The only tradition preserved among them, that the writer has been able to collect, is the following:

At Knockcairn, now the residence of Wm. Gregg, Esq., lived in the times, perhaps of James 1, a chieftain, who is called by the name of Dunn. This person was married to one of the Uptons of Templepatrick, a Protestant, whom he would compel to renounce her faith, and embrace that of the church of Rome. Being unable to accomplish his purpose, either by persuasion or threats, he was inflamed with indignation, and resolved to punish her obstinacy by devoting her and her children to destruction. He accordingly enclosed her and her children in a part of his castle, and then set fire to it. To enjoy the effects of his cruelty, he posted himself on a small hill, at the distance of about eighty perches, and sitting down on a large stone, exclaimed with cool barbarity, that "he took pleasure in their cries." Whence, says my reporter this hill is called the "Hill of Pleasure," to this day.

Such wanton cruelty towards their sister, did not fail to excite the resentment of the Uptons; and collecting all their forces, they determined to inflict vengeance on the author of it. They therefore made an irruption into their brother-in-law’s terror Tories, and posted themselves on a small hill, called "Bell’s Hill," within about half-a-mile from the castle. Dunn, in the mean time, was not remiss in preparing for his defence. Assembling his numerous forces, (for, says my authority, he had the upper parts of this county, and the county of Armagh, under him) he presented so formidable a front to his enemies, that they were obliged to retreat slowly to Dundrod. Dunn pursued them with rapid speed. The Uptons seeing him approach, posted themselves in an advantageous situation, on a little hill above Dundrod; whence, observing their enemy exhausted by the rapidity of his march, they attacked him, completely defeated him, and compelled him to consult his safety by a precipitate flight to Dundrod. Hence the route he pursued, is yet called "Dunn’s Race." Here the tradition ceases, and leaves us in the dark as to the fate of this bigoted chief. The foundations of an ancient building, said to be the remains of Dunn’s Castle are to be seen near Mr. Gregg’s house.

A short distance to the north of the old church stood an ancient castle said to have been founded and occupied by the Norton family. A portion of the ground walls are said to still remain, but grown over with earth. At the castle also stood a fort, a great part of which still remain, but in a disfigured state. To the south of the old church stood a hamlet or small town called Leathemstown, said to have been nearly 6 furlongs in length. The fire hearths and part of the ground walls of above 100 houses have been raised on the site of this town, which is at present under tillage. There was also raised on the site the ruins of 2 corn mkilns and a mill-race.

Tradition also says that there was a great battle fought at Knockcairn at some former period, between the Norton family of Tullyrusk Castle and Dunn of Dundrod Castle, both of whom were allied by marriage connection. However, further inquiry in the neighbourhood of Tullyrusk might glean more tradition regarding this battle. Information obtained from John McLernon, Jane Cory and others. 22nd March 1838.

The following names are taken from a list of persons applying to register their Freeholds at a General Quarter Sessions of the Peace to be held in Belfast on the 24th October, 1831.

No. 136

Name and Residence of Applicant: Joseph McCullagh, Dundrod
Description of Freehold, with the names of Barony and Townland in which situated: House and land, Upper Massereene, town land of Knockern
Yearly Value to be registered: £10

The Rev. Edward Cupples has received from Fortescue Gregg, Esq, J.P. for the poor of the parish of Glenavy, 5s - being a fine paid by a yeoman for disorderly conduct in Crumlin market.

Notice to Road Contractors, &c. County of Antrim

Sealed proposals will be received for the following Works, at the office of the Secretary to the Grand Jury, until the day previous to the first day on which the Grand Jury shall assemble for fiscal business at the approaching assizes, vix.,

Barony of Massereene

No 1. To make 364 perches of a new line of road from Crumlin to Lisburn, by Stoneyford, between Cadger’s Lane and Steed’s Lane, in the townlands of Tullyrusk and Ballymacward Lower - not to exceed £300.

