Waringfield house moira kelly biography

Chapter 5

The Town and Buildings

Although the town existed before the seventeenth century the Rawdon family were largely responsible for building the houses and for the towns development. In 1744 Moira was described as "a well laid out and thriving village, consisting of one broad street, inhabited by many traders, many of whom carry on the linen trade to good advantage". In 1740 a monthly brown linen market was established. Although linen was the main industry, there was also a brewery and bottling business near "Palmer's Corner". Lambeg drums were also reputed to have been first made in the town. Moira was also an important centre for limestone quarrying. Evidence of this is seen in the lime kilns on the Clarehill Road. Another similar business existed until recently on the Old Kilmore Road.