Post by heritagestories on May 19, 2008 8:09:09 GMT
We note that Portstewart is not included in the list of locations in North Antrim.
Okay, so technically we are in Co Londonderry, but this is a a mere historical anomaly which is only 400 years old.
I'd always wondered why the county boundary was where it is and not at the natural and logical line of the river Bann.
As I understand it the problem goes back to the plantation. Co Coleraine (formerly O'Cahan's Country) was up for grabs in the deals struck with the London Guilds, But Co Antrim was not.
The Societies made the case that if they were to develop the town of Coleraine, as charged, they would require some flat land on the east side of the river. That grant of land should extend to the sea, coincidentally giving them both banks of the Bann and the valuable salmon fishing.
The McDonnell, who had done a remarkable job retaining as much land as he did, was forced to concede.
It transpired that the Societies had quite a difficult time securing the fishing, but the position of the county boundary was set.
So, we feel that, from a heritage point of view, Portstewart should be included in Antrim (except when it suits us to be in Co Derry - why shouldn't we have cake and eat it?).
Okay, so technically we are in Co Londonderry, but this is a a mere historical anomaly which is only 400 years old.
I'd always wondered why the county boundary was where it is and not at the natural and logical line of the river Bann.
As I understand it the problem goes back to the plantation. Co Coleraine (formerly O'Cahan's Country) was up for grabs in the deals struck with the London Guilds, But Co Antrim was not.
The Societies made the case that if they were to develop the town of Coleraine, as charged, they would require some flat land on the east side of the river. That grant of land should extend to the sea, coincidentally giving them both banks of the Bann and the valuable salmon fishing.
The McDonnell, who had done a remarkable job retaining as much land as he did, was forced to concede.
It transpired that the Societies had quite a difficult time securing the fishing, but the position of the county boundary was set.
So, we feel that, from a heritage point of view, Portstewart should be included in Antrim (except when it suits us to be in Co Derry - why shouldn't we have cake and eat it?).