This contemporary report from the Belfast Telegraph (1952) describes the final condition and proposed demolition of Seskinore House.
The End of a House That Nobody Wanted
30-Room Ulster Mansion to Go
“Belfast Telegraph” Reporter (1952)
The death penalty has been passed on another of Ulster’s stately homes—Seskinore Lodge, a 30-room mansion formerly the Tyrone seat of the McClintock family. It will soon follow the way of Kilwaughter Castle, Tollymore Park House, Newcastle, and Drumbanagher.
The fine old house, set amid 400 acres of beautiful Tyrone countryside—much of it woodland—was visited by the Duke of Gloucester during his stay in Northern Ireland in 1935, and the late Lord Craigavon, Prime Minister of Northern Ireland, was frequently entertained there.
Seskinore Lodge is the house which nobody wanted.
The Ministry of Agriculture purchased it along with the 400-acre estate, hoping some use might be made of it. Its suitability as an old people’s home, a hostel, and a hospital was considered.
Workers’ Flats
At one time it was proposed to divide the house into flats for estate workers, but the cost proved prohibitive.
The land itself is now being put to excellent use by the Ministry as an afforestation nursery, but as the house has fallen into disrepair, tenders are being invited from contractors for its demolition.
Though empty, the house still breathes an air of refinement. The bright, spacious drawing room looking out over the parklands, the bedrooms, library, billiard room, smoking room, and dining rooms—which once resounded with the footfalls of servants—are now silent.
A Rat Scurried…
I walked along the corridors and hallways of the house, which at present-day prices would cost over £20,000 to build.
A rat scurried away behind a skirting board, and cobwebs draped the chandeliers. The great front door, which once opened in welcome to the huntsmen of the Seskinore Harriers, is locked. The fireplaces are empty; there are bell-pushes, but no bells.
For many years, until 1936, the house was occupied by Lieut.-Col. J. K. McClintock, D.L., C.B.E., a leading figure in the public, social, and administrative life of Tyrone. He belonged to a family originally from Argyllshire, which settled in Ireland in 1597.
Hospitality
The family seat was first at Newtown House, Co. Louth, but when Seskinore was inherited from the Perry family, the Louth property was sold. The McClintocks were renowned for their hospitality, and many notable figures in Ulster life were entertained at Seskinore.
The Seskinore Harriers regularly met at “the big house,” with Colonel McClintock serving for many years as Master of the Hunt.
The house, with its numerous servants’ quarters, cellars, and extensive kitchens, was for many years guarded by the Special Constabulary. Colonel McClintock served as Commandant, and during the 1920s a guard was posted daily, with their quarters on the first floor.
War Footing
With the outbreak of war, Seskinore went onto a war footing. British and American troops were billeted in the grounds, and the house itself was given over to officers. It became one of the largest supply depots in Northern Ireland, with hundreds of R.A.S.C. lorries passing daily through the spacious courtyard.
The only surviving relic of the American occupation is an old rifle rack bearing the names of servicemen—Faber, Bullen, Buffano, and Benio.
When the house is demolished, only the out-offices—the kennels, loose boxes, harness rooms, carriage houses, lamp room, and fodder stores—will remain. These are in good repair and will continue to serve the Ministry of Agriculture, particularly as the Seskinore estate assumes increasing importance for afforestation.
“Sorry”
In the village below, Mr. B. Bratton, a close friend of the late Colonel, said:
“We are sorry to see it go. Most of us remember the house in its happier days—the carriages and pairs rolling up to the door, the receptions at the hunts, and the round of hospitality at Christmas and Easter.”
Major C. A. M. Alexander, M.C., D.L., of Pomeroy, another old family friend, added:
“The Colonel loved the old house. There will be general regret that it is to come down.”
Reproduced by kind permission of the Belfast Telegraph.
See Also:
Leave a Reply