Forms of tenders, &c., may be had at the Secretary’s Office, where specifications, plans and sections may be seen.

John Coates, Secretary to the Grand Jury, County Court House, Feb 16 1854.

Knockcairn, now the property of Mr. Potts, was the seat of a large-hearted family, the Greggs, who were descended from the MacGregors of Antrim and the M`Quillans of Dunluce. The last resident was Fortescue Gregg, Esq., who succeeded his uncle William. The father of Fortescue was a member of the Irish Parliament, held office therein, and retained his pension of £876 a year till his death. He resided in Belfast. A son of Fortescue's is the Rev. J. N. Gregg, M.A., of Burnham, Somerset. Knockcairn has its story. In the days of James I., a chieftain called Dunn resided in the castle. He married one of the Uptons of Templepatrick, a Protestant. Failing to compel her to join the Church of Rome, he resolved to devote her to destruction. He enclosed her and her children in the mansion, and set fire to it. To enjoy the sight, he stood on a hill 80 perches off, and sitting down, with cool barbarity he said, "I take pleasure in their cries"; and that hill was called the Hill of Pleasure. The Uptons resolved to punish him, and collecting their forces posted themselves on, "Bell's Hill." Dunn, who had many allies, presented such a bold front, that the Uptons retreated to a hill beyond Dundrod, and from this advantageous position attacked him, and compelled him to fly to Dundrod. The route he took is called "Dunn's race," and the spot where the meeting-house now stands, "Upton's Fort." Tradition ends here, and leaves us in the dark as to the end of the brutal Dunn.

Fatal accident at Crumlin

A man named John Mulholland informed the police at Crumlin on Wednesday that the dead body of a farmer named James Rice had been found that morning on the public road at a place called Budore, a few miles from here. The body was shockingly mutilated when found. A message was conveyed to Dr. Carson who quickly arrived. Acting Sergeant McClelland and Constable Balfour were also on the scene shortly afterwards, and had the remains removed to Knockcairn, the late residence of deceased. The police reported the matter to the county coroner, Dr. Mussen J.P.

Lisburn Rural District Council Quarterly meeting held at the Workhouse, Lisburn on Thursday.

One of the motions taken up included … "By Councillor Graham - to build footbridge over Fourscore river on Cadger's Lane, townland of Tullyrusk."

Lisburn Rural District Council Quarterly meeting held at the Workhouse, Lisburn on Thursday.

One of the motions taken up included… "By Councillor Graham - to repair a bridge on the road from Belfast to Glenavy, in the town lands of Dundrod and Knockcairn, at Mrs. McCullough's. Probable cost £3 10s. District charge - passed."

Alex. Kennedy, Knockcairn - for Tullyrusk

William Gill

Date of Death: 23 03 1865
Date of Grant: 14 08 1865
Effects under £200
Registry: Belfast

Full Abstract:

Letters of Administration of the personal estate of William Gill late of Donegall Pass Belfast in the County of Antrim Draper a Bachelor deceased who died 23 March 1865 at same place were granted at Belfast to Mary Jane Gill of Knockcairn (Crumlin) in the County of Antrim Widow the Mother one of the next of kin of said deceased.

Thomas McClurg

Date of Death: 14 09 1874
Date of Grant: 05 10 1874
Effects under £200
Registry: Belfast

Full Abstract:

Letters of Administration of the personal estate of Thomas M'Clurg late of Knockcairn County Antrim Farmer deceased who died 14 September 1874 at same place were granted at Belfast to Jane M'Clurg of Knockcairn (Glenavy) the Widow of said deceased.

Alexander Armstrong

Date of Death: 15 08 1875
Date of Grant: 17 12 1875
Effects under £100
Registry: Belfast

Full Abstract:

The Will of Alexander Armstrong late of Knockcairn County Antrim Farmer deceased who died 15 August 1875 at same place was proved at Belfast by the oaths of Mary Jane Walshe (Wife of Nathaniel Walshe Labourer) Archibald M'Cullough Farmer and James Kennedy Farmer all of Knockcairn (Glenavy) the Executors.

