BALLYNASCREEN

In 1868, the parish of Ballynascreen contained the following places:

"BALLYNASCREEN, a parish in the barony of Laughin-sholin, in the county of Londonderry, province of Ulster, Ireland. It lies on the border of Tyrone, on the banks of the river Moyola, and contains the market town of Draperstown. To the south are the Slieve Gullion mountains. The larger part of the parish, which is very extensive, embracing an area of 32,492 acres, belongs to the Drapers' and Skinners' Companies. The soil near the river is good, and the land well cultivated. Good freestone is obtained, and manganese has been found. Agriculture, linen weaving, and the rearing of cattle are the occupations of the pcople. The living is a rectory in the diocese of Derry and Raphoe, of the value of £784, in the gift of the bishop. The church is at Draperstown. In a secluded mountain glen are the ruins of the ancient church founded, it is said, by St. Patrick. There are several cromlechs. Derrynoyd Lodge is the principal seat."

"DRAPERSTOWN, a post and market town in the parish of Ballynascreen, barony of Loughlinsholme, in the county of Londonderry, province of Leinster, Ireland, 8 miles N.W. of Magherafelt, on the road to Dungiven. The whole of the town belongs to the Drapers' Company, and was formerly called Cross. Here are a police station, market house, parish church, and dispensary within the Magherafelt Poor-law Union. Market day is Wednesday. Fairs are held on the first Friday in every month."

[Transcribed from The National Gazetteer of Great Britain and Ireland 1868]
by Colin Hinson ©2018