The old Movilla burying ground at Newtownards

A beloved surgeon dies at Movilla (October, 1831)

Old churches and their ‘burying grounds’ have always fascinated me. I have been lucky to have been brought up near to Bangor Abbey and I have often found myself nosying around the headstones, writes Darryl Armitage.

Recently I made a trip to the old Movilla graveyard in Newtownards. I had never been before and I certainly did leave disappointed, and with dozens of interesting photographs of the old gravestones.

On my return home that evening I logged on to the newspaper archives and while I was unable to find any notice for Mr David Robb who died in June 1831 I was able to find another notice the News Letter published on October 18, 1831 for Mr Isaac Arnold, surgeon, who had died on October 12 at Movilla after “a long and severe illness” which, noted the News Letter, “he bore with truly Christian patience and resignation”. He died aged 46 years. The News Letter notice added: “He was a most skilful and successful practitioner and a most benevolent and kind-hearted man. He lived beloved and died lamented, by numerous circle of friends and acquaintances.”

The Old Movilla graveyard in Newtownards, Co Down, is well worth exploring and a look at the old gravestones. Picture: Darryl ArmitageThe Old Movilla graveyard in Newtownards, Co Down, is well worth exploring and a look at the old gravestones. Picture: Darryl Armitage
The Old Movilla graveyard in Newtownards, Co Down, is well worth exploring and a look at the old gravestones. Picture: Darryl Armitage

I just wonder were Mr Isaac Arnold’s final resting place is at Movilla? I may need to spend a little bit more time wandering among the gravestones.

Funeral of an Orangeman at Movilla (August 1886)

One person that I can be certain was buried at Movilla was Orangeman Brother James Cochrane whose remains were removed from his late residence on North Street for interment in the Movilla on August 13, 1886.

The deceased, it was noted, was aged just 35 years old and had been a long-time member of the Orange Institution, being connected with Newtownards Scarlet Crown 1919.

He was also a member of the Knights of Malta, belonging to No 5 Encampment.

The notice of Brother Cochrane’s burial at Movilla read: “He was held in high esteem both by Orangemen and members of the Black Institution, and much sympathy is expressed for his widow and family.”

It continued: “Fever was the cause of his death, which took place on Saturday morning [August 12, 1886].

“The funeral was attended by members of all the Newtownards lodges, as well as the brethren of No 2 and No 5 Encampments, headed by Brother John Stuart, District Master, and Brother Alex Murphy, Deputy District Master, wearing the regalia of different orders.”

It concluded: “The cortege was large and respectable, the Reverend Jas Young, MA, officiating at the grave, where the usual rites of the Orange Institution were observed.”

Church mourns death of its benefactor (July 1874)

Strean Presbyterian in Newtownards had felt a great loss in July 1874 when its lost its benefactor Mr Thomas Strean, Esq, on July 11, 1874. It was noted that when he was a young man he had left “his native country for America” and had spent a period of 20 years in the USA. On the Sunday after his death, the interior of Strean Church had been draped in mourning, “the pew formerly occupied by the deceased, the pulpit, gallery front, choir balcony, gas fitting, and the handsome stained glass window (erected by the member of the congregation to perpetuate his name) were all draped in black, with deep fringe”. At the forenoon service, the respected pastor of the church, the Reverend W Todd Martin, preached “a very impressive sermon”. He referred to the loss the congregation felt at Mr Strean’s death but alluded to Mr Strain’s delight in “hearing the Gospel, and the trust and hope in the Redeemer” by which he was “comforted in a long illness”. Mr Strean was laid to rest at the old Movilla burying ground.

r Is there a historical place in Northern Ireland that you think that I should explore? Email: [email protected]