WHITEHOUSE

Samuel Lewis

A Topographical Dictionary of Ireland

1837

WHITEHOUSE, a village, in the parish of CARNMONEY, barony of LOWER BELFAST, county of ANTRIM, and province of ULSTER, 3 miles (N.) from Belfast, on the road to Carrickfergus; containing 132 inhabitants. It is situated on the shore of Belfast lough, and is principally occupied by the proprietors and workpeople of the cotton factories, to which it owes its origin: the first cotton-mill established in Ireland was erected here, in 1784, by Mr. Nicholas Grimshaw, whose sons still carry on the manufacture in all its branches; the buildings are very extensive, and the spinning of yarn and weaving of cotton and muslin afford employment to above 1000 persons. Here are also some very large print-works, erected by another of Mr. Grimshaw's sons, in which more than 200 persons are employed. The village is neatly built, and its inhabitants are in comfortable circumstances. It has a penny post to Belfast and Carrickfergus; petty sessions are held every three weeks, and there is a coast-guard station, being one of eight in the district of Carrickfergus. Fairs are held on the first Tuesday in May and Nov., principally for cattle.

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