THE SCOT IN ULSTER
THE SCOT SETTLES NORTH DOWN
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received the grant of Irish land on the express condition that he should "plant" it with Scottish and English colonists. We know generally how he implemented his bargain. He seems to have received the hearty support of his own family, for four of his five brothers aided his enterprise, and shared his prosperity: from them are descended numerous families in Ulster, and at least two Irish noble families. Further, there is no doubt that Hamilton did "plant" the land which he had acquired with Scottish tenants, and administered his great estate with prudence and ability. There are recorded the names of those who held farms from Hamilton, and good Scottish surnames they are, and evidently from the same country as the men whom we shall find followed Montgomery. Hamilton founded the towns of Bangor and Killyleagh, in County Down. It is mentioned, too, that he attended to spiritual things, for he raised churches in each of the six parishes embraced in his estate--Bangor, Killinchy, Holywood, Ballyhalbert, Dundonald, and Killyleagh. He "made it his business to bring very learned and pious ministers out of Scotland, and planted all the parishes of his estate." Moreover, we discover how primitive were the times in which the Lord Clannaboye lived, for we read "that he maintained the ministers liberally, received even their public reproofs submissively, and had secret friendly correspondence with them. " [1]...continue reading »
[1] Hamilton MSS., p. 33.
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Page 17
The Scot in Ulster:
Sketch of the History of the Scottish Population of Ulster
by John Harrison
1888
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