Hillsborough Fort to be opened to public in coming year (1962)

Standing on rising ground to the right of Hillsborough Parish Church, the castle, known as the Fort, had been built about 1630. It was believed to have replaced an earlier structure, then the stronghold of Owen McCrory Magennes.

Throughout the years the castle had been associated with the Hills, or the Downshires. At one time it was a stronghold of considerable military importance.

In 1690, when Arthur Hill was head of that family, William of Orange stayed at the castle overnight on his way to the Boyne.

Pictured in 2006 at Hillsborough Fort are David Hawthorne and Andrew Rankin as 1700 century infantry soldiers. Picture: News Letter archives/Bernie Brown

Later, when military importance waned, the castle became something of a family heirloom.

The castle underwent many changes and alterations throughout the years, being subjected to much reconstruction and adornment in 1780.

After the Restoration, in 1662 Arthur Hill was made responsible for the maintenance of a force of 20 men at the castle and was appointed Hereditary Constable of the stronghold.

The News Letter noted: “This force has a surviving link with the present day.”

Pupils from Forthbridge School, Crumlin Road, Belfast, and their teachers Mrs Margaret Riddels and Mrs Many Pentland visiting the historic Hillsborough Fort built in 1650 to protect the road to Dublin which passed through the town. The trip, in October 1987, was to help the children with their history, geography and English lessons. Picture: News Letter archives/Darryl Armitage

Bugler Gerald Atkinson, of Hillsborough, who was paid by the Marquess of Downshire, in 1962 continued to blow “fall in” outside Government House on Sunday mornings at 11 o’clock and then attends the Parish Church service.

Mr Atkinson wore the uniform which is believed to be modelled on those of the Dutch Guards of William of Orange.

Meanwhile, from the rampart at the back of the castle there was a delightful view across the beautiful lake, which was constructed at the end of the 18th century.

The Ulster Star in January 1963 reported: “Whilst vandals threaten to destroy much of Hillsborough’s beauty, it is good to note that the government is spending quite a considerable sum on the restoring of the town’s Courthouse and Old Fort. Famed as the home of the Governor of Northern Ireland, Hillsborough, a small, yet delightful town, is always remarked upon by the many distinguished visitors calling at the official residence. Already the work is beginning to show on the Old Fort’s time ravaged walls, the old craftmanship of the skilled mason is bringing back a smooth smile to its stone face, and the grounds are beginning to respond to the care and cultivation being lavished up on them.”