Bessbrook in the 1970s

Page Four

This poor photograph of the Convent Primary School (St Joseph's) was taken through the bars of the gate. The school closed about 1970 when the new St Joseph's was built further down the hill. The building was demolished about 1990

The Hibernian Hall or Hibs Hall was for many years the home of Bessbrook Cinema. Mickey Mathers was the manager and projectionist. There were two shows per night and three diferent programmes every week. The front seats were hard wood and the back seats were cushioned. The building still stands (May 2003) but is now derelict

Mount Caulfield House probably dates from the 18th century with major 19th century changes. Little is known about its history but it is possibly the home John Duff who had a linen business in Bessbrook before the Richardsons came. In 1827 a Mr Hudson had a bleach green nearby and may have lived at Mount Caulfield. Behind the house there was a beetling mill and a scutch mill. Both are now demolished

Derrymore Terrace or Richardson Terrace formed a small separate community on the Derrymore Road. It may have been built to house workers from the forest or the nearby foundry. However its main function, apparently, was to provide money, from its rents, for the upkeep of the Friends' Meeting House nearby. It is largely unchanged today

The following four photographs were taken in 1975.

High Street formed a separate community to the south of the village. There were two rows of houses with allotments to the rear and across the road. The houses were demolished about 1980

High Street formed a separate community to the south of the village. There were two rows of houses with allotments to the rear and across the road. The houses were demolished about 1980

This view of the village was taken from High Street Hill

This view of the Pond Bank shows the pathway leading to the side gate of the mill. It was an entrance for workers coming from the west

This view across the Mill Pond was taken from the bridge over the mill race

This pump was in the playground of the old St Joseph's Primary School. It had a heavy pewter cup attached to the wall by a chain

A view of Bailie's Foundry which is now roofless and almost overgrown. This building was demolished in 2006

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