Archive of the Month01 Jun 26

Pilgrimages and Retreats in Down & Dromore

Three reels of cine film dating from 1958 and 1960, containing footage of significant events in the diocese of Down & Dromore almost 70 years ago, have been brought back to life and are now available to view online.

The film footage was transferred to the RCB Library from the former united diocese of Connor, Down & Dromore, when the diocesan offices moved out of Talbot Street in Church House Belfast in 2024. The films have now been converted to a digital format enabling them to be viewed and shared with a wider audience.

Films 1 and 2 Annual Pilgrimages to Saul and Downpatrick, 1958 and 1960

There are two films of the annual pilgrimage to Saul and Downpatrick held on St Patrick’s Day in 1958 and 1960. Neither has any sound, but the pictures capture the historic countryside of county Down with rolling drumlins and valleys and the excitement of pilgrims dressed in their Sunday best for the annual two–mile walk. The pilgrimage began at the site where Patrick is said to have built his first church at Díchu’s barn which became known as Sabhall Phádraig (Patrick’s barn) – or Saul. Towards the middle of the fifth century Patrick died here on the 17th March, and his body was then taken by cart to the mound at Down, where a granite slab may mark his final resting place. This is where the pilgrimage concluded, with a wreath laid on the grave, and service of Holy Communion inside the cathedral.

The Church of Ireland’s association with the traditional pilgrimage walk seems to have evolved following the erection of the memorial church at Saul – built in 1933. The 1958 footage is definitely the first to capture it on film. The second film, dating from 1960, is more formally shot and lasts for longer and involves a large number of senior clergy. 

The then Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Revd Dr Geoffrey Fisher, was guest of honour leading the procession, with the Archbishop of Armagh, the Most Revd James McCann, Archbishop of Dublin, the Most Revd George O. Simms, the former Archbishop of Armagh, the Most Revd Arthur Barton and other bishops also in attendance. A caption board proceeds this film indicating the photographer was Hugh Boyd, of Newtownards, with the Revd RJ Chisholm directing. With buses from all over, and tea and refreshments in abundance, this was a significant event and the film may trigger nostalgic memories.

Film 3 The Formal Opening of Murlough House, Co. Down as a retreat centre, May 1958

The third film moves to the sleepy village of Dundrum, County Down, and opens with atmospheric footage of the main street, and cuts to throngs of people arriving at Murlough House. The occasion is the formal opening of the house as a retreat and conference centre on 31 May 1958. 

Originally built as a summer residence for the 4th Marquess of Downshire in 1857, the house was gifted to the Church of Ireland by his great–grandson, the 7th Marquess, for use as a retreat house for nine months of the year, with the family only using it in the summer.The formal opening was conducted by the Rt Revd J.A.F. Gregg, bishop of Down and Dromore, alongside Lady Clanwilliam and other local dignitaries. It was obviously a fun family day out, and there may be people in attendance who were brought as children to enjoy the occasion. Although subsequently sold, the house continues to accommodate small groups at weekends and is open as a retreat house during the week.

The film was first shown at the 2026 General Synod and is now available to view online (See above or click here) Hopefully these atmospheric shots will bring back memories for some or allow later generations to connect with the traditions of the past, that remain part of our shared history.

For further information or questions about the film, please contact Rachel Bennett, Assistant Archivist – [email protected]