Light also thrown on Lisburn property values in 1830's

Dog Kennel Lane. US4207-548C0

PROPERTY prices may be a constant subject of speculation, but it's unlikely they'll drop to the levels of the 1830's when �260 was sufficient to build an entire complex 'just north of Lisburn' to accommodate the Killultagh Hunt Club.

Ordnance Survey Memoirs dating from this period describe the complex as having a yard with 'a good high wall and a good stream of water passing through it'.

The memoirs also describe 'a neat range of slated houses comprising the kennel, a stable and a good dwelling house for the accommodation of the huntsman.'

They state the complex was erected 'at the instance of the Marquis of Hertford who granted an acre of ground for a suitable site'.

But where was this 'suitable site'? Research carried out by Lisburn man Stanley Knox who now lives in Saintfield Lodge at Knockbracken has come up with the answer.

Mr. Knox was keen to discover the origins of 'Dog Kennel Lane' where he grew up and his enquiries revealed the 'Dog Kennel' referred to was actually that of the Killultagh Hunt.

He also learned the �250 cost of the kennels was made up among members of the hunt and refunded back to the Marquis.

The site then became free with an annual subscription of �21 from the Marquis and a like sum from his son Lord Yarmouth.

The part of the site not occupied by the yard and building was enclosed as a kitchen garden for the hunstman.

This information was supplied to Mr. Knox by Mr. Trevor Hall, Assistant Keeper of Collections at Lisburn Museum.

Mr. Hall also quoted from a 'Topographical and Historical Account of Lisburn' written in the 1830's by Henry Bayly which described the Hunt as being in 'a very prosperous state'.

The Marquis was said to have given its members 'in the kindest manner' the privilege of hunting over some of the best ground in the North of Ireland' on his estates in Antrim and Down.

Members of the Hunt met on the first Tuesday in each month at 1.00pm in the Hertford Arms Hotel to 'appoint the places of meeting for the hounds during the month and to transact the general business of the Hunt.

Mr. Knox also learned the hounds hunted on Wednesday and Saturday and each Hunt member in succession named the place of meeting.

Ulster Star
23/11/2007