LOCAL HISTORY
THE PLIGHT OF THE BIG HOUSE IN NORTHERN IRELAND
Published by Ulster Architectural Heritage and written by J.A.K Dean this recently published book documents the plight of the ‘big house’ in N.I. Roxborough Castle view from north-west approach Image Courtesy of the National Library of Ireland.
Anthony Clare
Ulster Architectural Heritage has a longstanding and enviable reputation for publishing distinguished books on Ulster’s architectural history. This latest publication looks at that evocative and endangered species - the ‘Big House’. The author was driven to write the book because of his abiding fascination for the enduringly picturesque image of the big house and its setting, tempered with a melancholy concern about grievous losses. A second motivation, to quote Dean, “in true Ulster tradition is born of a grievance”. In 1974 a book on the loss of grand houses in England, Scotland and Wales, The Destruction of the Country House, was published to accompany an exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum - Northern Ireland was not included. Then, to compound the perceived slight, The Vanishing Country Houses of Ireland was published in 1988 and again the big houses of Northern Ireland were omitted. This book sets out to fill the gap. In addition, it extends the term big house, which usually refers to country houses of the landed
aristocracy and gentry, to include the grander Anglican rectories and suburban villas of the aspiring merchant class, thereby broadening its appeal and reference value. With 179 entries and over 200 illustrations, the book features buildings from all the six counties of Northern Ireland and includes many houses that are now sadly lost to us, some noteworthy survivors and those that are still at risk. The introduction sets out some of the reasons for the decline which include fire (both accidental and deliberate), terrorism, financial hardship, profligacy, changes in building fashion and urban spread, amongst others. The entries themselves are arranged alphabetically within each county with the greatest number being found in counties Antrim and Down. Each entry combines detailed research and descriptive text with references relating to an extensive bibliography for those who want to dig deeper into the history. Images have been sourced for nearly every entry. There is plenty here to intrigue and delight, 62
Derry/Londonderry - Learmount Castle dripstone c. JAK Dean
