Visitors Tread Where King Billy Called

Famously visited by William of Orange (King Billy) after he rode across the strand from the harbour at Carrickergus where he had landed on route to the historic Battle of the Boyne, Newtownabbey's White House remains the oldest and most historic building in the borough, (pictured here duing the reconstruction work).

Now the building has been lovingly restored and is open to the public for tours to learn about the rich history of the centuries old building.

The Whitehouse Park building is over 400 years old and until recently was a crumbling and dilapidated site lying open to the elements until a group of local volunteers decided to get together and form the White House Preservation Trust in order to save the building from further disrepair and to save the site for future generations.

It is first shown on a map of 1569-70 entitled 'Cragfergus Baie' the original name for Belfast Lough on a chart that shows only four identifiable buildings along the western side as Carrickfergus Castle, Castle Lugg (only the ruins of which still remain), The White House and Belfast Castle, which stood at Castle Junction in High Street until it was completely destroyed by fire in 1702.

The building's most famous visitor, William of Orange landed at Carrickfergus on 14th June 1690.

William's army landed at the ancient quay near the White House and William rode from Carrickfergus where he met with General Schomberg.

The battle that followed William's visit at the Boyne was to change the course of European history and so establish the current House of Windsor.

Local Mayor and Chairman of the White House Preservation Trust Billy Webb said local people were keen to have this history preserved for future generations.

"The building was used as a gospel hall until 1997 when the congregation was able to build a new meeting house just across the road," the Alliance politician said.

"It was very dilapidated and in a state of disrepair.

"It was at this point that it was purchased on behalf of Abbey Historical Society by Ulster Garden Villages. In 2000, the White House Preservation Trust was formed to preserve and restore the building.

"In September 2006, The White House appeared on BBC's Restoration Village, we didn't win but we got good publicity out of it," he explained.

Then, before the building could be restored an archaeological dig had to take place on the site and the surrounding area.

The dig unearthed so many artefacts that the Northern Ireland Environment Agency had to redraw their historical map of the lough because they found flint that indicated settlers were here much earlier.

The preservation society also uncovered a range of facts about the building that were previously unknown.

The visitor's centre has now officially opened after a loving restoration by the society. The new building includes the original fire and bread oven from the house as well as the original holes used to shoot out at anyone approaching the building.

It currently hosts two interactive exhibitions, A Tale of Three Kings recounting the Williamite and Jacobite Wars from a European perspective, and Relive the History which tells the exciting story of the building's past right up to the present day.

The building is staffed by local volunteers who can show groups around the centre and it also includes conference facilities.

(BMcC/GK)