James Lavery

Date of Death: 14 11 1874
Date of Grant: 11 08 1876
Effects under £450
Registry: Belfast

Full Abstract:

The Will of James Lavery late of Knockeairn County Antrim Farmer deceased who died 14 November 1874 at same place was proved at Belfast by the oaths of Sarah Lavery Spinster and Archibald M'Cullough Farmer both of Knockcairn the Executors.

William Oakman

Date of Death: 24 08 1876
Date of Grant: 18 09 1876
Effects under £450
Registry: Belfast

Full Abstract:

The Will of William Oakman late of Ballydonaghy County Antrim Farmer deceased who died 24 August 1876 at same place was proved at Belfast by the oath of Orville Gill of Knockcairn in said County Farmer the Executor.

Andrew Adgey

Date of Death: 09 10 1877
Date of Grant: 26 10 1877
Effects under £1000
Registry: Belfast

Full Abstract:

The Will of Andrew Adgey late of Knockcairn County Antrim Farmer deceased who died 9 October 1877 at same place was proved at Belfast by the oaths of Orville Gill of Knockcairn and George M'Clure of Tullynewbane both in (Crumlin) same County Farmers the Executors.

John Adgey

Date of Death: 05 03 1880
Date of Grant: 09 04 1880
Effects under £400
Registry: Belfast

Full Abstract:

The Will of John Adgey late of Knockcairn County Antrim Farmer deceased who died 5 March 1880 at same place was proved at Belfast by the oaths of Susanna Harper of Knockcairn Spinster and George M'Clure of Tullynewbane Farmer both in same County the Executors.

Eleanor Brown Macartney

Date of Death: 04 08 1883
Date of Grant: 10 09 1883
Effects under £95 6s
Registry: Belfast

Full Abstract:

The Will of Eleanor Brown Macartney late of Aughnamillan County Antrim Spinster deceased who died 4 August 1883 at same place was proved at Belfast by John Berryhill of Crumlin and William Officer of Knockcairn both in said County Farmers the Executors.

Archibald McCullough

Date of Death: 03 01 1883
Date of Grant: 19 02 1883
Effects £233 15s 6d
Registry: Belfast

Full Abstract:

The Will of Archibald M'Cullough late of Knockcairn County Antrim Farmer deceased who died 3 January 1883 at same place was proved at Belfast by Jane M'Cullough of Knockcairn Widow one of the Executors.

Jane Armstrong

Date of Death: 20 04 1884
Date of Grant: 16 05 1884
Effects £632 15s 6d
Registry: Belfast

Full Abstract:

The Will of Jane Armstrong late of Carnaghlis County Antrim Widow who died 20 April 1884 at same place was proved at Belfast by George Kennedy of Knockcairn Farmer and James Kennedy of Belfast Brick Manufacturer both in said County the Executors.

Thomas Irvine

Date of Death: 13 07 1885
Date of Grant: 17 07 1891
Effects £243 13s
Registry: Belfast

Full Abstract:

Letters of Administration of the personal estate of Thomas Irvine late of Knockcairn County Antrim Farmer who died 13 July 1885 at same place were granted at Belfast to Edward Smyth Irvine of Knockcairn Farmer a Child.

Susanna Harper

Date of Death: 14 11 1891
Date of Grant: 08 02 1892
Effects £365 16s 2d
Registry: Belfast

Full Abstract:

The Will of Susanna Harper late of Knockcairn County Antrim Spinster who died 14 November 1891 at same place was proved at Belfast by Andrew Harper of Knockcairn and George M'Clure of Tullynewbane said County Farmers the Executors.

Thomas Wilson

Date of Death: 14 01 1884
Date of Grant: 21 12 1892
Effects £217 12s
Registry: Belfast

Full Abstract:

The Will of Thomas Wilson late of Knockcairn County Antrim Farmer who died 14 January 1884 at same place was proved at Belfast by William Wilson of 83 Blackstaff-road Belfast Merchant and Robert Connolly of Knockcairn Farmer the Executors.

