What was "Somerset" in the context of Coleraine?

Somerset was the Anglicised name for an Irish estate situated near Coleraine. The formation of this estate dates back to the Plantation of Ulster, and it eventually became the property of the Merchant Taylors' Company.

When did the formation of the Somerset estate near Coleraine originate?

The formation of the Somerset estate near Coleraine dates back to the period of the Plantation of Ulster, a historical initiative to settle Protestant landowners in Ireland.

Which London company became the owner of the Somerset estate near Coleraine?

The Somerset estate near Coleraine became the property of the Merchant Taylors' Company, one of the livery companies of the City of London.

What does the 1622 map referenced in the source material depict regarding the Somerset estate and Coleraine?

The 1622 map shows Coleraine located on the River Bann, with the area allocated to the Merchant Taylors' Company situated to the west of the river.

Who was Colonel John Gorges, and what was his significance in the period following the Act for the Settlement of Ireland 1652?

Colonel John Gorges was an officer of the New Model Army under Oliver Cromwell who settled at Somerset, near Coleraine. He served as a member of parliament for the Counties of Derry, Donegal, and Tyrone on three occasions before 1660.

What role did Colonel John Gorges play for the Irish Society of London in 1660?

In 1660, Colonel John Gorges was chosen by the Irish Society of London to serve as their agent for their estates located in County Londonderry.

In what capacity did Colonel John Gorges serve in the Irish House of Commons?

Colonel John Gorges later served in the Irish House of Commons, taking the place of John Godbold in 1665.

What is known about Colonel John Gorges' son, John?

Colonel John Gorges' son, also named John, matriculated at Wadham College, Oxford, in 1670. He died in 1680.

What led to the sale of the Merchant Taylors' estate in Macosquin and Aghadowey parishes, including Somerset House?

The Merchant Taylors' estate in Macosquin and Aghadowey parishes, along with Somerset House, was sold in 1729 following the death of Henry Gorges in 1727 and his widow in the same year.

Who purchased the Somerset estate in 1729, and what was his connection to it?

William Richardson purchased the Somerset estate in 1729. He is also noted as having been the manager of the estate.

What happened to the Somerset House that was built in 1732?

The Somerset House, which was built in 1732, unfortunately burned down in 1802.

How did the Somerset estate pass from William Richardson to his nephew?

Upon William Richardson's death in 1755, the Somerset estate was passed down to his nephew, the Reverend John Richardson, who was the son of William's brother, also named John.

Who was the next inheritor of the Somerset estate after the Rev. John Richardson, and what was his parliamentary role?

The estate was inherited by the Rev. John's son, John, who served as a member of the Irish parliament for Newtown Limavady.

What was the fate of the Somerset estate's parliamentary inheritor, John?

John Richardson, the member of the Irish parliament for Newtown Limavady, married but died in 1800 without leaving any heirs.

What architectural contribution did John Nash make concerning Somerset House, Coleraine?

The architect John Nash, who was active in County Tyrone between 1800 and 1820, created a drawing for Somerset House in Coleraine for a Mr. Richardson. It is believed that this work was not carried out.

In what architectural style was the Somerset House described in the 19th century?

In the 19th century, Somerset House was characterized as a villa designed in the style of Sir Richard Morrison.

How is Somerset described in the memoirs of Frederick Young, and who owned it at that time?

In the memoirs of Frederick Young, Somerset is depicted as a fine large property that included a beautiful salmon leap on the River Bann. It was owned by Tom Richardson, identified as the Reverend Thomas Rumbold Richardson.

What was the clerical position held by the Reverend Thomas Rumbold Richardson?

The Reverend Thomas Rumbold Richardson held the living of Camus juxta Bann, cum Macosquin, from 1820 until his death in 1837.

What is the significance of the River Bann near Coleraine, as described in the source?

The River Bann, after carrying the overflow from Lough Neagh for twenty-five miles, falls over a thirteen-foot high ledge known as the salmon leap, where it meets salt water. From this point, it continues as a broad tidal stream to the ocean five miles further.

