(239) Atkinson of Lorbottle Hall

Atkinson of Lorbottle

The Atkinsons of Lorbottle and of Angerton (who must have been related although I have not established the connection between them), both maintained the tradition that their ancestors were anciently settled in Northumberland. Burke's Landed Gentry in 1850 noted that one William Atkynson was recorded as the owner of Buckton Tower in 1460, but recorded that 'a fire having occurred at Brankston, which destroyed a number of the family registers, it would be difficult to make a connected history with precision'. 

I have been unable to trace back the line of the Atkinsons of Lorbottle any further than Adam Atkinson (1755-1844), who was born in Northumberland and became an officer in the army, possibly in the Bengal army. He seems to have returned to the county of his birth by 1786 and either inherited or made in India sufficient wealth to enable him to purchase the Lorbottle Hall estate a decade or so later. He built the present house, perhaps to the design of William Newton, who died in 1798 while the house is likely to have been under construction. Adam and his wife Isabella had a large family, but not until 1794 did they produce a surviving son. This was Adam Atkinson (1794-1835), often referred to in the press and records as 'Adam Atkinson junior' to distinguish him from his father. He died in the lifetime of his father, and so it was his son, the third Adam Atkinson (1817-75), who inherited the Lorbottle estate on the death of his grandfather 'in his 90th year' in 1844. This Adam (who confusingly was also referred to as 'Adam Atkinson junior'!) seems to have lived on the estate until about 1857, after which he moved to Cheltenham (Glos) and let Lorbottle. When he died, at a relatively early age, his elder son, Charles John Atkinson (1855-79) was 20 years of age and had just joined the army. He was a popular officer, but was unmarried and without issue when he was killed in the Anglo-Zulu war of 1879. Lorbottle accordingly passed to his younger brother, John Eustace Atkinson (1857-96). He had settled at Elm in Cambridgeshire, where he married in 1884, and in about 1886 he sold Lorbottle to the neighbouring Callaly Castle estate.

Lorbottle Hall, Whittingham, Northumberland

Lorbottle Hall: entrance front. Image: Lual

Adam Atkinson of Great Ryle bought the Lorbottle estate from the Duke of Portland in 1796 and built the present house 'in an airy and pleasant situation facing the south, opposite... a range of picturesque crags called the Maiden Chambers'. The new house was a severely plain five bay two storey block, with the centre emphasised by a small pediment, a Venetian doorway and a Venetian window. The architect is unknown, but it could be a late work by William Newton, who died in 1798 while the house was probably being built.

Lorbottle Hall: entrance hall and staircase.

Lorbottle Hall: the Green Room, with hand-painted Chinoiserie wall hangings.

Inside, the flagged entrance hall runs back to an open-well timber staircase with a wrought iron balustrade that occupies the centre of the rear elevation. To either side are the drawing room, with a simple cornice and neo-classical marble chimneypiece, and the Green Room, which is decorated with hand-painted Chinoiserie wall-hangings on canvas. The dining room again has a neo-classical chimneypiece.

Descent: built for Adam Atkinson (1755-1844); to son, Adam Atkinson (1794-1835); to son, Adam Atkinson (1817-75); to son, Charles John Atkinson (1855-79); to brother, John Eustace Atkinson (1857-96); sold c.1886 to Browne family of Callaly Hall and let to Lt-Col. Sir Raleigh Grey (d. 1936); to widow, Mary Isabel, Lady Grey (d. 1936); to Capt. A.C. Straker (fl. 1937-43), Col. F.E. Vining (fl. 1950) and T.H. Elliot (fl. 1954); ... sold to Jean Muir (1928-95), fashion designer and her husband Harry Leuckert (b. 1929); sold 2011 to Jeremy Hosking. The house was let by the Atkinsons from about 1857-86.

Atkinson family of Lorbottle Hall

Adam Atkinson, by A.W. Devis.
Image: British Library

Atkinson, Adam (1755-1844). Parentage unknown, born in Northumberland, 1755. An officer in the army, whose portrait was painted by Arthur William Devis in Calcutta, reputedly in 1789 but more probably a few years earlier as he appears to have returned to England in 1786*. JP for Northumberland. He married, 5 October 1780 at Eglingham (Northbld), Isabel alias Isabella, eldest daughter of Robert Curry, and had issue:
(1) Anne Atkinson (b. c.1781), presumably born in India, c.1781; married, 17 August 1801 at Whittingham, Anthony Marshall of Allenton (Northbld), and had issue four sons and five daughters;
(2) Elizabeth Atkinson (d. 1810); presumably born in India; died unmarried in 1810;
(3) Catherine Atkinson (d. 1814); presumably born in India; died unmarried in 1814;

(4) Robert Atkinson (b. 1786), born 7 May and baptised at Glanton Presbyterian Church, 9 May 1786; probably died young;

(5) Isabella Atkinson (b. 1787), born 29 May and baptised at Glanton Presbyterian Church (Northbld), 9 June 1787; died in infancy;
(6) Mary Atkinson (b. 1788), born 12 July 1788 and baptised at Glenton Presbyterian Church the same day; died in infancy;
(7) Isabella Atkinson (1790-1819), born 23 April 1790 and baptised at Glanton Presbyterian Church the same day; died at Alnwick (Northbld), 15 February 1819;
(8) Mary Atkinson (b. 1792), born 3 March and baptised at Glanton Presbyterian Church, 5 March 1792; married, 8 July 1812 at Whittingham, George Wilson of Alnwick, surgeon;
(9) Adam Atkinson (1794-1835) (q.v.);
(10) John Atkinson (1796-1811), born 6 April and baptised at Glanton Presbyterian Church, 12 April 1796; died 1811;
(11) Christian Atkinson (b. 1797), born 19 September and baptised at Glanton Presbyterian Church, 6 October 1797.
After returning from India, he lived at Great Ryle, Whittingham until he purchased the Lorbottle Hall estate in 1796 and built the present house. In 1807 he and his son-in-law, Anthony Marshall, rented 'the Great Sheep Tenement' at Lairg (Sutherland) from the Marquess and Marchioness of Stafford, a vast tract of land some 12 miles by 15 miles in extent.
He died 15 July 1844; his will was proved in the Prerogative Court of York in December 1844 (effects under £14,000). His wife's date of death is unknown.
* Devis arrived in Calcutta in 1784, which provides a terminus post quem.

Atkinson, Adam (1794-1835). Elder son of Adam Atkinson (1755-1844) and his wife Isabella, eldest daughter of Robert Curry, born 1 May and baptised at Glanton Presbyterian Church (Northbld), 4 May 1794. JP for Northumberland. Major commanding Coquetdale Rangers Yeomanry Cavalry (Maj., 1821). He married, 25 June 1816 at Alnwick (Northbld), Eleanor, fourth daughter of Nathaniel Davidson, British Consul at Nice and later Algiers, and had issue:
(1) Adam Atkinson (1817-75) (q.v.);
(2) Margaret Atkinson (1818-76), baptised at Rothbury (Northbld), 21 July 1818; married, 11 June 1845 at St Cuthbert's, Edinburgh, Canon David Bruce (1811-88), vicar of Kirk Merrington (Co. Durham), second son of Thomas Bruce of Arnot (Kinross-shire), and had issue four sons and two daughters; buried at Kirk Merrington, 1876;
(3) Isabella Eliza Cook Atkinson (1820-96), baptised at Bolam (Northbld), 16 June 1820; married, 9 June 1847 at St John's chapel, Edinburgh, Maj. Thomas Renny-Tailyour of Pubton House near Montrose (Angus), eldest son of Alexander Renny Tailyour of Barrowfield (Angus), and had issue; died 16 September 1896 and was buried in Rosehill Cemetery, 21 September 1896; will proved in Forfar Sheriff Court, 20 November 1896 and sealed in London, 25 November 1896;
(4) twin, Rev. Nathaniel Atkinson (1822-74), born 30 April and baptised at Bolam (Northbld), 18 June 1822; educated at Durham University (MA 1846); ordained deacon, 1845 and priest, 1846; perpetual curate of Horton (Northbld), 1847-55; curate of Great & Little Hampton near Evesham (Worcs), 1855-74; died unmarried in Cheltenham (Glos), 19 May 1874;
(5) twin, Eleanor Atkinson (1822-1903), baptised at Bolam, 18 June 1822; married, 28 November 1855 at Lesbury (Northbld), Rev. Henry Howes (1814-88), rector of Spixworth (Norfk) and had issue five daughters; died 18 December 1903 and was buried at Spixworth;
(6) Louisa Elizabeth Atkinson (1825-53), baptised at Whittingham, 18 March 1825; died unmarried in Edinburgh, 14 April 1853;
(7) Maj. John Atkinson (1829-61), born 12 April and baptised at Whittingham, 11 May 1829; an officer in the 89th Foot (Ensign, 1847; Lt., 1851; Capt., 1854; Major, 1858); married, 28 August 1856 at St Peter, Dublin, Catherine Anne (1833-66), youngest daughter of George B. Rochfort of Claremont Mansion (Dublin) and Woodville (Westmeath), and had issue one daughter; died six weeks after arriving in India with his regiment at Ambala, Haryana (India), 22 April 1861, and was buried there.
He died in the lifetime of his father, 'after a lingering illness', 20 June 1835; administration of his goods was granted at Durham, 9 April 1839. His widow died at Kirk Merrington, 18 May 1867.

