Construction of Ballyscullion House now completed (1851)
During this week in March 1851 the News Letter published an interesting article relating to the construction of Ballycscullion House at Bellaghy, Magherafelt, Co Londonderry.
It detailed: “This truly beautiful and interesting structure – the family mansion of H S B Bruce, Esq – which has been for some years in the course of erection, is now completed, and the circumstance claims from us a passing notice.
“The architectural effect fully realises the expectations we formed when, along with our contemporaries, we noticed the progress of the works some time since. The design reflects the highest credit upon the genius and taste of the architect, Charles Lanyon, Esq, a C.E.
“The site is that of the ruins of one of the finest provincial buildings of its day – the palace of the princely, but eccentric Earl of Bristol, formerly Bishop of Derry. For many years the antiquary and the tourist were in the habit of resorting to the spot s for the sake of examining the vestiges of the ancient grandeur of the palace, and the fragments which once lay scattered around were objects of so much interest and value as to be considered prizes worthy of being borne away to remote parts of the country, to be preserved as mementoes of the noble founder and his gorgeous residence.
“The Church of St George’s in this town is indebted to the dismantling of the palace at Ballyscullion for its highly enriched and magnificent portico, which is justly regarded as one of the most beautiful pieces of architecture in the kingdom.
“It is of the teltra-style, Corinthian order, and, having been removed from its original position in front of the palace, was presented by the late Dr Alexander, then Bishop of Down and Connor, to the trustees of the church. A few years since, Mr Bruce, the lord of the soil, and a descendant of the original founder, commenced the erection of the now completed Ballyscullion House, in the site of the old palace, hallowed as was the spot by interesting associations. The building stands boldly forward on the brow of a rising ground, and can be observed from a distance of many miles in a southward direction, and also along the Antrim shore of Lough Beg. Externally, it is a perfect model of elegant design, and the interior is exquisitely furnished."
The News Letter concluded: “We have only to wish the spirited proprietor long life, health and happiness to enjoy the beauty and convenience of this noble mansion.”