How did the Torrens family come to own the Somerset estate?

The Somerset estate passed to the Torrens family through the marriage of Barbara Maria Richardson, who was an heiress along with her sister Maria Frederica, to the Reverend Thomas Henry Torrens, following the failure of the male line of the Richardson family.

What significant event occurred regarding the Somerset estate during the period of the Irish Land Acts?

During the era of the Irish Land Acts, the Somerset estate was put up for sale to its tenants in 1894, and a substantial portion of it was subsequently sold.

Who purchased Somerset House from the Torrens family in 1912, and what was his background?

In 1912, Somerset House was sold by the Torrens family to James Stuart, who was the uncle of Francis Stuart. James Stuart had previously been a successful sheep farmer in Australia and hailed from Ballyhivistock near Dervock.

What became of the residual Somerset estate in the 20th century?

In the 20th century, the remaining portion of the Somerset estate was converted into industrial property.

What was the ultimate fate of Somerset House, and when did this occur?

Somerset House was demolished by the 1980s, at which point Chemstrand Ltd was the owner of the land.

What external link is provided for visual information about Somerset House?

An external link is provided to a YouTube video that features images of Somerset House as it appeared up to the 1960s.

What was the role of the Merchant Taylors' Company in relation to the Somerset estate?

The Merchant Taylors' Company became the owner of the Somerset estate after its formation during the Plantation of Ulster.

What is the geographical context of Coleraine mentioned in relation to the River Bann?

Coleraine is situated on the River Bann, as indicated by a 1622 map that also shows the area allocated to the Merchant Taylors' Company to the west of the river.

What were Colonel John Gorges' political affiliations and military service?

Colonel John Gorges was an officer in the New Model Army under Oliver Cromwell and served as a Member of Parliament for the Counties of Derry, Donegal, and Tyrone.

What was the specific year the Somerset House built in 1732 was destroyed?

The Somerset House, constructed in 1732, was destroyed by fire in 1802.

Who was John Richardson, the inheritor of the Somerset estate, and what was his parliamentary constituency?

John Richardson, who inherited the Somerset estate, was the son of the Reverend John Richardson and served as a member of the Irish parliament representing Newtown Limavady.

What is the significance of the salmon leap on the River Bann?

The salmon leap is a natural feature on the River Bann, located a mile above Coleraine, where the river falls thirteen feet over a ledge and meets the salt water before flowing into the ocean.

How did the Richardson family's male line end, leading to the estate's transfer?

The male line of the Richardson family ended when John Richardson, the Member of Parliament for Newtown Limavady, died in 1800 without having had any heirs.

What was the relationship between Frederick Young and the owner of Somerset mentioned in Young's memoirs?

Frederick Young was the brother-in-law of Tom Richardson, the owner of Somerset described in Young's memoirs, through a cousin marriage.

What was the historical context for the sale of the Somerset estate to its tenants?

The Somerset estate was offered for purchase to its tenants in 1894, a process that occurred during the period of the Irish Land Acts, which aimed to facilitate land ownership by tenant farmers.

What was James Stuart's occupation prior to purchasing Somerset House?

Before purchasing Somerset House in 1912, James Stuart had been a successful sheep farmer in Australia.

What company owned the land where Somerset House stood before its demolition?

Chemstrand Ltd. owned the land on which Somerset House stood prior to its demolition in the 1980s.

What is the approximate distance from the salmon leap on the River Bann to the ocean?

The River Bann, after passing the salmon leap, flows as a broad tidal stream and mingles with the ocean approximately five miles further downstream.

What was the purpose of the Plantation of Ulster in relation to estates like Somerset?

The Plantation of Ulster was a historical period during which estates like Somerset were formed and allocated, with the Merchant Taylors' Company acquiring ownership of the Somerset estate.

Who was the father of William Richardson, the purchaser of the Somerset estate in 1729?