Atkinson, Adam (1817-75). Eldest son of Adam Atkinson (1794-1835) and his wife Eleanor, fourth daughter of Nathaniel Davidson, British Consul at Nice and later Algiers, born 7 April 1817. Educated at Shrewsbury School and Middle Temple (admitted 1844). JP for Northumberland. An officer in the Northumberland Light Infantry Militia (Capt., 1846) and in the Newcastle & Northumberland Yeomanry Cavalry (Cornet, 1839; Lt., 1846). He married, 4 June 1850 at St George's, Hanover Square, London, Charlotte Eustatia (1827-69), only child of John Collett esq. of Upper Belgrave St., London and formerly MP for Athlone, and had issue:
(1) Louisa Edith Atkinson (1851-98), baptised at Whittingham (Northbld), 13 November 1851; married, 22 August 1876 at Montrose (Angus), Henry Thomas Grubb (c.1836-1902), eldest son of Thomas Grubb FRS of Dublin, but had no issue; died 17 March 1898; her will was proved in Dublin, 30 June 1898 (effects in Ireland, £2,276) and sealed in London, 5 February 1910 (effects in England, £1,910);
(2) Gertrude Atkinson (1853-54), baptised at Whittingham, 30 January 1853; died in infancy, 24 July 1854;
(3) Charles John Atkinson (1855-79) (q.v.);
(4) John Eustace Atkinson (1857-96) (q.v.);
(5) Charlotte Eleanor Atkinson (1859-1900), born 29 March and baptised at Cheltenham (Glos), 11 May 1859; married, 24 March 1883 at Cheltenham, Thomas William Berry of Kingstown (Dublin), son of Very Rev. Edward Fleetwood Berry (1850-1910), archdeacon of Meath, but had no issue; died 23 July 1900; will proved 9 March 1904 (estate £76);
(6) Emma Lucy Hercy Atkinson (1860-95), baptised at Cheltenham, 21 July 1860; married, 30 July 1887 in Dublin, John Traill Tisdall; died 19 November 1895; administration of her goods was granted in Dublin, 18 November 1895 (effects in Ireland, £25) and sealed in London, 24 December 1896 (effects in England, £13).
He inherited Lorbottle Hall from his grandfather in 1844 but leased it out after c.1857 and thereafter lived in Cheltenham (Glos).
He died 6 June 1875; his will was proved 5 July 1875 (effects under £8,000). His wife died 2 August and was buried at Cheltenham, 5 August 1869; administration of her goods was granted 5 November 1869 (effects under £300).

C.J. Atkinson (1855-79)

Atkinson, Charles John (1855-79). Elder son of Adam Atkinson (1817-75) and his wife Charlotte Eustatia, only child of John Collet of Upper Belgrave St., London, born 27 May and baptised at Lesbury (Northbld), 28 June 1855. Educated at Eton. An officer in the 24th Regiment (2nd Lt., 1874; Lt., 1875). He was unmarried and without issue.
He inherited Lorbottle Hall from his father in 1875 and came of age the following year; he continued to let Lorbottle Hall. 
He was killed at the Battle of Isandlwana (South Africa) in the Anglo-Zulu war, 22 January 1879 and was buried on the battlefield; he died intestate and administration of his goods was granted 27 July 1880 (effects under £2,000).

Atkinson, John Eustace (1857-96). Younger son of Adam Atkinson (1817-75) and his wife Charlotte Eustatia, only child of John Collet of Upper Belgrave St., London, born 13 January and baptised at Lesbury (Northbld), 5 March 1857. JP for Northumberland. He married, 9 September 1884 at Friday Bridge (Cambs), Juliet (1850-1909), youngest daughter of John Donald Catling of Elm (Cambs), farmer, but had no issue.
He inherited Lorbottle Hall from his elder brother in 1879, but continued to let it until c.1886, when it was sold to the Callaly estate. He lived at Lorbottle House, Elm (Cambs).
He died 9 February 1896 and was buried at Elm (Cambs), 14 February 1896; his will was proved 5 December 1896 (effects £1,971). His widow died 31 May 1909; her will was proved 23 August 1909 (estate £4,802).

Sources

Burke's Landed Gentry, 1886, vol. 1, pp. 54-55; F. Graham, The old halls, houses and inns of Northumberland, 1977, p. 178; Sir N. Pevsner, I. Richmond et al, The buildings of England: Northumberland, 2nd edn., 1992, p. 210;

Location of archives

No significant accumulation is known to survive.

Coat of arms

Ermine, a fess sable between three pheons or.

Can you help?

Here are a few notes about information and images which would help to improve the account above. If you can help with any of these or with other additions or corrections, please use the contact form in the sidebar to get in touch.

• Can anyone supply information about the ownership or occupation of Lorbottle Hall in the late 20th century?
• Can anyone explain the connection between the Atkinsons of Lorbottle and those of Angerton Hall, or provide information about the parentage of Adam Atkinson (1755-1844)?

Revision and acknowledgements

This post was first published 9 November 2016 and was updated 30 July 2018 and 18 May 2020. I am grateful to Malcolm Bangor-Jones for additional information.

(238) Atkinson of Glenwilliam Castle

Atkinson of Glenwilliam

This family claimed descent from Thomas Atkinson, who obtained a grant of land in County Monaghan in 1667 under the Act of Settlement. The genealogy below begins with Thomas Atkinson (1770-1839), the son of Thomas Atkinson (1736-1824) 'of Anaghabawn', which is perhaps to be identified with Bannaghbane in Co. Monaghan or Annaghbane in Co. Down. Thomas himself farmed at Dernamoyle, Dartrey (Monaghan), a property which he passed to his son Thomas Atkinson (1805-92). His other two sons, Edward and John, were sent to Glasgow University to study medicine, and qualified as surgeons. John died young, but Edward Atkinson (1801-76) established a successful practice at Drogheda in Co. Louth, where he quickly became a prominent figure in the town, serving as a JP for the borough, and as its Sheriff in 1824. The accumulated proceeds of successful practice, perhaps combined with some family money, enabled Edward to buy Glenwilliam Castle near Ballingarry in Co. Limerick through the Incumbered Estates Court for £3,100 in 1851. The estate comprised over 500 acres, and the castle was a comfortable late 18th century house with a modern castellated extension of the 1830s. In 1872 he made a further investment when he bought Skea Hall near Enniskillen (Fermanagh), a handsome house built in about 1830 for the Hassard family.

Dr. Atkinson married twice. By his first wife he had two sons and three daughters, and one of the sons predeceased him. The other was John Atkinson (1844-1932), who qualified as a barrister in 1865 and soon built a large practice on the Munster circuit. He also harboured political and judicial ambitions, becoming Solicitor General for Ireland 1889-92, and MP for Londonderry North and Attorney General for Ireland, 1895-1905. He was then made a Lord of Appeal and given a life peerage as Baron Atkinson. The fact that he was moved straight into such a senior judicial position without any previous judicial experience caused some comment at the time, but he quickly demonstrated his competence, and he continued to act as a Law Lord until he retired in 1928. His career meant that he divided his time between Dublin and London, and this may be why his father decided to leave his estates to the only son of his second marriage, Thomas Richard Durbin Atkinson (1863-1935), who was a teenage boy when Dr. Atkinson died in 1876. Thomas came of age in 1884 and lived at Glenwilliam throughout his life. Skea was normally let, the tenant for many years being George Andrew Atkinson (1854-1927), a younger son of the Atkinsons of Cavangarden, who was a solicitor in Enniskillen; the estate was apparently sold after G.A. Atkinson gave up the tenancy.

When Thomas Richard Durbin Atkinson died in 1935 he had one surviving daughter, Sibyl Maud (1895-1975), who was the wife of Col. John Penry Garnons Worlledge (1888-1957). Sibyl proposed selling the Glenwilliam estate at the end of the Second World War, and the house was put on the market. A prospective purchaser made an offer and was told this had been accepted, but Mrs. Worlledge subsequently declined to complete the sale and later persuaded the courts that the agents who accepted the offer had not been authorised to do so. Glenwilliam in fact remained in the family for another half century, passing in 1975 to Sibyl's daughter, Wendy Sibyl Garnons Worlledge (1926-95), who married Aubrey Stuart Rawson (b. 1922) in 1948. There was a big sale of the historic contents of the house before she finally sold the house with the remaining 25 acres to the present owners in 1993.

