Newry historian John secures listing of city's municipal boundary stones

​The nidirect site explains that buildings of special architectural and/or historic interests are 'listed' to protect the best of Northern Ireland’s architectural heritage for future generations.

John reflected: "Since childhood attending St Patrick's Primary School, Newry, I became fascinated with one of these MB stones I passed at the top of the Bricky Loanan. I later learnt in life it was a Municipal Boundary stone one of a set in the town which over years I observed their vulnerability being exposed to modern development with some removed or partially buried."

John went on to explain the historical background to these stones which he described as being part of the very fabric of old Newry.

Newry Town Commissioners, the forerunners of our Urban Councillors under the Act for lighting and watching etc, proposed the adoption in 1828 of a boundary, much within the limits of the Borough where basic services could be provided.

In 1831, after finding this to be too extensive (the expenses of lighting and cleansing the outskirts not being defrayed by the tax levied on the houses there) they restricted the taxable limits within a still narrower boundary.

In 1871 town Commissioners appointed Robert Baird (Ballinacraig Quarry) to 'furnish 18 cut granite stones, for borough boundary marks according to specifications' (The Newry Commercial Telegraph, October 3 1871).

These stones the Department for Communities (Historic Monuments) believe are today's existing MB stones albeit of different individual finishing.

John continued: "In my Facebook history group I launched 'The Summer 2019 Big MB Stone Hunt' engaging with members who came back with locations and other useful information on not only MB stones but also Mile Stones. The late Jim Boyd being a fountain of knowledge on such matters.

Later in March 2021 Newry.ie also assisted with our investigations publishing a story and appeal 'Investigating Newry's Municipal Boundary Stones' which was of great assistance.

In October 2023 I mailed the DfC Historic Environment Division asking if the stones were protected and if not could they be considered for listing.

An archeologist with the Department replied that the Municipal Boundary stones were not currently designated as Protected Historic Monuments but my request would be considered and forwarded to HED Second Survey.'

John explained that since then he has been in regular contact with a historian at the Heritage Buildings and Designation Branch revealing that they were aware that only four stones existed and were grateful of him supplying photos and detailed locations of the 14 surviving stones.

John was then informed in early December 2023 that acting on his supplied information a site survey of the stones was carried out in November 2023 by the HED who said it was unique to find an existing set of these stones.

The stones were approved for listing by the Historic Buildings Council and have now cleared the final hurdle of approval 'Listings of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest' with Newry Mourne and Down District Council.

One interesting revelation to come out of the queries in relation to the MB stones it transpired that one of them was in Council storage which John also reported to the HED who were not interested given it was not insitu at its original site.

John concluded "I'm hoping that the stone in storage can be given a new lease of life on display at Newry Museum with detailed information about Boundary stones, Newry Town Commissioners and the significance of the development of Newry within these very boundary stones."