• 19 July 2026

Down and Dromore cine films brought back to life

Three reels of cine film dating from 1958 and 1960, containing footage of significant events in Down and Dromore almost 70 years ago, have been brought back to life by the RCB Library.

They were first shown at the 2026 General Synod in Newcastle, which was particularly appropriate as all the films were shot in County Down.

The film footage had been transferred in original cine format to the RCB Library from the former united diocese of Connor, Down & Dromore, when the diocesan offices moved out of Talbot Street in Church House Belfast in 2024. The films have now been converted to a digital format enabling them to be viewed and shared with a wider audience.

There are two films of the annual pilgrimage to Saul and Downpatrick held on St Patrick’s Day in 1958 and 1960. Neither has any sound, but the pictures do capture the historic countryside of County Down with rolling drumlins and valleys and the excitement of pilgrims dressed in their Sunday best for the annual two-mile walk.

As in the present day, the pilgrimage ended in Down Cathedral but with a service of Holy Communion.

History

The Church of Ireland’s association with the traditional pilgrimage walk seems to have evolved following the erection of the memorial church at Saul in 1933. The 1958 footage is definitely the first to capture it on film. The second film, dating from 1960, is more formally shot and lasts for longer and involves a large number of senior clergy (pictured above). The then Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Revd Dr Geoffrey Fisher, was guest of honour leading the procession, with the Archbishop of Armagh, the Most Revd James McCann, Archbishop of Dublin, the Most Revd George O. Simms, the former Archbishop of Armagh, the Most Revd Arthur Barton and other bishops also in attendance. A caption board introduces this film indicating the photographer was Hugh Boyd, of Newtownards, with the Revd RJ Chisholm directing. With buses from all over, and tea and refreshments in abundance, this was a significant event and the film may trigger nostalgic memories.

The Formal Opening of Murlough House
L: Procession of cars to the opening of Murlough House R: Tent and Bunting as children play on the lawn of Murlough House [Stills taken from 16mm Cinefilm RCB Library]
L: Procession of cars to the opening of Murlough House R: Tent and Bunting as children play on the lawn of Murlough House [Stills taken from 16mm Cinefilm RCB Library]

The third film moves to the sleepy village of Dundrum, County Down, opening with atmospheric footage of the main street, and cutting to throngs of people arriving at Murlough House. The occasion is the formal opening of the house as a retreat and conference centre on 31 May 1958.

Originally built as a summer residence for the 4th Marquess of Downshire in 1857, the house was gifted to the Church of Ireland by his great-grandson, the 7th Marquess, for use as a retreat house for nine months of the year, with the family only using it in the summer. The formal opening was conducted by the Rt Revd J.A.F. Gregg, bishop of Down and Dromore, alongside Lady Clanwilliam and other local dignitaries. It was obviously a fun family day out.

Although subsequently sold, the house continues to accommodate small groups at weekends and is open as a retreat house during the week.

With thanks to Dr Susan Hood, RCB Librarian and Archivist

View all three films on a loop on the Church of Ireland YouTube channel