Glenwilliam Castle, Ballingarry, Co. Limerick

Glenwilliam Castle in the 1950s or 1960s. Image: Jim Kemmy Municipal Museum, Limerick (Stewart Collection. 1987:0427)

A two-storey three-bay house with a curved bow in the centre of the entrance and garden fronts, built in 1796-97 by an unknown architect for the Rev. William Massy. On the entrance side, the bow has a round-headed rusticated doorway; the rear bow looks into a walled garden behind the house. In the early 1830s George Massy added a castellated tower to the left of the original house, reputedly to the designs of James & George Richard Pain. They were no doubt also responsible for the castellated outbuildings close to the house.

Descent: Rev. William Massy (d. 1822); to son, George Massy (1760-1835); to son, William Hamo de Massy (1820-48); to son, George Thomas de Massy (c.1844-1922), whose Trustees sold the house and 552 acres in the Incumbered Estates Court, 1851 to Dr. Edward Atkinson (1801-76) for £3,100; to son, Thomas Richard Durbin Atkinson (1863-1935); to daughter, Sybil Maud (1895-1975), wife of John Penry Garnons Worlledge (1888-1957); to daughter, Wendy Sibyl Garnons (1926-95), wife of Maj. Aubrey Stuart Rawson (b. 1922); who sold with 25 acres for £205,000 in 1993 to Edward Anthony Storey (b. 1940) & Barbara Storey (b. 1942).

Skea Hall, Cleenish, Co. Fermanagh

A stylish late Georgian seven bay villa, built c.1830 for George Hassard. The house was described in 1835 as 'a very neat and handsome building of one storey and basement. It has a very handsome portico on four pillars. The offices attached and in rear of the building are neat and commodious and in good order. The demesne, which comprises the greater part of the townland of Skea, is neat and tastefully laid out'. The long low house has a primitive Doric porch and a Doric eaves cornice. Inside, there is an original fireplace with figures of Music and Painting and Ceres on a leopard, and also early 19th century French wallpapers depicting battles at sea and in India.

Descent: Col. William Acheson (d. 1656/7); to widow, Jane (later Mrs. Hume); to John Hume (fl. 1711), who sold 1711 to Capt. Jason Hassard (d. 1727); to son, William Hassard (who was husband to William Acheson's granddaughter); sold 1728 to his brother, Jason Hassard; to son, Robert Hassard (d. 1800); to son, George Hassard (1775-1847); given to son, Robert Hassard (d. 1880), who sold to a member of the Cole family (Earls of Enniskillen); sold back to George Hassard (1775-1847); to son, Rev. Edward Hassard DD (1800-73); sold 1860 in the Landed Estates Court to his brother, George Hassard (1811-71); sold 1872 to Edward Atkinson (1801-76); to son, Thomas Richard Durbin Atkinson (1863-1935), who let it from 1882 to George Andrew Atkinson (1854-1927) and then sold to James A. Cathcart (fl. 1945)...

Atkinson family of Glenwilliam Castle and Skea Hall

Atkinson, Thomas (1770-1839). Son of Thomas Atkinson (1736-1824) of Anaghabawn (Monaghan) [perhaps Bannaghbane (Monaghan) or Annaghbane (Down)] and his wife, born 1770. He married, 1799, Sarah (d. 1848), daughter of Richard Philips of Drumcall (Monaghan), and had issue:
(1) Eliza Atkinson (b. 1800); married Francis Finley;
(2) Dr. Edward Atkinson (1801-76) (q.v.);
(3) Jane Atkinson (1803-22?); married Dr. John Wordsworth;
(4) Thomas Atkinson (1805-92); succeeded his father at Dernamoyle, Dartrey (Monaghan); married and had issue two sons and four daughters; 
(5) Rebecca Atkinson (1807-92); married, 16 December 1830 at Kilcrow (Monaghan), Joseph Crawford (1811-97) of Newbliss (Monaghan) and had issue including two sons; died at Cootehill, Jan-Mar 1892.
(6) Dr. John Atkinson (1810-37); educated at Glasgow University (CM 1830); doctor of medicine; died unmarried and without issue, 1837;
(7) Richard Atkinson (1814-56); died unmarried and without issue, 1856;
He lived at Dernamoyle, Dartrey (Monaghan).
His will was proved in 1839. His widow died in 1848.

Atkinson, Dr. Edward (1801-76). Eldest son of Thomas Atkinson (1770-1839) and his wife Sarah, daughter of Richard Philips of Drumcall, born 1801. Educated at Glasgow University (CM 1820). Physician and surgeon at Drogheda (Louth). JP for Drogheda (Louth) and for Co. Limerick (from 1861); High Sheriff of Drogheda, 1824. He married 1st, 26 June 1833 at Drogheda, Rosetta (1809-49), daughter of Capt. John Shaw McCulloch, postmaster of Drogheda, and 2nd, 24 September 1857 at Swindon (Glos), Emma (1823-1906), daughter of Maj. Joseph Jeanes Durbin of Bristol, and had issue:
(1.1) Anna Atkinson (1834-1903), born 21 May 1834; married 1st, 10 February 1859 at Ballingarry, Henry Warren (d. 1869) of Drummin House (Meath), and had issue one son and two daughters; married 2nd, 5 October 1874, as his second wife, Rev. Brabazon William Brunker (1816-77), vicar of Duleek (Meath); died 11 December 1903; will proved 4 February 1904 (estate £354);
(1.2) Rosetta Atkinson (1840-77), born 20 October 1840; married, December 1869, Joseph Pim Williams (d. 1890) of Sandymount (Dublin), fourth son of David Williams of Pen-Ral, North Wales, and had issue two sons and two daughters; died 1877;
(1.3) Rt. Hon. John Atkinson (1844-1932), Baron Atkinson (q.v.);
(1.4) Edward Atkinson (1846-75), born 26 June 1845; married, 17 October 1872 at St Stephen, Dublin, Lydia, daughter of William Rutherford JP of Drum (Monaghan) and had issue two sons; died at Donnybrook (Dublin), 22 March 1875; administration of goods granted to his widow, 28 May 1875 (effects under £1,500);
(1.5) Sarah Rosetta Atkinson (1849-1917) of Simmons Court House, Donnybrook (Dublin), born 7 November 1849; married, 26 October 1877 at Eglish, Kingstown (Dublin), Brabazon Brunker, eldest son of Robert Burrows Brunker, solicitor, of Donnybrook (Dublin), and had issue; died 31 August 1917; will proved in Dublin, 1 October 1917 (estate in Ireland, £935) and sealed in London, 11 October 1917 (effects in England, £149);
(2.1) Emma Anne Atkinson (1861-1936), born 1 March 1861; married, 28 March 1882, Deane Shelton (1852-1928) of Rossmore House (Limerick) and had issue four sons and three daughters; died in Guildford (Surrey), 29 May 1936 and was buried at West Clandon (Surrey); will proved 4 September 1936 (estate in England, £310) and 12 October 1936 (estate in Ireland, £615);
(2.2) Thomas Richard Durbin Atkinson (1863-1935) (q.v.).
He lived in West St., Drogheda, until he purchased Glenwilliam Castle (Limerick) through the Incumbered Estates Court in 1851. He also bought Skea Hall (Fermanagh) in 1872.
He died at Duleek (Meath), 22 October 1876; his will was proved at Dublin, 24 January 1877 (effects in Ireland under £35,000 and in England under £4,000). His first wife died in Drogheda, 15 November 1849. His widow died 31 December 1906; her will was proved 29 January 1907 (estate £5,902).