William Richardson, who bought the Somerset estate in 1729, had a brother named John, who was the father of the Reverend John Richardson.

What specific parishes were mentioned in connection with the sale of the Merchant Taylors' estate after Henry Gorges' death?

The parishes of Macosquin and Aghadowey were mentioned in connection with the sale of the Merchant Taylors' estate, which included Somerset House.

What was the estimated height of the ledge at the salmon leap on the River Bann?

The salmon leap on the River Bann is described as a ledge that is thirteen feet high.

What does the term Anglicised name suggest about the origin of the name "Somerset" for the estate?

The term Anglicised name suggests that Somerset is an English version or adaptation of a name originally associated with the Irish estate near Coleraine.

What was the relationship between the Gorges family and the Irish Society of London?

Colonel John Gorges, a member of the Gorges family, served as the agent for the Irish Society of London for their County Londonderry estates in 1660.

What academic institution did John Gorges, son of Colonel John Gorges, attend?

John Gorges, son of Colonel John Gorges, matriculated at Wadham College, Oxford.

What was the nature of the property described in Frederick Young's memoirs as "Somerset"?

In Frederick Young's memoirs, Somerset is described as a fine large property that featured a beautiful salmon leap on the River Bann.

What historical legislation influenced the sale of the Somerset estate to its tenants?

The Irish Land Acts were the historical legislation that influenced the offering of the Somerset estate for purchase by its tenants in 1894.

What was the approximate timeframe of John Nash's activity in County Tyrone?

John Nash was active in County Tyrone during the period from 1800 to 1820.

What was the familial relationship between Barbara Maria Richardson and the Torrens family?

Barbara Maria Richardson, an heiress, married the Reverend Thomas Henry Torrens, which led to the estate passing to the Torrens family.

What is the significance of the River Bann's overflow from Lough Neagh in relation to the salmon leap?

The River Bann carries the overflow from Lough Neagh for twenty-five miles before it reaches the salmon leap, where it falls over a ledge and meets salt water.

What is the primary function of the Q&A document being generated from this Wikipedia article?

The primary function of this Q&A document is to serve as a verified factual briefing for a senior AI editor, intended for use in producing quiz questions and flashcards for study.

Somerset Coleraine Wiki: Echoes of Somerset: An Estate's Legacy in Coleraine

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Estate Origins

Foundation and Early Ownership

The Somerset estate, situated near Coleraine in County Londonderry, traces its origins to the strategic Plantation of Ulster. This initiative, commencing in the early 17th century, involved the confiscation of lands from Irish chieftains and their redistribution to loyal settlers, primarily from England and Scotland. The formation of the Somerset estate is directly linked to the Merchant Taylors' Company of London, which acquired significant landholdings in the region.^[1]

Geographical Context

The estate's location near Coleraine placed it along the River Bann, a vital waterway for transport and commerce. A 1622 map illustrates the area, showing Coleraine town and the allocation of lands to various guilds, including the Merchant Taylors' Company to the west of the river.^[1] This geographical positioning was instrumental in the estate's development and its connection to regional governance and economic activity.

The map from 1622, with north oriented to the left, clearly delineates the town of Coleraine on the River Bann. The lands designated for the Merchant Taylors' Company are shown situated to the west (or 'below' on the map's orientation) of the river, establishing the geographical footprint of their investment and subsequent estate development.

The Gorges Family

Military and Political Influence

Following the Act for the Settlement of Ireland 1652, Colonel John Gorges established himself at Somerset, Coleraine. A distinguished officer in Oliver Cromwell's New Model Army, Gorges played a significant role in the political landscape of the time. He served as a Member of Parliament on three occasions, representing the Counties of Derry, Donegal, and Tyrone prior to 1660.^[1]

