Hillsborough Castle
Located in the village of Hillsborough, Co.Down, Hillsborough Castle is more of a mansion than an actual castle. It was built in the 18th Century for Wills Hill, the First Marquis of Downshire. The "castle" was designed by R F Brettingham, who incorporated an existing home from the 1760s. The building was not completed until 1797, four years after the death of Wills Hill, but it remained in the Hill family up until the 1920s.
In 1922, Hillsborough Castle was bought from the Hill Family by the British government and was used as a Government House. The history of the castle is a bit complicated once the British government purchased it. There's lots of "British rule over Northern Ireland" history involved. So I won't get into it to much...
It's important to note that the castle did eventually become the official office and residence for the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, as well as junior ministers in the 1970s when the Government House was eventually abolished. The castle also acts as a guest house for various officials, including members of the Royal Family, and US Presidents when visiting Northern Ireland. The Good Friday Agreement was also signed here.
The castle grounds include a lake, a temple, a yew tree and lime tree walk, an icehouse, and a Quaker burial ground.
The wrought iron gates at the entrance of the castle were placed there in 1936. The gates were brought from Richhill Castle in Armagh.
And that's that!
I'd make a good guard wouldn't I?
Keep Smilin'
M.
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