquess of Londonderry.

The unveiling took place on Wednesday, 19 April at Ards Art Centre, Town Hall, Conway Square, Newtownards.

Among the guests who attended the event were

The Lord Lieutenant of County Down, Gawn Rowan Hamilton, The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Karen Douglas, Lady Rose and Peter Lauritzen from Mount Stewart Estate and High Sheriff of County Down, Mike Mawhinney.

Speaking about the unveiling, The Mayor said:

“I was delighted to unveil this blue plaque to commemorate and mark the 200th anniversary of the death of Robert Stewart, Viscount Castlereagh who spent his early years in Newtownards before making Mount Stewart his home. It is fitting that the plaque be placed on this historical building which has links with the Stewart family, and I hope it serves to remind local people of Castlereagh’s legacy. I would like to especially thank the Ulster History Circle and Mount Stewart for all of their assistance in making the blue plaque possible.”

Robert Stewart, Viscount Castlereagh was born on