FIVE
MILE TOWN , or BLESSINGBOURN,a post-town, in the parish and
barony of CLOGHER, county of ANTRIM,
and province of ULSTER, 6 miles (W, by S.) from Clogher,
and 79 3/4 (N. W.) from Dublin, on the road from Lisnaskea
(Co. Fermanagh) to Clogher (Co. Tyrone) , and on the confines
of the county of Fermanagh; containing 758 inhabitants.
This place
has been sometimes called Mount-Stewart, from the name of its
founder, Sir William Stewart, to whom James I. granted 2000 acres
of land, called Ballynacoole. Prior to 1619, Sir William had
built the castle of Aghentine, and commenced the village, which
was occupied by British tenants. He afterwards obtained a charter for
markets and fairs; the latter are now held on the third Monday in every
month. The town is gradually improving: it consists of one principal
and two smaller streets, and comprises about 140 houses, several of
which are modern and well built. A constabulary police force is stationed
here, and petty sessions are held on alternate Thursdays.
A neat
chapel of ease, with a spire, was built in 1750, at the expense of Mr.
Armor.
A public
school is supported by Col. Montgomery, who built the school-house;
and there are two other public schools.
Near the
town is Blessingbourn Cottage, the neat residence of Col.
Montgomery. The ruins of Aghantine castle, in the neighbourhood,
are boldly situated on elevated ground: it was destroyed by Sir Phelim
O'Nial, in 1641.
