GlenavyHistory.com

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.

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

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.