“Harlockstown” a name that might not ring a bell immediately. This townland resides in County Meath. It is a place steeped in quiet history. Harlockstown is part of the Culmullin Electoral Division. This puts it within the Civil Parish of Ballymaglassan. You’ll find it nestled in the Barony of Ratoath.
Harlockstown might be small. But its location is precisely marked. It sits at 53 degrees 26 minutes 24 seconds North. And 6 degrees 32 minutes 21 seconds West. Brianboru added Harlockstown to OpenStreetMap on January 8 2015.
Harlockstown covers a certain area. It ranks as the 36893rd largest townland nationwide. Within County Meath it is the 1095th largest. Harlockstown shares borders with other townlands.
Imagine Harlockstown long ago. People lived here. Census records might reveal their names. Their lives shaped this land.
Nearby, Harristown House tells its own story. The La Touche family bought Harristown demesne in 1768. Whitmore Davis erected a spacious Georgian mansion. It overlooked the River Liffey. The old three-story house met its end in 1891. A smaller two-story house now stands in its place. James Franklin Fuller restored the house. He rebuilt the Church of Ireland church at the estate entrance.
The La Touche family has a compelling story. They were Huguenots expelled from France. They ventured to Ireland. They moved into banking weaving and politics. La Touche Bank’s partners were the original stockholders of the Bank of Ireland.
John La Touche built Harristown. His descendants lived there until 1921. They were known for their integrity. John Ruskin a celebrated Victorian writer visited Harristown.
Michael and Doreen Beaumont bought the estate in 1946. They renovated Harristown. They installed furniture from their former home. Doreen Beaumont brought a Soanian influence to her new home.
Harristown House holds secrets. A 16th-century Chinese Wallpaper adorns a sitting room. Oak panelling from a Tudor house is featured in an upstairs room.
Though Harristown House is not Harlockstown, its history enriches the area. It highlights the stories and families who lived here. They contributed to the tapestry of County Meath.
So as we stand here think about the layers of history. Think of the families who called this place home. Harlockstown may be a small townland. But it is a place with a story to tell.