John Irvin

Date of Death: 14 07 1896
Date of Grant: 12 08 1896
Effects £420
Registry: Belfast

Full Abstract:

Probate of the Will of John Irvin late of Knockcairn County Antrim Farmer who died 14 July 1896 granted at Belfast to Moses Whiteside of Ballydonaghy said County and Shaw Armstrong of Knockcairn Farmers.

John Mairs

Date of Death: 24 06 1895
Date of Grant: 14 02 1896
Effects £42 10s
Registry: Belfast

Full Abstract:

The Will of John Mairs late of Dundrod County Antrim Farmer who died 24 June 1895 was proved at Belfast by Thomas Ireland of Dundrod and Shaw Armstrong Senior of Knockcairn both said County Farmers the Executors.

Andrew Harper

Date of Death: 10 10 1897
Date of Grant: 24 11 1897
Effects £1,448 4s 7d
Registry: Belfast

Full Abstract:

Administration of the estate of Andrew Harper late of Knockcairn Dundrod County Antrim Farmer who died 10 October 1897 granted at Belfast to William Harper of Ballynacoy County Antrim Farmer

John Rice

Date of Death: 10 05 1898
Date of Grant: 13 06 1898
Effects £95 14s
Registry: Belfast

Full Abstract:

Administration of the estate of John Rice late of Knockcairn County Antrim Farmer who died 10 May 1898 at Budore County Antrim granted at Belfast to Eliza Ann Rice of Knockcairn the Widow.

Edward Elliott

Date of Death: 08 04 1900
Date of Grant: 25 04 1900
Effects £26 1s 8d
Registry: Belfast

Full Abstract:

Administration of the estate of Edward Elliott late of Knockcairn County Antrim Labourer who died 8 April 1900 at Dunmurry County Antrim granted at Belfast to Alice Elliott Widow.

William Officer

Date of Death: 13 06 1899
Date of Grant: 07 05 1900
Effects £242
Registry: Belfast

Full Abstract:

Probate of the Will of William Officer late of Knockcairn County Antrim Farmer who died 13 June 1899 granted at Belfast to Francis M'Cullough and Alexander Kennedy Farmers.

Teresa Rice

Date of Death: 05 03 1900
Date of Grant: 30 03 1900
Effects £52
Registry: Belfast

Full Abstract:

Probate of the Will of Teresa Rice late of Knockcairn County Antrim Widow who died 5 March 1900 granted at Belfast to John M'Connell Farmer.

Sarah Hamill

Date of Death: 02 04 1901
Date of Grant: 23 05 1902
Effects £212 10s 6d
Registry: Belfast

Full Abstract:

Probate of the Will of Sarah Hamill late of Knockcairn County Antrim Widow who died 2 April 1901 granted at Belfast to Robert Connolly Farmer.

Jane McCullough

Date of Death: 03 06 1912
Date of Grant: 11 11 1912
Effects £698 4s 6d
Registry: Belfast

Full Abstract:

Probate of the Will of Jane McCullough late of Knockcairn Dundrod County Antrim Widow who died 3 June 1912 granted at Belfast to Shaw A. Wilson and Samuel Johnston Farmers

Mary Wilson

Date of Death: 11 09 1915
Date of Grant: 29 11 1915
Effects £168 2s 8d
Registry: Belfast

Full Abstract:

Probate of the Will of Mary Wilson late of Knockcairn County Antrim Widow who died 11 September 1915 at Belfast granted at Belfast to William J. Wilson Veterinary Surgeon.

Shaw Armstrong

Date of Death: 20 12 1916
Date of Grant: 02 03 1917
Effects £577 10s 0d
Registry: Belfast

Full Abstract:

Probate of the Will of Shaw Armstrong late of Knockcairn County Antrim Farmer (Retired) who died 20 December 1916 granted at Belfast to Catherine Armstrong the Widow and George Kennedy Farmer.

