1907-1908] 



33 



in the three large brakes in waiting, and the drive was 

 commenced. In the main street of Newtownards the conductor 

 pointed out the monument that embraces all that is left of the old 

 town cross. Near the cross are the ruins of the Dominican 

 Priory of St. Columba, founded in 1244 by Walter de Burgo, Earl 

 of Ulster. A high square tower and ivy-mantled walls remain to 

 tell us of the former greatness of the Priory. These were pointed 

 out as the brakes drove rapidly past. The road to Greyabbey lies 

 along the edge of Strangford Lough, and, the tide being well in, 

 the views are very charming, the quiet waters of the lough being 

 broken here and there by some of the numerous islets which are 

 scattered through Strangford, and away in the misty distance the 

 blue Mournes, standing like grim sentinels keeping watch and 

 ward over the Irish Sea. The well-known " Butterlump stone " 

 was an object of interest to the geologists of the party. The 

 woods of Mountstewart demesne afforded a pleasant change of 

 green after the white of the dusty road, and ten minutes before 

 the scheduled time the brakes drew up at the entrance to the 

 ruins of Greyabbey. All alighted, and under the guidance of the 

 sextoness, were soon exploring the wonders and beauties of the 

 celebrated Abbey. Of the Abbey ruins as they exist at present 

 rising among aged trees on a beautiful sward, the most perfect 

 portions are the church and the refectory. 



The members were glad to note that, acting on a former 

 recommendation of the Club, General Montgomery had the ivy, 

 which was threatening the destruction of the walls, cut down and 

 removed. The result is a great improvement in the appearance 

 of the ruins, the safety of which is now assured. 



Having examined the ruins, the members made their way to 

 the crowded graveyard to the north-east of the Abbey, and 

 inspected several interesting gravestones. The old table tomb of 

 the " Rev. James Porter, dissenting minister of Greyabbey," came 

 in for special attention. It was he who wrote the famous letters 

 in the " Northern Star," entitled " Squire Firebrand," for which he 