John Atkinson, Baron Atkinson

Atkinson, Rt. Hon. John (1844-1932), Baron Atkinson. Elder son of Edward Atkinson (1801-76) and his first wife, Rosetta, daughter of Capt. John Shaw McCulloch, born at Drogheda, 13 December 1844. Educated at Royal Belfast Academical Institution; Queen's College, Galway (BA 1861, LLB 1865); King's Inns, Dublin (admitted 1862; called to bar, 1865; QC 1880; bencher, 1885); and Inner Temple (admitted 1862; called to English bar, 1890; bencher, 1906); barrister at law on the Munster circuit in Ireland, where he was known as a powerful advocate with a keen sense of humour. MP for North Londonderry, 1895-1905; Solicitor General for Ireland, 1889-92; Privy Councillor for Ireland, 1892; Attorney General for Ireland, 1892, 1895-1905, in which role his knowledge of land and social problems in Ireland made his advice was invaluable to the chief secretary for Ireland, Gerald Balfour in the framing and passing of the Irish Land Act of 1896 and the Local Government Act of 1898. He was a Lord of Appeal in Ordinary, 1905-28 and was created a life peer as Baron Atkinson of Glenwilliam, 19 December 1905 and sworn of the Privy Council of England, 1905. He married, 22 March 1874, Rowena (1842-1911), only daughter of Dr. Richard Chute MD of Tralee (Kerry) and formerly wife* of Arthur Steffe Crisp (by whom she had two sons), and had issue:
(1) Hon. Edward Chute Atkinson (1875-1906), born 31 July 1875; accidentally shot himself in the head, 1894, while playing with a gun which he believed to be unloaded; he survived and became a farmer in Nyasaland (now Malawi); died unmarried of dysentery at Blantyre (Malawi), 26 July 1906;
(2) Hon. Cecil Thomas Atkinson (1876-1919), born 23 October 1876; educated at Charterhouse, Trinity College, Dublin (BA) and Kings Inns (called to Irish bar, 1901); barrister-at-law (KC 1913); Judge of the High Court of Bihar and Orissa (India), 1915-20; married, 6 August 1903, Florence (1876-1959), daughter of Godfrey Lovelace Taylor of Grangeville, Fethard (Wexford) and had issue one son and two daughters; died as a result of falling from a train in India in rather mysterious circumstances, 16 November, and was buried at Allahabad, Bengal (India), 18 November 1919; his will was proved in Dublin, 8 January 1920, and sealed in London, 27 January 1920 (estate in England, £11,753);
(3) Capt. the Hon. Hector John Atkinson (1877-1917), born 3 June 1877; educated at Trinity College, Dublin; an officer in the Royal Irish Fusiliers, 1900-16 (Capt., 1909); heavyweight champion boxer in the Army; he fought in the First World War and was injured in 1914 and transferred to home duties in Belfast and later Dublin, but was obliged to live subsequently under the care of a nurse; married, 28 September 1910, Dr. Sybil Ievers MD (d. 1939), youngest daughter of George Maurice Ievers of Ballinagarde (Limerick), and had issue one daughter; lived at Kilmainham (Cavan) and in Dublin; died intestate, 26 May 1917; administration of his goods was granted to his former nurse as principal creditor, 16 March 1918; his widow lived subsequently at Tyrellspass House (Westmeath) and bought Mount Ievers (Clare) in January 1939;
(4) Lt-Col. the Hon. Hubert Rowan Atkinson (1882-1950), born 6 October 1882; an officer in the army (Capt., 1916; Maj., 1917; Lt-Col., 1932); married 1st, 30 January 1907, Mabel Coralie (d. 1942), daughter of George Gerard Tyrrell, and had issue one son; married 2nd, Apr-Jun 1942, Blanche Kirsten (c.1883-1956), daughter of Jules Edward Wilbey and former wife of Harold Brehmer Colbourne (1882-1950) and Geoffrey Livy-Owen (1890-1979); died 30 October 1950 in Llandudno (Caernarvons.); his will was proved in London, 21 January 1951 (estate in England & Wales, £21,329) and sealed in Belfast, 1 March 1951 (estate in Northern Ireland, £345).
He lived in Dublin and later in London.
He died in London, 13 March 1932; his will was proved 17 May 1932 (estate £38,271). His wife died 17 January 1911 and was buried at Deansgrange Cemetery, Blackrock (Dublin); administration of her goods was granted at Dublin, 7 February 1911 (effects in Ireland, £1,760) and sealed in London, 22 February 1911 (effects in England, £26).
*When she married John Atkinson she claimed to be a widow, but she was divorced from Crisp (1841-1924) in 1871.

Atkinson, Thomas Richard Durbin (1863-1935). Only son of Edward Atkinson (1801-76) and his second wife, Emma, daughter of Maj. Joseph Jeanes Durbin of Bristol, born 21 January 1863. Educated at Trinity Hall, Cambridge (matriculated 1881). JP and DL for Co. Limerick; High Sheriff of Co. Limerick, 1888. He married, 28 February 1884, Sophie Mary (c.1850-1947), daughter of Capt. Thomas Wilkinson of St. Oswalds (Limerick), and had issue:
(1) Eileen Violet Atkinson (1888-1924), born 19 June 1888; married, 17 May 1915, Vice-Adm. Robert Gordon Douglas Dewar CBE (1874-1948), son of Col. Gordon Dewar of Harmony Hall (Jamaica) and Parteen (Limerick), and had issue one son; died 22 September 1924; her will was proved 16 February 1925 (estate £723);
(2) Sybil Maud Atkinson (1895-1975) (q.v.).
He inherited Glenwilliam Castle and Skea Hall from his father in 1876 and came of age in 1884. He sold Skea Hall after 1927.
He died 28 October 1935; his will was proved in London, 20 January 1936 (estate in England, £31,565). His widow died 5 November 1947, aged 97; her will was proved at Limerick, 14 February 1928 (estate £134).

Atkinson, Sibyl Maud (1895-1975). Younger daughter but only surviving child of Thomas Richard Durbin Atkinson (1863-1935) and his wife Sophie Mary, daughter of Capt. Thomas Wilkinson of St. Oswalds (Limerick), born 31 January 1895. She married, 17 March 1919, Col. John Penry Garnons Worlledge OBE (1888-1957), son of Capt. Alfred C. Worlledge of York, and had issue:
(1) Wendy Sibyl Garnons Worlledge (1926-95) (q.v.);
(2) Annabel Moya Garnons Worlledge (b. 1932), born 16 August 1932; registered nurse, 1957; married, 29 September 1959, Capt. Leonard Rhys Griffiths and had issue three sons; lived in Ottawa (Canada) in 1976.
She inherited Glenwilliam Castle from her father in 1935. The castle was advertised for sale in 1946 and a purchaser came forward, but she did not complete the sale; this led to a legal action in 1947 which she won.
She died 21 December 1975; her will was proved in Limerick, 13 April 1976 (estate in Ireland, £8,881) and in London, 8 July 1976 (estate in England & Wales, £8,209). Her husband died 27 or 29 July 1957; his will was proved in Dublin, 27 November 1957 (estate in Ireland, £1,256) and in London, 23 January 1958 (estate in England, £881).

Worlledge, Wendy Sibyl Garnons (1926-95). Elder daughter of Col. John Percy Garnons Worlledge OBE (1888-1957) and his wife, Sybil Maud, daughter of Thomas Richard Durbin Atkinson of Glenwilliam Castle and Skea House, born in Cairo (Egypt), 31 January 1926. During the Second World  War she was recruited by MI5 for military intelligence work, and was later private secretary to HM Ambassador to Peru, 1946-47. In 1974 she became the first woman to sit as a jury member in a criminal trial in Ireland outside Dublin. She married, 20 April 1948, Maj. Aubrey Stuart Rawson (1922-95), elder son of Maj-Gen. Geoffrey Grahame Rawson CBE MC of London SW5, and had issue:
(1) Clennell Aubrey Penry Rawson (b. 1949), born 13 July 1949; educated at Culford School; animation layout artist and animator since 1976;
(2) David Graham Thomas Rawson (b. 1953), born 25 January 1953; educated at Shiplake College; emigrated to Australia and worked in the computing industry and later as a volunteer firefighter; now living.
She inherited Glenwilliam Castle from her mother in 1975 but sold it in 1993.
She died at Adare (Limerick), May 1995. Her husband died 1 November 1995.

Sources

Burke's Landed Gentry of Ireland, 1912, pp. 18-19; L.G. Pine, The new extinct peerage, 1884-1971, 1972, pp. 18-19; Burke's Irish Family Records, 1976, pp. 983-84; A. Rowan, The buildings of Ireland: North-West Ulster, 1979, pp. 139-40; M. Bence-Jones, A guide to Irish country houses, 2nd edn., 1990, p. 140; Ordnance Survey Memoirs of Ireland, vol. 14, p. 17; The Irish Examiner, 7 May 1947, p. 5.

Location of archives

No significant accumulation is known to survive.

Coat of arms

Per pale, gules and argent, an eagle displayed with two heads counterchanged, on a chief engrailed ermine, a rose proper between two martlets or.

Can you help?

Here are a few notes about information and images which would help to improve the account above. If you can help with any of these or with other additions or corrections, please use the contact form in the sidebar to get in touch.

• Can anyone tell me about the ownership of Skea Hall since the mid 20th century?
• Can anyone give me fuller genealogical or career information about the children of Thomas Atkinson (1770-1839) apart from Dr. Edward Anderson?

Revision and acknowledgements

This post was first published 4 November 2016 and was updated 3 August 2022 and 29 September 2024.

(237) Atkinson of Crow Hill

Joseph Atkinson (1760-1836) was the fifth son of a linen draper in Co. Armagh, who in 1791 married Sarah Hoope, the heiress of the Crow Hill estate near Loughgall. Joseph became a magistrate for Co. Armagh and as a result played a leading role in the so-called 'Battle of the Diamond' in 1795. He and his wife lived in the old Hoope family house at Crow Hill until 1824, when it was pulled down and a new house was built to the design of an architect called Brownlee or Brownlees. It seems possible that the initiative came from their son and heir, Thomas Atkinson (1793-1842), who was recently married and also lived at Crow Hill, since a house of almost identical design was erected in 1825-30 for a relative of his wife at Glenaul Park (alias Mullyloughan), Eglish (Armagh), presumably by the same architect.