Francis Hamill

Date of Death: 21 02 1917
Date of Grant: 26 03 1917
Effects £244 11s
Registry: Belfast

Full Abstract:

Probate of the Will of Francis Hamill late of Knockcairn County Antrim Farmer who died 21 February 1917 granted at Belfast to Thomas Wilson and William A. Kirkpatrick Farmers.

Motor Accident near Dundrod

A motor accident took place on Saturday afternoon at a bend on a road known as the "Bullock Walk" about 2½ miles from Dundrod, and half a mile from Ballyhill. It appears that a young man named Nathan Wilson, Knockcairn, Dundrod, was riding his motor bicycle to the starting point of the Grand Prix Cycle Races to see Joe Craig, Ballymena, finishing his last lap, when he collided with Mr. Samuel Calvert’s motor lorry, the driver of which was Thomas Wilson, who, as usual, was on his rounds collecting buttermilk from farmers for delivery in Belfast.

The impact was so great that the unfortunate man was practically rendered unconscious, and was removed to Mr. Calvert’s residence close by, and afterwards conveyed to Mr. Robert Graham’s (Brookhill) motor car to his father’s residence.

The front part of his machine was knocked into pieces. Dr. Hunter, Crumlin, was immediately informed, and responded promptly, and found it necessary to insert a number of stitches in the injured cyclist’s face and attend to other minor injuries. At first his condition appeared to be crucial, but now he is progressing as favourably as can be expected under the circumstances.

Lisburn Quarter Sessions
Cutting down a hedge

William McCullough Mairs, farmer, sought to recover from William Garrett, farmer, Knockcairn, £20 damages, for that defendant or his servants entered on plaintiff’s land in Dundrod, County Antrim, and cut down a hedge, the property of the plaintiff, to his loss in the above sum.

Mr. B Maginess, B.L. (instructed by W G Maginess & Son) appeared for the plaintiff and Mr Isaac Copeland B.L. (instructed by George McIldowie & Son, Belfast) for the defendant.

His Honour, having heard the witnesses on either side, said the defendant was entitled to pass over the road with his horse and cart for use on his farm, and if the hedge projected so as to make that almost impossible he was entitled to make it right. It had been arranged that the hedge should be kept clipped. His Honour did not think that in any event the plaintiff had suffered extensive damage, and therefore on the whole the action should be dismissed.

Farmers and a hedge.

In the King's Bench Division, on 1st inst. Lord Justice Andrews reversed the decision of the County Court Judge of Antrim in an action brought by Wm. McC. Mairs, farmer of Knockcairn, Dundrod, against Wm. Garrett, farmer, of the same place, to recover damages for the alleged wrongful cutting of a hedge. Judgement had been given for the defendant.

Mr. B. Maginess (instructed by Messrs. W.G. Maginess & Son) appeared for the plaintiff and appellant; and Mr. I. Copeland (instructed by Messrs. George McIldowie & Son) for the defendant and respondent.

His Lordship held that any licence which might have been given prior to 1927 was then withdrawn. He reversed the finding of the County Court Judge, and awarded £2 damages.

Knockcairn, Dundrod, Crumlin.
Sale by Auction.
Cattle, pigs, implements and sundry effects.

I am instructed by Mr. Samuel Ferguson - having sold his Farm - to sell by auction on the premises on Wednesday 8th May commencing at 2.30 o’clock p.m.

3 choice Fresian bred springing Heifers - due June/July; 2 Two year old store heifers; 4 mating heifers; store bullock; yearling heifer; 2 heifer calves - 10 months; Bull calf; 2 springing sow; 12 suckler pigs - 10 weeks; blackstone swathe turner; hay rake, set S.M. Cart harness -as new; Chill plough; scrap and sundry effects. Terms - cash and commission.

David Mairs, auctioneer and valuer, 8 Bridge Street, Lisburn. Telephone Lisburn 3128.