Seskinore Revisited (2005): A Personal Account

Introduction

In September 2005, Xenia returned to Seskinore for the first time since her childhood.

She travelled from Australia with her daughter Sharon, son-in-law Ron, and her grandchildren Christopher and Nicky.

During their visit, they stayed with family, dividing their time between shared meals, conversation, and exploring the places connected to Xenia’s past.

Among the most significant moments was the long-anticipated return to Seskinore—the estate she had left behind as a child.

The Journey Back

Pat, Xenia, and I travelled ahead of the rest of the family.

We crossed by ferry and made our way steadily toward County Tyrone, stopping briefly along the route. As we approached Seskinore, something shifted.

The road signs became familiar. The landscape seemed to hold memory.

A quiet silence settled in the car.

It felt as though we were approaching something both deeply familiar and profoundly distant.

Arrival at Seskinore

We stayed at Greenmount B&B, where we were warmly welcomed by our hosts.

Henry Reid, with his deep knowledge of the area, became an invaluable guide. Alongside Dr. Haldane Mitchell—who had arranged introductions and access in advance—we were able to connect with both the history and the people of Seskinore.

A Community Welcome

At the entrance gates, still crowned with the McClintock lions, we were met by members of the Seskinore Community Group.

Their welcome was deeply moving.

In the courtyard, memories began to surface—not only for Xenia, but for those who had known her family.

Stories were shared:

Her grandfather walking her to the stables
The Coronation celebrations of 1937
Her arrival as a child in her father’s blue SS Jaguar

History was no longer distant—it was alive again.

The Lost House

At the site of the house, the past revealed itself in fragments.

The outline of the turning circle remained—faint, but unmistakable.

From it, the house could be imagined:

Carriages arriving
Guests stepping out
The life of the estate unfolding

Though the house had gone, its presence lingered.

The Walled Garden

The walled garden still stood, though changed by time.

Once ordered and productive, it was now quiet and overgrown.

Yet its structure remained, and with it a powerful sense of continuity.

The Garden of Remembrance

From the garden, we walked toward the woodland and the Garden of Remembrance.

The atmosphere shifted as we entered the trees—quiet, enclosed, almost reverent.

At its centre lay the graves of Tony and Leila Joynson-Wreford.

We stood in silence.

Later, Xenia and I returned alone.

There, beside the grave, I placed a hand on the stone and said quietly:

“I have brought your little girl home.”

Ecclesville and Family Memory

We visited Donacavey Church, where memorials to the Eccles family remain.

At Ecclesville Orange Lodge, a portrait of Charles Eccles—Xenia’s great-great-grandfather—was discovered.

Though weathered, it retained a striking presence. The resemblance to her son Michael was unmistakable.

Written on the back:

“Captain Wreford.”

The painting had clearly passed through the family.

It was generously returned to Xenia.

A Return Recognised

That evening, the Seskinore Community Group hosted a reception at McClintock Primary School.

Founded by her grandfather in 1900, the school formed part of her family’s legacy.

The welcome was warm and deeply felt.

It marked not just a return—but a recognition.

Restoration and Renewal

Following the visit:

The Eccles portrait was restored and returned to Xenia
The legal status of the school site was clarified
A new lease was secured

These steps helped re-establish a connection between the estate and the community.

Significance

What began as a visit became something far greater.

It was a return—not only to place, but to memory.

Through reconnection, research, and shared experience, Seskinore was no longer distant.

It was present again.