16 [Proc. B. N. F. C, 



however, by no means universal. So long ago as 1622 M the 

 Capella de Rachalpe" was returned by the Bishop of Down as 

 "ruynous." The church stands on a raised platform, which 

 may be partly of rock, the terrace of which is faced with a 

 number of large upright stones on the south side. In England 

 a church of this age would be valued as an antiquarian treasure, 

 and sacredly guarded. Ought it not here to be placed under 

 the care of the Board of Works ? 



From Raholp the road leads by a beautiful avenue of fine 

 trees to the lofty castle of Walshestown, which stands in the 

 grounds of R. Craig-Laurie, Esq., J. P., through whose kindness 

 the Club paid it a visit. Swathed in ivy from base to summit, 

 there is hardly a more picturesque castle ruin in the country — 

 if, indeed, it deserves this title — for it is in excellent order and 

 preservation. The view from the top, across Strangford 

 Lough, is particularly striking. A short distance farther 

 brought the party to Castleward demesne. Owing to the 

 recent sad affliction in Lord Bangor's family they were unable 

 to visit Castleward House, but were most courteously conducted 

 to the various spots of beauty and interest in the demesne. To 

 mention all in detail would be impossible ; but the wonderful 

 avenue of yew trees demands a word. Ranged in such perfect 

 order and symmetry, with their branches interlacing above, 

 the resemblance to a double-aisled cathedral is literally perfect, 

 and the effect is grand and solemn in the extreme. Had 

 Wordsworth been aware of them he would surely have placed 

 them on record, side by side, as equally worthy of note as 

 11 those fraternal four of Borrowdale " of which he sings in 

 some of his noblest and most famous lines. A pair of fine 

 pillar stones — one upright and one fallen — on a knoll amongst 

 some guarded old oaks should also be recorded. The two 

 most interesting features to the antiquarian are Castleward and 

 Audley's Castle. The former is much of the same type as the 

 one at the Quoile, before mentioned. Audley's Castle, seated 

 on a rocky knoll just where the channel opens into Strangford 

 Lough, occupies one of the most commanding sites in the 

 district. It appears to be of the fourteenth century, and was 