Stewardship and Representation

In 1660, the Irish Society of London appointed Colonel Gorges as their agent for their County Londonderry estates, entrusting him with the management of their considerable holdings. His public service continued as he later entered the Irish House of Commons, succeeding John Godbold in 1665.^[1] His son, John Gorges (died 1680), pursued academic interests, matriculating at Wadham College, Oxford, in 1670.^[2] Another son, Henry, passed away in 1727, and his widow's subsequent sale in 1729 marked the end of the Gorges family's direct association with the Somerset estate and its associated lands in Macosquin and Aghadowey parishes.^[1]

The Richardson Family

Acquisition and Estate Seat

The estate was acquired in 1729 by William Richardson, who is noted to have managed the property prior to his purchase.^[3] Somerset then became the principal seat of the Richardson family. A notable country house, Somerset House, was constructed on the estate in 1732, signifying the family's established presence and investment in the property.^[5] Tragically, this structure was destroyed by fire in 1802.^[5]

Succession and Architectural Plans

Upon William Richardson's demise in 1755, the Somerset estate passed to his nephew, the Reverend John Richardson, son of his brother John.^[6] The estate was subsequently inherited by the Reverend John's son, also named John, who served as a member of the Irish parliament for Newtown Limavady. However, he died without an heir in 1800, marking the end of the direct Richardson line.^[7] During the period of rebuilding after the 1802 fire, the renowned architect John Nash was active in County Tyrone. He produced a drawing for a new Somerset House in Coleraine for a Mr. Richardson, though it is presumed this design was not executed.^[8]^[9] In the 19th century, Somerset House was described as a villa in the style of Sir Richard Morrison.^[4]

Family Connections

Later in the 19th century, the estate was associated with the Reverend Thomas Rumbold Richardson, referred to as "Tom Richardson" in the memoirs of Frederick Young. Young described Somerset as "a fine large property... including a beautiful salmon leap on the River Bann."^[10] Reverend Richardson held the ecclesiastical living of Camus juxta Bann, cum Macosquin, from 1820 until his death in 1837.^[11]

The Torrens Family

Marriage and Inheritance

The Somerset estate transitioned to the Torrens family through the marriage of Barbara Maria Richardson, one of two heiresses (along with her sister Maria Frederica) to the Reverend Richardson, to the Reverend Thomas Henry Torrens. This union brought the estate into the Torrens lineage, continuing its history of aristocratic ownership.^[13]

Later Ownership and Transformation

Land Acts and Sales

During the era of the Irish Land Acts, which aimed to facilitate the transfer of land ownership from landlords to tenants, the Somerset estate was offered for purchase by its tenants in 1894. A significant portion of the estate was subsequently sold.^[14]

Industrialization and Demolition

In 1912, the Torrens family sold Somerset House to James Stuart, an individual who had achieved success as a sheep farmer in Australia and was the uncle of Francis Stuart.^[15] As the 20th century progressed, the residual Somerset estate was re-purposed for industrial use. By the 1980s, Somerset House itself had been demolished, with Chemstrand Ltd being the landowners at that time.^[16] This marked the end of its era as a country house estate.

Notable Features

The River Bann and Salmon Leap

The estate's proximity to the River Bann was a defining characteristic. The river is notable for its "salmon leap," a natural cascade where the river drops thirteen feet. This feature, where the freshwater Bann meets the tidal waters, is located approximately a mile above Coleraine. The river then broadens into a tidal stream, flowing into the ocean five miles further downstream.^[12] This picturesque natural landmark contributed to the estate's scenic appeal.

The River Bann, after traversing twenty-five miles from Lough Neagh, presents a dramatic "salmon leap" thirteen feet high near Coleraine. This point signifies the transition where the river's freshwater flow encounters the saline influence of the sea, before continuing its course as a broad tidal stream to the ocean.

