newtownards priory

Newtownards priory is the only reasonably well-preserved medieval Dominican priory to survive in Northern Ireland. It was probably founded by the Savage family around 1244. The lower parts of the nave, as well as two blocked doors in the south wall leading to a vanished cloister, survive from the period of foundation. The upper parts of the nave, its westward extension and the north aisle arcade date from a 14th century rebuilding, probably undertaken by the de Burgh family. After the priory was dissolved in 1541, it was involved in warfare and burned; later, it was granted to Hugh, the first Viscount Montgomery. He it was who rebuilt the north aisle, and added the tall tower at the entrance, with its Renaissance doorway bearing his initials. The soft local Scrabo sandstone from which it was carved has incurred much weathering of the details, but a modern copy was built into the north wall further to the east in 1988. Close by is the unusual octagonal market cross of 1636. Another fine building in the town is the Town Hall designed by the Bristol architect Stratford in 1765.