STEWARTSTOWN

STEWARTSTOWN, a market and post-town, in the parish of DONAGHENRY, barony of DUNGANNON, county of TYRONE, and province of ULSTER, 16 miles (N. W.) from Armagh, and 82 (N. by W.) from Dublin, on the mail coach road to Coleraine; containing 1010 inhabitants. This place, also called Steuartstown, derives its name from its founder, Sir Andrew Steuart, to whom James I. granted the surrounding district; in 1608 he erected here a strong bawn of limestone, which afterwards was converted into a castle, and laid the foundation of a village according to the conditions of the grant.

The present town consists of a spacious square and three principal streets, and contains 204 houses, well built of stone and roofed with slate; many of the houses are large and handsome, several of modern erection, and the whole place has an appearance of cheerfulness and prosperity. The manufacture of linen cloth and a fabric called unions (a mixture of linen and cotton) is carried on to a considerable extent; and the town derives a good inland trade for the supply of the neighbourhood, and considerable traffic, from its situation on a great public thoroughfare. The market is on Wednesday; and fairs for cattle, sheep, and pigs are held on the first Wednesday in every month (O. S.).

The market-house is a handsome building in the centre of the town. A constabulary police force is stationed here; a court is held monthly for the manor of Castlestewart, at which debts to the amount of 40s. are recoverable; and petty sessions on alternate Tuesdays.

The parish church is situated in the town, in which are also a R. C. chapel, two places of worship for Presbyterians, some large school-houses, and a dispensary. There are some remains of the old castle, but they have long been in a neglected state, and retain scarcely any traces of their original character. The country around exhibits much picturesque scenery, and is embellished with several handsome seats. About two miles from the town, in an extensive and improved demesne, with a fine park, is Stewart Hall, the seat of the Earl of Castle-Steuart, who derives his titles of baron and earl from this place.