Notes and References

Source Citations

The following references were used in the compilation of this historical overview:

^ a b Ulster Journal of Archaeology. Belfast: Ulster Archaeological Society. 1910. pp. 54, 57–58.
^ Foster, Joseph (1891). "Gorges, John". Alumni Oxonienses: the Members of the University of Oxford, 1500–1714. Oxford: James Parker – via Wikisource.
^ Blackstock, Allan (16 May 2016). Science, politics and society in early nineteenth-century Ireland: The Reverend William Richardson. Manchester University Press. p. 14. ISBN 978-1-5261-1180-7.
^ a b Bence-Jones, Mark (1990). A Guide to Irish Country Houses. Constable. p. 261. ISBN 978-0-09-469990-8.
^ "Ireland at the turn of the Century" (PDF). 2000. p. 3.
^ "Richardson, John, Dictionary of Irish Biography". www.dib.ie.
^ "Richardson, John (RCRT759J)". A Cambridge Alumni Database. University of Cambridge.
^ "nash, john - Dictionary of Irish Architects". www.dia.ie.
^ "CO. DERRY, COLERAINE, SOMERSET HOUSE Dictionary of Irish Architects -". www.dia.ie.
^ Jenkins, Louisa Hadow Young (1923). General Frederick Young: First Commandant of Sirmur Battalion (Second Gurka Rifles) the Life-story of One of the Old Brigade in India : 1786-1874, Including Reminiscences of Ireland and India in the 'fifties. G. Routledge & sons, Limited. p. 82.
^ Ulster Journal of Archaeology. Vol. I. Ulster Archaeological Society. 1895. p. 153.
^ Savage, John (1885). Picturesque Ireland : a literary and artistic delineation of the natural scenery, remarkable places, historical antiquities, public buildings, ancient abbeys, towers, castles, and other romantic and attractive features of Ireland. New York: T. Kelly. pp. 576–577.
^ Walford, Edward (1909). The county families of the United Kingdom; or, Royal manual of the titled and untitled aristocracy of England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland . London: R. Hardwicke. p. 1093.
^ Kernohan, J. W. (1921). The county of Londonderry in three centuries, with notices of the Ironmongers' estate. Belfast: The author. p. 79.
^ "Francis Stuart: Life". www.ricorso.net.
^ Gamble, Ronnie (9 December 2014). The Killowen Series 4: The Gribbon Family and the Clothworkers. Lulu.com. p. P126. ISBN 978-1-326-86326-5.

External Resources

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References

A full list of references for this article are available at the Somerset, Coleraine Wikipedia page

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This document has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence, drawing upon publicly available information from Wikipedia. It is intended for educational and informational purposes only, providing a structured overview of the Somerset estate near Coleraine.

Historical Contextualization: While efforts have been made to accurately reflect the source material, the interpretation and presentation of historical data by AI may differ from traditional academic scholarship. The content is based on a specific snapshot of information and may not encompass all nuances or recent discoveries.

No Professional Advice: This content does not constitute historical, architectural, or legal advice. For specific inquiries related to historical properties, land ownership, or architectural heritage, consult with qualified professionals and relevant archival institutions.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Somerset, Coleraine

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Estate Origins 🌳

📜 Foundation and Early Ownership

🗺️ Geographical Context

The Gorges Family 🛡️

⚔️ Military and Political Influence

🏛️ Stewardship and Representation

The Richardson Family 🏡

💰 Acquisition and Estate Seat

➡️ Succession and Architectural Plans

👨‍👧‍👦 Family Connections

The Torrens Family 🔗

💍 Marriage and Inheritance

Later Ownership and Transformation ⏳

⚖️ Land Acts and Sales

🏭 Industrialization and Demolition

Notable Features 🏞️

🌊 The River Bann and Salmon Leap

Notes and References 📚

🔗 Source Citations

External Resources 🌐

▶️ Visual Archive

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Estate Origins

Foundation and Early Ownership

Geographical Context

The Gorges Family

Military and Political Influence

Stewardship and Representation

The Richardson Family

Acquisition and Estate Seat

Succession and Architectural Plans

Family Connections

The Torrens Family

Marriage and Inheritance

Later Ownership and Transformation

Land Acts and Sales

Industrialization and Demolition

Notable Features

The River Bann and Salmon Leap

Notes and References

Source Citations

External Resources

Visual Archive

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice