History of Manorcunningham by Elma Mc Clean

Manorcunningham was originally named 'The Manor of Fort Cunningham', the name taken from James Cunningham, the first proprietor. James would have built his home there and from that the village was gradually built up.

As the area was growing farm life began, also land would have been reclaimed from Lough Swilly. Manor then became a farming area of flax, wheat, potatoes, pigs, hens and cattle in small numbers to start with.

Manorcunningham is the principal village in the parish of Raymochy. Raymochy takes its name from the old Ray Abbey that is half a mile south of the village, no longer a meeting place but still used today as a burial place.

The Church of Ireland parish was built in the village in 1792. The first Presbyterian Church was built in 1746 in the town land of Errity. Also a number of years later a second Presbyterian Church was built in the village, due to a fallout in the congregation. A Roman Catholic church is also in the area in the town land of Drumoghill.

Elements of History - Farming and Social

Land farms would have been of a small holding with a few animals, mainly pigs and hens. Wheat was grown and used to make bread for the large family holdings. Social skills would have been low as the primitive lives of the settlers did not allow for much socializing. Hard work was done by men, women and also small children.

The Plantation of Ulster (1605-1625) - Tilly Hyndman (Historical Elements assignment)

King James I was responsible for the plantation of Ulster. As early as 1603, he had given lands in Co. Down to Scottish protestants. This prepared the way for the plantation of Armagh, Coleraine, Cavan, Donegal, Fermanagh and Tyrone, known as the Plantation of Ulster. Each portion in the plantation was given a parish in the established church, and was also to have a royal school for the education of young men, who it was hoped would go on to Trinity College Dublin to train as protestant ministers. The university was also given a grant of land to ensure economic viability.

The plantation brought many changes to Ulster. It resulted in increased population, which in turn meant the creation of new towns and villages, as well as schools and industries. The new settlers brought new surnames and customs to Ireland, and the protestant faith was greatly strengthened.

Apart from the obvious religious history aspect due to the establishment of the protestant religion in Ireland, this topic also demonstrates elements of social and economic history. The majority of new settlers lived in rural areas, and farming formed the mainstay of the plantation economy, much like rural Ireland today. They did however manage to build up towns, although growth was slow due to inadequate economic resources. As time went on, they began trading any extra produce they had, and eventually began importing and exporting goods.