Gallery 2
This gallery explores the commercial and cultural heritage of Newry and Mourne in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. Various artefacts reflect the wealth and ambition of the merchant class in Newry in this period including a longcase clock made by John Gelston in the mid-1770s, Dutch tiles from an 18th century merchant’s house, examples of glassware made in Newry in the early 19th century and books printed in Newry which illustrate the cultural aspirations of the town.
The building of Newry Canal is represented by a letter requesting the use of British foot soldiers in the construction of the Canal and map of Newry by Matthew Wren, drawn in 1761, which shows the route of the Canal through the town. Local businesses and industrial enterprises are highlighted by a range of artefacts such as a lithograph of Bessbrook Mill in the 19th century, an ointment jar from Connor’s Chemist and a loaf stamp from McCann’s Bakery.
Another major theme in the gallery as the Great Famine and artefacts including a poster advertising the sailing of an emigrant ship, the Lady Caroline, from Warrenpoint to New Brunswick in Canada, a notice from the Kilkeel Union explaining Poor Relief Rates and artefacts from the Newry and Kilkeel Workhouses.
A number of artefacts cover the development of the railways in the Newry and Mourne area, changes in local government and church life.
Other iconic artefacts on display are a late 16th century portrait of Sir Nicholas Bagenal, the robes of the Order of St. Patrick worn by the 3rd Earl of Kilmorey and the letters patent creating Sir Charles Russell, who was born in Newry and became the first Catholic Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales appointed since the Reformation, Baron Russell of Killowen in 1894.