Thomas left two sons: his heir, Joseph Atkinson (1822-1903) and a second son, James Hope Atkinson (1825-65), who first joined the army and then married the daughter of an English merchant in Turkey, before joining the growing Irish diaspora who sought a new life overseas; in his case, in New Zealand. Thomas died at the early age of 49 and Joseph therefore had to take responsibility for the estate as a very young man. He seems to have grown quickly into the role, helping to promote railway building in northern Ireland in the 1840s, and taking on the public offices expected of a landowner at the time. He acted as Foreman of the Co. Armagh Grand Jury for nearly fifty years and when it was replaced by Armagh County Council in 1899 he was unanimously elected Chairman of the new body for its first year.

Joseph and his wife Judith produced four sons and one daughter. The eldest son and heir, Joseph Atkinson (1845-1916) spent four years in the army before marrying and settling down on the estate. His next brother, James Johnston Atkinson (1847-1905) went to Trinity College, Dublin and there was perhaps thought of him joining the church, but this never happened and he lived at home until he died, unmarried, in 1905. The third son, Robert Richard Atkinson (1855-1932) leased the neighbouring estate of Summer Island and farmed there for many years, before retiring to Tunbridge Wells in Kent in the 1920s. The youngest boy, the imaginatively named Ynyr Henry Atkinson (1861-1943), emigrated to America in 1882, married an Irish-Canadian girl in Iowa four years later, and ended his days living with his son on a farm near Seattle in Washington (USA).

Joseph Atkinson (1845-1916) worked in harness with his father for many years, both on the estate and in public office, before he came into his inheritance in 1903. By his first wife he had three sons: two born in the 1870s and one in the 1890s; the youngest boy died in the First World War. The second son joined the merchant navy and had a career at sea before marrying the daughter of a local landowner and settling down to a farming life after 1913. After his first wife died in 1897 Joseph married again, and produced a further son - who emigrated to Southern Rhodesia - and a daughter. Joseph's heir was his eldest boy, Joseph Jervis Atkinson (1873-1951) who trained as an electrical engineer, fought with the Yeomanry in the Boer War, and then spent a decade working in India, where he married in 1907; he and his wife had two daughters after they returned to Britain in 1911. He managed the Crow Hill estate until his death in 1951, but by then his two daughters were married and living in England, and his widow sold the house to the father of the present owner and moved to Co. Down. 

Crow Hill, Loughgall, Co. Armagh

Crow Hill: the house of 1824-26.

A large and dignified L-shaped house of two storeys above a semi-basement, built in 1824-26 for Joseph Atkinson. The house has adjoining five and three-bay fronts of white-painted roughcast, with grey painted quoins to the angles and the pedimented one-bay breakfronts. The main entrance is approached by a broad flight of steps and has a wide tripartite doorcase. The original fanlight has sadly disappeared and its replacement is not worthy of the house, but there are photographs of the original design and it could be restored. Otherwise, the windows have their original Georgian sashes, which is nice to see in the land of uncontrolled uPVC. There is a hipped roof with slightly overhanging eaves but no cornice. 

Crow Hill, entrance front, with the original fanlight, from a photograph published in 1909.

Crow Hill: the side elevation from a photograph published in 1909.

According to a family account book 'April 10th 1824 the old house at Crow hill was commenced to be taken down and on May 10 the first stone was laid [of the new house]'. The same note identifies the architect as one 'Brownlee', who is probably to be identified with the H. Brownlees who worked at Ardress House nearby at much the same time; the clerk of works was Christy Nugent. Inside the main rooms are tall, airy and well-proportioned, with high quality mantelpieces, staircase, plasterwork and woodwork. There were originally two gate lodges contemporary with the house, but both have now been demolished.

Descent: Thomas Hoope (d. 1785); to daughter Sarah (d. 1819), later wife of Joseph Atkinson (1760-1836); to son, Capt. Thomas Atkinson (1793-1842); to son, Joseph Atkinson (1822-1903); to son, Joseph Atkinson (1845-1916); to son, Joseph Jervais Atkinson (1873-1951); sold in 1952 after his death to Leslie Greenaway (d. 1987); to son, Desmond Greenaway.

Atkinson family of Crow Hill

Atkinson, Joseph (1760-1836). Fifth son of Robert Atkinson (1726-1806) of Money (Co. Armagh), linen draper, and his wife Mary, daughter of William Delap of Grange (Co. Tyrone), born 23 January 1760. JP for Co. Armagh. "A gentleman remarkable for his personal strength and courage", he was involved in the affray between Protestants and Catholics at The Diamond (Co. Armagh) in the summer of 1795 which led the following year to the foundation of the Orange Order, of which he was a founder member. He married, 1791 (licence 21 June), Sarah (d. 1819), daughter of Thomas Hoope of Crowhill, and had issue, including:
(1) Thomas Atkinson (1793-1842) (q.v.);
(2) Louisa Atkinson (c.1799-1831); died unmarried, 9 March 1831;
(3) Frances Maria Atkinson (c.1802-73); married, 6 February 1837, Rev. Henry Stewart (c.1796-1872) of Moy and had issue two sons; died 30 August 1873.
He acquired Crow Hill through his marriage and rebuilt the house in 1824.
He died 6 May 1836. His wife died 18 January 1819.

Atkinson, Capt. Thomas (1793-1842). Son of Joseph Atkinson (1760-1836) and his wife Sarah, daughter of Thomas Hoope of Crowhill, born 18 February 1793. Captain in the Armagh militia; High Sheriff of Co. Armagh, 1825. Treasurer of the Orange Order in Co. Armagh, 1835. He married, 13 March 1819 at Knappagh (Armagh), Elizabeth (1798-1873), fourth daughter of James Johnston of Knappagh, and had issue:
(1) Martha Atkinson (1820-31), born 20 November 1820; died young, 19 November 1831;
(2) Joseph Atkinson (1822-1903) (q.v.);
(3) Capt. James Hope Atkinson (1825-65), born 1825; Capt. in 72nd Highlanders; married, 28 April 1856, Elfrida Abbott of Smyrna (Turkey) and reputedly had issue two sons and two daughters; died 3 April 1865 and was buried at Barbadoes St. Cemetery, Christchurch, Canterbury (New Zealand).
He inherited Crowhill from his father in 1836.
He died 11 December 1842. His widow died 13 March 1873; administration of her goods was granted in Dublin, 24 December 1873 (effects under £2,000).

Atkinson, Joseph (1822-1903). Elder son of Capt. Thomas Atkinson (1793-1842) and his wife Elizabeth, daughter of James Johnston of Knappagh (Armagh), born 5 October 1822. JP (from 1847) and DL for Co. Armagh; High Sheriff of Co. Armagh, 1855; Foreman of the Grand Jury for almost fifty years; first Chairman of Armagh County Council, 1899-1900. As a young man in the 1840s he was involved in the promotion of railways in northern Ireland. He married, 11 April 1844, Judith Charlotte (1821-1906), daughter of Richard Barnsley, and had issue:
(1) Joseph Atkinson (1845-1916) (q.v.);
(2) James Johnston Atkinson (1847-1905), born August 1847; educated at Trinity College, Dublin (BA); died unmarried, 2 January 1905; will proved 24 February 1905 (estate £3,187);
(3) Annie Johnston Atkinson (1851-1923), born May 1851; married, 11 April 1872 at Lurgan (Armagh), Richard James Harden DL (1846-1918) of Harrybrook (Armagh) and had issue three sons and one daughter; died 31 July 1923;
(4) Robert Richard Atkinson (1855-1932), born 17 August 1855; JP;  leased Summer Island, Loughgall; married 1st, 31 July 1902, Mary Frances Josephine (1867-1928), only daughter of Henry J. Nicholson JP of Crannagael (Armagh) and had issue two sons and one daughter; married 2nd, Oct-Dec 1930, Florence Mabel (1889-1938), apparently the daughter of James A. Clift, commercial traveller (although she later claimed her father had been a clergyman and rector of Churchill (Worcs)), and widow of Rev. Ernest John Whittall (1870-1925); died in Tunbridge Wells (Kent), 2 January 1932; will proved 27 February 1932 (estate in England £11,648) and sealed in Belfast, 19 April 1932 (effects in Northern Ireland £99);
(5) Ynyr Henry Atkinson (1861-1943), born 4 April 1861; emigrated to USA, 1882; married, 1886 in Iowa (USA), Rose A. (1863-1929), daughter of Edward McGolderick and had issue one son and one daughter; died in Seattle, Washington (USA), 24 January 1943.
He inherited Crowhill from his father in 1842 and came of age the following year.
He died 10 October 1903; his will was proved at Dublin, 23 December 1903 (estate £14,414). His widow died 4 August 1906; her will was proved 8 January 1907 (estate £922).

