The Parish Church of St Malachy was built in 1636 and restored in the
18th century by Wills Hill, the first Marquis of Downshire. The church
stands on the summit of a gentle slope in the centre of the village
some 300 yards from the main street. The two entrance gates, each with
18th century stone-built lodges form the screen through which can be
seen the vista of a well kept lawn. The church today is essentially
the same as it was when Wills Hill completed his work of enlargement
and restoration before being opened for public worship in 1772.
The Parish Churchyard is a special place situated to the north of the
church of St Malachy and is surrounded by trees and the sound of village
life. Here may be found the burial place of the Harty family. The famous
conductor and composer Sir Hamilton Harty’s ashes are marked by
a bird bath on the south side of the church. Near the lychgate to
the left a stone records the burial place of Bishop Richard Mant, the
hymn writer. |
