Seaforde

Seaforde is a small village in County Down, Northern Ireland, one mile (1.6 km) north of Clough on the main Ballynahinch to Newcastle road. It lies within the Down District Council area.

The village is clustered round the Parish Church of 1720 and the demesne walls of Seaforde House. In 1828 the Almshouses were built by Colonel Forde and were intended to house six elderly people and the village courthouse.

History

The village is named after the Fordes, a family who originated from County Wexford. The family still resides at Seaforde House, on lands bought in 1607 for £8,000 following the death of Lord Edward Cromwell. The present occupant is Mr. Patrick Forde(Deceased) and his wife, Lady Anthea - daughter of the Earl of Belmore.

Places of interest

Seaforde Maze and Garden and Tropical Butterfly House lie to the north of the village, in the grounds of Seaforde Demesne, the home of the Forde family since the 17th century. The maze and five acre walled garden are populated by many wandering peacocks. The Butterfly House features hundreds of exotic butterflies flying freely around in a tropical environment.

References

* [http://www.seafordegardens.com/ Seaforde Gardens and Butterfly House]
* [http://freespace.virgin.net/hearth.nireland/Seaforde.html Seaforde Almshouses]
* [http://www.culturenorthernireland.org/town_Home.aspx?co=7&to=173&ca=0&sca=0&navID=1 Culture Northern Ireland]

See also

*List of villages in Northern Ireland
*List of towns in Northern Ireland