Atkinson, Joseph (1845-1916). Eldest son of Joseph Atkinson (1822-1903) and his wife Judith Charlotte, daughter of Richard Barnsley, born 4 July 1845. An officer in the 67th Regiment, 1867-71 (Ensign, 1867; Lt., 1869); JP for Co. Armagh; Secretary to Armagh County Council, 1899-1903. He married 1st, 18 April 1871 at Christ Church, Kensington (Middx), Annie Edith (1851-97), daughter of John Jervis Broadwood of Buchan Hill (Sussex) and 2nd, 2 June 1898, Kathleen Mary (d. 1941), fourth daughter of Henry Blake Mahon of Belleville (Galway), and had issue:
(1.1) Joseph Jervis Atkinson (1873-1951) (q.v.);
(1.2) Walter Hope Johnston Atkinson (b. 1875) of Rush Hall, Limavady (Derry), born 17 March 1875; a seaman in the merchant navy (second mate, 1896; first mate, 1899); married, September 1913 at Christ Church, Limavady, Elizabeth Mary (d. 1964), daughter of B.H. Lane of Rush Hall; 
(1.3) John Broadwood Atkinson (1894-1915), born 1 October 1894; educated at Oundle; an officer in the 5th Battn, Royal Irish Fusiliers (2nd Lt., 1914; Capt., 1915); wounded at Gallipoli and died of enteric fever, 24 December 1915; buried at Chatby War Cemetery, Alexandria (Egypt);
(2.1) Judith Mary Atkinson (1900-69), born 6 February 1900; married, 16 April 1925, Surgeon-Capt. Arthur Campbell Vaughan Green (1889-1969), RN, and had issue two sons; died 6 August 1969; will proved 24 November 1969 (estate £46,971);
(2.2) Bryan St. John Mahon Atkinson (1903-62), born 24 June 1903; farmer and mine owner in Southern Rhodesia; married, 12 January 1939, Eleanor Margaret (1904-84), second daughter of William Henry Gregory Eyre, and had issue one son and two daughters; died in London, 31 August 1962; administration of goods with will annexed granted 15 February 1963 (effects in England, £520).
He inherited Crowhill from his father in 1903.
He died 17 September 1916; his will was proved in Armagh, 8 November 1916 (effects in Ireland, £18,825) and sealed in London, 28 November 1916 (estate in England, £13,675). His first wife died 27 May 1897; administration of her goods was granted in Dublin, 28 June 1898 (effects in Ireland, £661) and sealed in London, 30 August 1898 (effects in England, £397). His widow died 16 April 1941; her will was proved 1 September 1941 (effects in England, £3,565) and sealed in Belfast, 1 September 1946 (effects in Northern Ireland, £407).

Atkinson, Joseph Jervis (1873-1951). Eldest son of Joseph Atkinson (1845-1916) and his first wife, Annie Edith, daughter of John Jervis Broadwood of Buchan Hill (Sussex), born 25 April 1873. Educated at Wolverhampton Grammar School. He served in the South African War as a non-commissioned officer with the Imperial Yeomanry (Paget's Horse), 1899-1901 and worked in India and later in England as an electrical engineer, 1902-12. JP and DL for Co. Armagh. He married 1st, 5 November 1907 at Darjeeling, Bengal (India), Beatrix Pearl (1884-1927), only daughter of Edwin John Webb, and 2nd, 5 December 1928, Gladys Gwendoline (1886-1965), daughter of James Tucker of Whitchurch (Glam.), corn merchant, and widow of William Lewis Watkins Howard (1863-1920), and had issue:
(1.1) Nathalie Joan Atkinson (1911-2003), born 7 October 1911 and baptised at Pyrford (Surrey), 17 February 1912; married, 8 December 1943, Robert Gerald Darby (1914-2002) and had issue one son; died in Brighton, 12 November 2003 aged 92; will proved 2 January 2004;
(1.2) Cicely Edith Atkinson (1918-2016), born in Dublin, 20 February 1918; married, 22 March 1947, Geoffrey Ernest Spence (1921-2012), son of Ernest William Spence of Brighton (Sussex), and had issue one son; died in Brighton, 3 May 2016.
He inherited Crowhill from his father; it was sold in 1952 after his death. His widow lived subsequently at Roshnara, Annalong (Co. Down).
He died 12 May 1951; his will was proved in Belfast, 8 July 1952 (estate in Northern Ireland £7,654) and in London, 26 July 1952 (estate in England, £15,789). His first wife died 3 January 1927; her will was proved in Belfast, 3 May 1927 (effects £246). His widow died at Hayes (Kent), 5 June 1965; her will was proved 22 July 1965 (estate £13,512).

Sources

Burke's Landed Gentry, 1958, p. 38-39; C.E.B. Brett, Buildings of County Armagh, 1999, pp. 170-71; K.V. Mulligan, The buildings of Ireland: South Ulster, 2013, pp. 81, 326.

Location of archives

Atkinson family of Crowhill: deeds and estate papers, 1778-1920 [Public Record Office of Northern Ireland, D1815]

Coat of arms

None recorded.

Can you help?

Here are a few notes about information and images which would help to improve the account above. If you can help with any of these or with other additions or corrections, please use the contact form in the sidebar to get in touch.

• I should be most grateful if anyone can provide photographs or portraits of people whose names appear in bold above, and who are not already illustrated.
• Any additions or corrections to the account given above will be gratefully received and incorporated. I am always particularly pleased to hear from members of the family who can supply recent personal information for inclusion.

Revision and acknowledgements

This post was first published 31 October 2016 and was updated 17 and 24 March 2019, 1 and 12 September 2020. I am grateful to M. Greenaway and Muriel Rogers for additional information.

(236) Atkinson of Cavangarden

The Atkinson family owned an estate in Co. Donegal from 1613, when William Atkinson (c.1580-c.1660) was granted several townlands to the north-east of Ballyshannon. They made their main residence at Creevy, but their house there was burned down in 1690 by supporters of King James II when Thomas Atkinson (c.1624-1702) and his son Thomas (1655-1738) were attainted by the Irish parliament for their support of William of Orange. The majority of their property was restored to the family in 1698, with the notable exception of Creevy, and they built a new house at Cavangarden, which remained the family's seat until the 20th century.

As so often with Irish gentry families, the genealogy of the earlier generations is fairly obscure due to the lack of surviving parish records or estate archives. The descent of the property is, however, fairly clear: it passed from Thomas Atkinson (d. 1738) to his elder son, John Atkinson (1682-1748), and then to John's son, Thomas Atkinson (1713-83). Thomas's son, John Atkinson (1754-1833) seems to have been the first of the family to be a JP, and was probably responsible for building the present house at Cavangarden, even though the date traditionally given for it is a couple of years earlier than the date of his inheritance. 

The next owner was the exceptionally long-lived Thomas John Atkinson (1781-1881), who died just a few months short of his 100th birthday. He was the first of the family to receive a University education, and was also the first to serve office as High Sheriff. Although he was normally resident on his estate, he shared in the opprobrium heaped on absentee landlords because he rack-rented his tenanted farms and was robust in his dealings with tenants who defaulted. He outlived his son and heir and so in 1881 the estate passed to his grandson, Thomas John Atkinson (1845-1921), who was High Sheriff in 1893. Perhaps because his grandfather had made the family so unpopular locally that he was concerned for his personal safety, he chose to live near Dublin, and only visited Co. Donegal occasionally. His son, Thomas John Day Atkinson (1882-1949), who was a barrister, was seriously wounded in the First World War and thereafter undertook legal work for the general staff, including the representation of prisoners at courts martial. After the war he worked for the Irish Charity Commission until 1922, when he was attacked and shot in his home by republican paramilitaries. He then prudently moved to England where he took up a post in London for the rest of his working life. His three spinster sisters lived at Cavangarden until the last of them died in 1966, after which the family sold the estate, ending the family's 350-year association with Co. Donegal.

Cavangarden House, Ballyshannon, Donegal

Cavangarden House

Across the more remote parts of Ireland, a three bay house like this, of two storeys above a basement, could be the centre of a substantial estate and the residence of a country gentleman when in the home counties it would be a modest vicarage or village house. Cavangarden was largely rebuilt about 1781, probably for John Atkinson (1754-1833), and originally had a full-height canted bay in the centre to provide central emphasis; a form that was common in nearby County Fermanagh. The current square porch with its unusual paired oversized primitive order columns and balustraded parapet, which stands in front of the canted bay, would seem to be an early 19th century addition. 

At the rear are two and three-storey return wings and later extensions. The walls are pebble-dashed except for the pilaster strips at the angles, the central canted bay, and the basement, which are smooth rendered. The square-headed window openings have smooth rendered reveals and painted sills. Unfortunately the slate roof has been replaced with artificial slates and there are horrid stained timber replacement windows. The house is set well back from the road in extensive mature grounds and there is a long avenue to the south with a bridge across the Two Mile Water river near the road. The gable end of some farm buildings near the house has been decorated to look like a Gothic chapel.

