Descendant of Annesley family pays first visit to Castlewellan

Descendant of Annesley family pays first visit to Castlewellan

19 June 2024

A MEMBER of the Annesley family synonymous with Castlewellan and Newcastle paid her first visit to the area at the weekend.

Lady Jane Annesley-Gamester celebrated her 76th birthday with a visit to Castlewellan Forest Park on Saturday.

As a birthday treat she was given a sneak look at the famous gardens and arboretum, which are currently undergoing restoration work.

Remarkably, it was her first visit to Ireland and she said it would not be her last, describing the forest park and castle as “overwhelmingly beautiful”.

Lady Jane, who lives in Surrey, was accompanied by her husband, Vernon.

They had been persuaded to visit the forest park by local man Patrick McIlmail, who first met the couple in England a number of years ago.

Lady Jane is a direct descendant of Francis Annesley, who was created 1st Earl Annesley in 1789.

Her late father, Patrick, was the 10th Earl Annesley. An uncle, Philip, was the 11th Earl and another uncle, Michael, is the currently Earl.

Castlewellan Castle was formerly the home of another branch of the Annesley, who also owned the land which now forms the forest park.

Lady Jane was shown around by head gardener Alwyn Sinnamon and former head gardener Sam Harrison.

She said she had seen photos of the gardens and arboretum in a book, but they did not do justice to their magnificence.

“This is a very special place,” she said. “Words can’t describe it. Once you see it you don’t want to leave.

“I could see the love and the passion that went into creating the gardens. That has been continued down the years, most latterly by Sam and Alwyn.”

The gardens are currently being restored by Newry, Mourne and Down Council under a project part funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The walled garden will be closed until the end of September to facilitate restoration work to the paths and fountains.

Lady Jane, who also visited Tollymore Forest Park, Down Cathedral and Down Cathedral during her stay, said he would like to return to Castlewellan when the work is complete.

She added: “I live near some beautiful places, but nothing comes close to Castlewellan.”