I was glad to hear that the Environment minister Edwin Poots has 'spot listed' part of an historic industrial site at Donaghcloney. He has issued a Building Preservation Notice for the former Liddell's Mill complex, which dates back ot the 18th century. The mill was the centre of village life from its expansion in the early 19th century until it closed a few years ago.
Edwin Poots said, 'Our built heritage is important and should be protected. Early indications are that these buildings are particularly noteworthy. They represent a significant part of the development of Donaghcloney and have a social history linked to many of the local families. They are now protected from alteration or demolition and my department has six months to consider all of the information and carry out its statutory consultations before issuing a final decision on the listing of the buildings.'
The linen industry in Donaghcloney can be traced back to 1742 and the firm of William Liddell started in the village in 1866. It was one of the largest linen factories in Ulster, employing 1000 workers in 1919, and it supplied the linen for the Titanic.
The company developed Donaghcloney as a model village, with comfortable cottage style houses for the workers. These are ranged around a central green and the village has a unique atmosphere.
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