Descent: Crown granted 1613 to William Atkinson (c.1580-c.1660); to son, Thomas Atkinson (c.1624-1702); to son, Thomas Atkinson (1655-1738); to son, Thomas Atkinson (1713-83); to son, John Atkinson (1754-1833); to son, Thomas John Atkinson (1781-1881); to grandson, Thomas John Atkinson (1845-1921); to son, Thomas John Day Atkinson (1882-1949); to widow Cicely Helen Burrington Atkinson (1898-1981), who sold 1967... to the McCaffrey family.

Atkinson family of Creevy and Cavangarden

Atkinson, Capt. Charles (fl. c.1600). Reputedly the son of Sir Thomas Atkinson, kt., of Yorkshire, born c.1550. He was a Captain in the Army and settled in Ireland c.1575. He married and had issue:
(1) William Atkinson (d. c.1660) (q.v.);
(2) Andrew Atkinson; married Jean, daughter of Ambrose Crean of Sligo and had issue, from whom descended the Atkinsons of Rehins (Co. Mayo).
His date of death is unknown.

Atkinson, William (c.1580-c.1660), of Creevy. Elder son of Capt. Charles Atkinson (fl. c.1600) and his wife, born c.1580. Named as a burgess in the charter creating the borough of Ballyshannon, 1613. He married a Miss O'Cleary and had issue:
(1) Thomas Atkinson (c.1624-1702) (q.v.);
(2) John Atkinson;
(3) Robert Atkinson;
(4) William Atkinson.
He received a grant of land in Kilbarron in 1613 comprising the townlands of Creevy, Tullyhurk, The Cloghan, Ardpatten, Ardgillow, Cavangarden and Laheen.
He died about 1660.

Atkinson, Thomas (c.1624-1702), of Creevy. Eldest son of William Atkinson (d. c.1660) and his wife, born about 1624. Attainted by the Irish Parliament, 1689. He married and had issue:
(1) Thomas Atkinson (1655-1738) (q.v.).
He inherited the Creevy estate from his father in c.1660. In consequence of his attainder he was obliged to leave his estates and his house at Creevy was burnt in 1690; most of the estates except Creevy were restored to him in 1698, and he or his son made a new home at Cavangarden.
He died in 1702.

Atkinson, Thomas (1655-1738), of Cavangarden. Only recorded son of Thomas Atkinson (c.1624-c.1702) and his wife, born 1655. Attainted by the Irish Parliament, 1689 along with his father. He married Eleanor [surname unknown] and had issue:
(1) John Atkinson (1682-1748) (q.v.);
(2) A daughter; married Col. Francis Reynolds (fl. 1753) of The Mullins;
(3) Thomas Atkinson (1698?-1768); married, 1727 in Dublin, Elizabeth Howard and had issue; died 11 May 1768 and was buried at Ballyshannon.
He inherited the Cavangarden estate from his father in 1702.
He died in 1738. His wife's date of death is unknown.

Atkinson, John (1682-1748). Elder son of Thomas Atkinson (1655-1738) and his wife, born 1682. He married, 1710/11, Rebecca, daughter of William Wray of Ards (Donegal) and had issue:
(1) Thomas Atkinson (1713-83) (q.v.);
(2) William Atkinson (fl. 1753); mentioned in leases of land at Ardgillon, Ballyshannon, 1748-53;
He inherited the Cavangarden estate from his father in 1738.
He died in 1748. His wife's date of death is unknown.

Atkinson, Thomas (1713-83). Elder son of John Atkinson (1682-1748) and his wife Rebecca, daughter of William Wray of Ards (Donegal), born 1713. He married, 16 November 1752, Letitia (d. 1812?), daughter of George Knox of Rathmullen and Moneymore (Donegal), and had issue:
(1) John Atkinson (1754-1833) (q.v.);
(2) Rebecca Atkinson (1755-68); died 17 January 1768 and was buried at Ballyshannon;
(3) George Atkinson; married Anne Greenfield;
(4) James Atkinson; married [forename unknown], daughter of William Wray of Ards;
(5) Andrew Atkinson (1762-1825), born 22 January 1762; an officer of 33rd Foot, c.1780; eloped with and married, 4 July 1780 at Edinburgh, Jean (1764-1836), daughter of Sir Archibald Murray, 7th bt., and had issue three sons and four daughters; emigrated to America, 1785, where he established an indigo plantation that he called Prehen in the Spanish colony of East Florida; when East Florida was invaded by American 'Patriot' soldiers in 1813 he was made a captain in the Spanish army and placed in charge of the defence of the colony's frontier, but was overrun, and his plantation was destroyed and one of his sons killed; he later moved to Philadelphia where he died 8 November 1825 and was buried in the Trinity Churchyard; in 1911 it was proposed to remove his remains to the Washington D.C. Cemetery;
(6) Angel Atkinson (d. 1806); married, c.1783, as his second wife, Rev. Andrew Greenfield (1749-88), rector of Moira (Down) and poet, son of Capt. John Greenfield of Dalkeith (Midlothian), and had issue two daughters; died at Hillsborough (Down), February 1806; her will was proved in 1807.
He inherited the Cavangarden estate from his father in 1748.
He died 11 May 1783 and his will was proved the same year. His widow may be Letitia Atkinson who died in Aungier St., Dublin and whose will was proved in 1812.

Atkinson, John (1754-1833). Eldest son of Thomas Atkinson (1713-83) and his wife Letitia, daughter of George Knox of Rathmullen and Moneymore (Donegal), born 1754. JP for Co. Donegal. He married, 20 March 1776 in Dublin, Elizabeth (c.1749-1807), daughter of Andrew Hamilton of Ballymadonnell (Donegal), and had issue:
(1) Thomas John Atkinson (1781-1881) (q.v.);
(2) Mary Atkinson (b. c.1784?); married [forename unknown] Young;
(3) Rebecca Atkinson (b. 1787), born 14 January and baptised at Ballyshannon, 17 February 1787; married Andrew McIntyre (c.1767-1846); buried at Ballyshannon;
(4) Anne Atkinson (b. 1788), born 29 July and baptised at Ballyshannon, September 1788; married, 19 January 1822 at Ballyshannon, Thomas Jones (fl. 1835) of Ardnaree (Mayo) and had issue one son and three daughters;
(5) George Atkinson (1791-1857), born 16 October and baptised at Ballyshannon, 13 November 1791; married his cousin, Charlotte, daughter of Rev. Andrew Greenfield and Angel Atkinson, and widow of William Herdman; died 5 February 1857.
He inherited the Cavangarden estate from his father in  1783, and was probably responsible for building a new house there, reputedly a few years earlier, in 1781.
He died, 'after a long and painful illness', 19 May 1833 and was buried at Ballyshannon. His wife died 16 November 1807 and was buried at Ballyshannon.

Atkinson, Thomas John (1781-1881). Elder son of John Atkinson (1754-1833) and his wife Elizabeth, daughter of Andrew Hamilton of Ballymadonnell (Donegal), born May 1781. Educated at Trinity College, Dublin (admitted 1797; BA 1802). JP for Co. Donegal; High Sheriff of Co. Donegal, 1817. He had the reputation of being a tyrannical and exploitative landlord, although he was resident on his estates (except for the years 1834-38, when he lived in Dublin). He married, 1808, Elizabeth (c.1787-1860), daughter of Joseph White of Cheltenham (Glos), and had issue:
(1) Catherine Atkinson (1812-34), born 22 June 1812 and baptised at Ballyshannon; died unmarried at Liverpool, 11 July 1834;
(2) twin, Elizabeth Atkinson (1815-35), born 22 February 1815 and baptised at Ballyshannon; second daughter; married, 30 July 1835 at St Mary, Dublin, George Young of Darien, Georgia (USA); died without issue at 'Nassau, Georgia' (probably Nassau, Florida (USA)), 4 December 1835;
(3) twin, Letitia Atkinson (1815-92), born 22 February 1815; died unmarried, 19 June 1892 and was buried at Ballyshannon, 21 June 1892;
(4) John Atkinson (1816-79) (q.v.);
(5) Thomas Joseph Atkinson (1818-86), baptised at Ballyshannon, 8 October 1818; educated at Kings Inn, Dublin (admitted 1835); solicitor in Ballyshannon in the 1840s; Paymaster of East Kent regiment of militia, 1855-59 and later of 21st Foot, 1859-68 and 27th Foot, 1868-73, with honorary rank of Capt.; retired 1873; married, 7 April 1859 at St Peter, Dublin, Hester Jane (1841-69), daughter of Henry Francis Cullen of Rockwood (Leitrim), and had issue; died at Streatham (Surrey), 7 May 1886; will proved 8 July 1886 (effects in Ireland £6,052) and 24 July 1886 (effects in England £1,661);
(6) Charlotte Anne Atkinson (1820-96), baptised 17 April 1820; youngest daughter, married, 30 June 1853 at Ballyshannon, John Hutchinson Keogh (c.1829-86), son of William Keogh of Rockfield (Co. Dublin); died 22 December 1896 and was buried at Mount Jerome Cemetery, Dublin;
(7) George Atkinson (b. 1822), baptised at Ballyshannon, 3 September 1822; perhaps the man of this name who married, 1843 at Magheralin (Down), Anne Jordan;
(8) Joseph Atkinson (b. 1824), baptised 4 August 1824; perhaps died young;
(9) Rev. James Atkinson (1829-54), baptised at Ballyshannon, 3 April 1829; educated at Trinity College, Dublin (admitted 1845; BA 1850); ordained deacon, 1852 and priest, 1853; curate of Camus-juxta-Mourne (Derry), 1853-54; died of bronchitis, 2 March 1854 and was buried at Ballyshannon, 11 March 1854.
He inherited the Cavangarden estate from his father in 1833.
He died 25 March 1881, aged 99, and was buried at Ballyshannon, 30 March 1881; his will was proved 21 May 1881 (effects under £1,500). His wife died 23 May and was buried at Ballyshannon, 26 May 1860.

