Ballyscullion (St. Tida’s) Parish Churchyard, Bellaghy

Ballyscullion (St. Tida’s) Parish Churchyard can be found on 46 Main St, Bellaghy, Magherafelt.

The churchyard here has been in use since the early 1700’s and only recently been filled. It has many historical burials from as early as the “Battle of the Boyne” to the later “Troubles” in the north.

The original church in this area has an unknown beginning, but was located on an island in Lough Beg, north of Lough Neagh, nearby. It was in ruins during 1622 and was replaced three years later with a new one. A tower and spire were added during 1788 before it was all removed and rebuilt six years later in the village of Bellaghy nearby.

Interestingly a family that belonged to this parish had a very dubious character called George Downing[1] associated with them. He is said to have given his name to one of the most famous streets in the world, that of Downing street in London. As you may know this is the home of the Prime minister of the United Kingdom. The location of George’s birthplace is more than likely Dublin or London though, but he was raised in Ireland and his family may have resided in the area as a family called Downey definitely did. There is one war grave within the old cemetery, a soldier from the Second World War.

[1] Sir George Downing, 1st Baronet, lived from 1624 to 1684.