History Book Review

The Brookeborough Story

Aghalun in Aghavea

Introduction

By Jack Johnston, Editor

My part in The Brookeborough Story began in 2001 when I was asked to give a talk on Brookeborough merchants and families in the nineteenth century.  This came about because of my personal interest in the Armstrong’s of Ballyreagh and later Brookeborough who over a period of a hundred years had made three marriages with my own family, the Johnston’s of Clogher.  This interest deepened when I acquired a bundle of eight letters written by the naval surgeon William Armstrong between 1808 and 1813;  letters that described the British navy being shelled by the French ‘men-of-war’ off Cadiz as well as gossip and news about his home and family in Brookeborough.

The ‘story’ which I was later asked to edit has become a major exercise in local history, because it became not just one but two books.  Brookeborough has twinned with Riverstown, County Sligo and both have now compiled their story.  The two publications will I hope be seen as companion volumes in a wider canvas.  This volume differs from Riverstown in that it includes the texts of some talks and lectures given to Brookeborough Historical Society as well as the local research.

The Brookeborough Story is therefore a combination of the work of a wide range of enthusiastic amateurs as well as the papers read to their Historical Society by scholars and guest speakers.  Their book therefore has the advantage of the expertise of Brian Barton, Seamas Mac Annaidh, Dudley Cooney, Brian Turner, Brian Mc Donald, Nollaig O Muraile and both bishops of Clogher.

Significant contributions have also been made by writers closer to home; Sam Morrow, Ruth Allister, Diane Trimble, Bridget Maguire, Brigid Hanna, Malachy McConnell, the Rev Andrew Kingston and Tom Donnelly.  Tom and Andrew have made an enormous contribution to the final production.  Each of them in various ways has acknowledged the role of the other.  Tom’s contribution particularly in the closing stages has been immeasurable.  He has sourced material, particularly photographs, written last-minute articles and acted as my courier to the printer.  The production would be much smaller and considerably narrower in local content had it not been for his input.  It is important that this element of time and patience on his part be properly acknowledged.  The full list of contributors is given on the inside covers.

Finally, I wish to acknowledge the use made of the Public Record Office in Belfast (hereafter PRONI in the text), particularly with regard to the Brooke estate papers there (D998).  Their rentals, lease books and especially their vast collection of maps have been an invaluable source.

Jack Johnston

All Saints’Day 2004