Atkinson, John (1816-79). Eldest son of Thomas John Atkinson (1781-1881) and his wife Elizabeth, daughter of Joseph White of Cheltenham (Glos), born 14 December 1816. Educated at Trinity College, Dublin (admitted 1834; BA 1838; MA 1841) and Kings Inn, Dublin (admitted 1837; called to bar, 1840). Barrister-at-law. JP for Co. Donegal from 1861. He married, 15 April 1842 at St George, Dublin, Ellen (1823-1900), daughter of Robert Dean Mecredy QC of Carnew House (Down), and had issue:
(1) Thomas John Atkinson (1845-1921) (q.v.);
(2) Elizabeth Charlotte Jane Atkinson (1848-1911), born in Dublin, 14 November 1848; married Thomas James Jamison (1846-97) and had issue three sons and two daughters; emigrated to America, c.1868; died in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (USA), 9 October 1911;
(3) John Robert Atkinson (1849-65); died unmarried, October 1865;
(4) Ellen Theodosia Adelaide Atkinson (b. 1853); married, 20 May 1874 at Ballintra, Robert Mecredy (c.1830-87), solicitor, son of Robert Mecredy of Dublin, solicitor, and had issue two sons and two daughters;
(5) George Andrew Atkinson (1854-1927) of Skea Hall, Enniskillen (Fermanagh), born 29 April 1854; solicitor; coroner for North Fermanagh; married 22 March 1880 at Ballyshannon, Anna Marion Elizabeth (b. 1853), only daughter of Henry Berkley Gerahty, barrister-at-law, and had issue five sons and six daughters; died March 1927;
(6) James Law Atkinson (1856-97), born 24 April and baptised at Ballyshannon, 29 June 1856; Doctor of Medicine; married, 16 September 1889 at Ballyshannon, Margaret Rosaline (k/a Madge) (c.1865-98), daughter of W.C. Rogers of Ballyshannon, but had no issue; died 17 March 1897 and was buried at Ballyshannon, 19 March 1897; will proved 14 June 1897 (effects £144);
(7) William White Atkinson (1863-1900), born 11 February and baptised at Ballyshannon, 28 June 1863; died unmarried, 12 November 1900; will proved 9 March 1901 (effects £153);
(8) Andrew Hamilton Atkinson (1865-99), born 23 April and baptised at Ballyshannon, 25 June 1865; seriously assaulted on the public highway in Co. Donegal, for which he sought £1,000 damages, 1893; died unmarried, 11 March 1899 and was buried at Ballyshannon, 14 March 1899; will proved 11 April 1899 (effects £689).
He died in the lifetime of his father, 26 May 1879 and was buried at Ballyshannon; administration of his goods was granted 9 September 1879 (effects under £800). His widow died 12 May 1900 and was buried at Ballyshannon.

Atkinson, Thomas John (1845-1921). Eldest son of John Atkinson (1816-79) and his wife Ellen, daughter of Robert Dean Mecredy QC of Carnew (Down), born 14 February 1845. JP and DL (from 1891) for Co. Donegal; High Sheriff of Co. Donegal, 1893. He married, 20 April 1880 at Rathfarnham (Dublin), Elizabeth (1856-1938), daughter of Arthur Magee Day of Rathgar (Dublin), and had issue:
(1) Thomas John Day Atkinson (1882-1949) (q.v.);
(2) Charlotte Elizabeth Atkinson (1884-1964); lived at Cavangarden; died unmarried, 27 February 1964; President of County Donegal Historical Society, 1955; will proved 10 January 1966 (estate in England, £4,235) and 11 July 1966 (estate in Ireland, £17,684);
(3) Elizabeth Arthurina Atkinson (1886-1967); lived at Cavangarden; died unmarried, 7 November 1967; will proved 2 October 1968 (estate in England £8,441) and 11 November 1968 (estate in Northern Ireland, £251);
(4) Mabel Angel Wray Atkinson (1888-1911), born Jan-Mar 1888; died unmarried, 15 April 1911; administration of her goods granted to her father, 10 June 1911 (effects £45);
(5) Arthurina Josephine Atkinson (1891-1949); lived at Cavangarden; died unmarried, 16 April 1949; administration (with will annexed) of her goods granted to her sisters, 22 November 1949 (effects in England £3,753) and 22 December 1950 (effects in Northern Ireland £1,795).
Before his marriage, he also had an illegitimate daughter by Eliza Robinson of Garvanagh, servant:
(X1) Eliza Ann Atkinson (b. 1874), born 13 September and baptised at Ballyshannon, 30 September 1874.
He inherited the Cavangarden estate from his grandfather in 1881, but lived chiefly at Rathmines (Co. Dublin).
He died 5 August 1921 and was buried at Ballyshannon. His wife died 22 June 1938 and was buried in Mullinshea Cemetery; her will was proved 21 June 1939 (estate in Ireland, £1,848) and 1 September 1939 (estate in England, £628).

Atkinson, Thomas John Day (1882-1949). Only recorded son of Thomas John Atkinson (1845-1921) and his wife Elizabeth, daughter of Arthur Magee Day of Rathgar (Dublin), born at Rathgar, 4 March 1882. Educated at Trinity College, Dublin (BA) and Kings Inns (admitted 1902; called to bar, 1904). Barrister-at-law (KC 1924); Secretary to the Irish Charity Commissioners, 1919-21; Registrar of the Railway Rates Tribunal, 1922-40 and engaged to conduct various inquiries on behalf of the Ministry of Transport and Ministry of Health in the 1930s; co-author of The law of carriage by railway, 1928. Before the First World War he also acted as a land agent and was a keen amateur cyclist. He was an officer in the Dublin University contingent of the Officers Training Corps (2nd Lt., 1910) and served in the First World War with 5th Battn, Royal Irish Fusiliers (Lt.) and 31st Infantry Brigade (Capt.); he was wounded in action in the Dardenelles, 16 August 1915 and transferred to the general staff. He was awarded the OBE, 1919. In 1922, he and his wife claimed compensation from the Irish Grants Committee for a violent assault by paramilitaries in 1921 in which he was shot in the hand, and from 1923 onwards he lived at Caterham (Surrey) and later at Paignton. JP (from 1905) and DL (from 1921) for Co. Donegal. He married, Jul-Sept 1918, Cicely Helen Burrington Hawkshaw JP (1898-1981), daughter of Cdr. Hugh Burrington Hawkshaw, and had issue:
(1) Angela Cicely Atkinson (1919-38), born Oct-Dec. 1919; died aged 18 and was buried at Caterham, 15 September 1938;
(2) John Hawkshaw Atkinson (1928-31), born Oct-Dec. 1928; died aged 2 and was buried at Caterham, 19 June 1931;
(3) Elizabeth Gillian Hawkshaw Atkinson (1935-2014), born Jan-Mar 1935; married and had issue two children; died 3 November 2014.
He inherited the Cavangarden estate from his father in  1921 but lived at Caterham (Surrey) from 1923. His heirs sold the Cavangarden estate in 1967, after the death of his sisters who lived there.
He died at Paignton (Devon), 11 December 1949; his will was proved 9 March 1950 (estate £9,950). His widow died 10 November 1981.

Sources

Burke's Landed Gentry of Ireland, 1912, p. 18; A. Rowan, The buildings of Ireland: North-West Ulster, 1979, p. 130; M. Moulton, Ireland and the Irish in inter-war England, 2014, p. 212;
https://atkinsonofcavangarden.wordpress.com/atkinson-of-cavan-garden-base-family-tree/;

Location of archives

No significant accumulation is known to survive.

Coat of arms

None recorded.

Can you help?

Here are a few notes about information and images which would help to improve the account above. If you can help with any of these or with other additions or corrections, please use the contact form in the sidebar to get in touch.

• Can anyone provide additional or more accurate information from deeds or other sources about the earlier generations of the Atkinson family?
• Can anyone provide portraits or photographs of members of the family whose names appear in bold above?

Revision and acknowledgements

This post was first published 27 October 2016 and updated 15 December 2016.