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BELTURBET IN 1846
Slaters Directory 1846
A respectable and neat market town, partly in the parish of Drumlane,
but chiefly in that of Annagh, barony of Lower Loughtee, county of Cavan, is 77 miles NW from Dublin, 18 W. from
Cootehill, 15 NNW from Cavan, 11 SW from Clones and about 8 N from Killeshandra; pleasantly seated on the banks
of the Erne, which river is crossed by a handsome stone bridge of three arches, erected in 1836.
History
It owes its origin to the Lanesborough family, whose patronage contributed materially to the prosperity of the
town, which is the property of the present earl, as is much of the neighbouring land. In 1610 certain conditions
were proposed by the lords of the council, in England, to Sir Stephen Butler, of Bealetirbit (the original name
of the place), for establishing a market and granting a corporation to the place; and, in 1613, its present charter
was granted by James I. The town at various periods suffered much from aggressions and commotion’s, particularly
from the insurgents in 1641, who were then ravaging and plundering the country, and compelled the inhabitants to
fly from the bridge of Belturbet, and take refuge in Crom Castle, about three miles distant, on the river Erne,
the remains of which are yet to be seen. In 1690 the town, being garrisoned for King James, was taken by surprise
by the Enniskilleners, who fortified it for their own party.
The town, which contains some well built houses and a good market-house
of stone, is cheerfully situated on the road from Cavan to Ballyconnell; and the varied character of the surrounding
scenery impart to the environs an interesting and picturesque aspect. The river Erne opens a communication through
Lough Erne to within three miles of Ballyshannon and the Ulster canal, by which regular means of transit are effected
to the important towns of Newry and Belfast, and the intermediate district.
Industry
The town itself possesses no considerable manufactory, but a large amount of linen is produced from the numerous
looms of the neighbourhood round; and there is also a very extensive and important establishment-the distillery
and mills of Messrs Dickson and Co. erected at an expense of more than £20,000, and lately enlarged and improved
by the further outlay of £6,000. These works, the machinery of which is propelled by a never-failing water
power, furnishes employment to many hands, and gives a certain degree of commercial consequence to the town. Morton's
Commercial Hotel is an exceedingly well regulated house, and a good posting establishment.
The government of the town is vested in commissioners appointed under
the regulations of the municipal act, with a chairman and a deputy-chairman. Petty sessions are held every Saturday
in an apartment over the market-house. The borough returned two members to the Irish parliament until the Union,
when it was disfranchised. A station of constabulary police and barracks are established here - the latter, situated
at the lower end of the town, opposite the river, will accommodate one hundred and fifty men, with a proper complement
of officers, and one hundred horses.
Churches
The parish church of Annagh, situated in the town, is a neat edifice, with a tower, surmounted by a spire: it was
erected in 1828-9, by means of two loans from the late Board of First Fruits, in those years. The other places
of worship are a Roman Catholic chapel, and two for Methodists. The charities comprise a dispensary, two free schools,
and alms-houses, the latter endowed by Mr. Maunsell, of Dublin. In the cemetery of the parish church are vestiges
of a strong fortification, enclosing a spacious area; and about two miles distant are some venerable ecclesiastical
ruins.
The market days are Thursday and Saturday - the latter a good one for
grain. Annual fairs Ash Wednesday and September 4th, and monthly ones on Tuesday. Population of the town, in 1841
(including that portion called Kilconny), 2,070.
Published by: Slaters
Directory 1846
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