Cree Family History Research
IRELAND
Primary Sources: Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI),
Belfast and National Archives, Dublin.
A. LANDED ESTATE
RECORDS
A1. T 2493/1 ....c.1720 Map of Estates of Hon Robert Colville
in the parishes of Newtownards and Comber surveyed by John
Sloane
A very good map of Robert Colville's estates which seems to directly
relate to D654/R1/1A & 1B. The map lists and locates all of the
tenants in the Townlands but no Cree family is present. Identifies
and locates land of Hugh Montgomery, husband of Esther Cree. Since
the area covered is extensive it may be fair to conclude that the
Cree family were not tenants in this area before 1744 (see D654/R1/1A
& 1B). This is a very important finding since it indicates that
the Cree family came directly from Scotland or more probably from the
the Donaghadee and Millisle areas. However, we should remember that
by 1756 Robert Cree was buried in Movilla Cemetery, Newtownards,
which would seem to indicate a Cree presence in the Newtownards area
at this time otherwise one would expect them to be buried in
Donaghadee/Millisle.
Importantly the map clearly shows that the land leased to a McQuoid
matches the shape of John Cree's farm in 1775 although the area is
marginally different. It is therefore possible to exactly locate the
location of John Cree's farm and the area of land in Cree hands under
tenancy of James Cree for 67 years.
125 Ferguson McQuoid 38:3:0
A2. Lord Londonderry Estate Maps
A total of 16 maps illustrating parts of Ballycastle were
checked. The maps often showed lands of other tenants and therefore
the Cree family were present in Ballycastle but were not always
shown. The maps are an extremely valuable find.
D654/M7/1 Map of John Cree's Farm Dated 20th July 1775
A Map John Cree's farm as it is now divided, situate in the Townland
of Ballycastle Parish of Newtown Ards County of Down, Showing the
Area of Each Division in Cunningham Measures Bounded as Map. 20th
July 1775. David Geddas.
A R P (Acres-Roods-Perches)
No 1 John Cree......... ....22 acres 2 rood
26 perches
No 2 James Cree.... .........9 acres 1 rood
5 perches
No 3 John McGinn .........9 acres 0 rood 37
perches
Total Land Area...............41 acres 0
rood 20 perches
(Very important map since it identifies a John Cree for the first
time and it appears that he was the original tenant of the 41acres
which presumably was subdivided in 1775. To find a map which
specifically refers to the Cree family is really fortunate when one
considers that so many records have been lost or record keeping was
of a poor standard)
D654/M7/2 Dated December 1787. No Cree shown.
D654/M7/3 Dated December 1787. No Cree shown.
D654/M7/4 Map of part of Ballycastle which has no mention of a
Cree. Dated 5th November 1790.
D654/M7/5 Map Dated 5th September 1803. Map of Warden lands
but shown adjoining land of Robert Cree.
D654/M7/6 Map of John Lewis farm showing it adjoins land of
Robert Cree. Dated 1805.
D654/M7/7 Very good map showing location of Robert Cree's
extra piece of land, No 35. dated 1807. However, the area was
relatively small. A photocopy would be of interest.
35 Robert Cree 3 acres:3 roods:36 perches
D654/M7/8 Map dated 12th April 1814. No Cree shown.
D654/M7/9 Map showing Robert Cree's land adjoining. Dated 20th
October 1814.
D654/M7/10 Map dated 19th January 1816. No Cree shown.
D654/M7/11 Map dated 17th February 1821. No Cree shown.
D654/M7/12 Map dated December 1821. Nice map but no Cree
shown.
D654/M7/13 Map dated 20th January 1822. No Cree shown.
D654/M7/14 Map dated 30th March 1822 . No Cree shown.
D654/M7/15 Map dated 1st November 1823. No Cree shown.
D654/M7/16 Map dated 4th September 1824. No Cree shown.
A3. Ballycastle: Londonderry Estate Papers 1740-1892
Refs: D.654/R1/1-7 & D.654/R3/1-99
These papers consist of a series of Rent Rolls recording the names of
individual tenants of the Marquis of Londonderry who had estates in
County Down, including Ballybarnes, Killarn and Ballycastle where
Cree tenants are recorded. The Rent Rolls were very beautifully
written in a clear hand and primarily recorded half-yearly rentals,
but sometimes the area rented. My initial starting point was the
gravestone inscription of my probable ancestor, James Cree,
(1726-1800). During the first days of my visit to P.R.O.N.I. I found
that he left a will which was indexed to give his occupation as a
farmer. After three days of research I felt that I had exhausted the
obvious P.R.O.N.I. sources and it was only as a last resort that I
looked for Ballycastle in the Place Name Index. The Londonderry
Estate Papers were mentioned and by obtaining the Rent Roll for the
year before James Cree's death I was very fortunately able to open up
a completely new avenue of research, which I so nearly missed. The
Rent Rolls also revealed the extensive records for the Ballybarnes
Cree. The following is in chronological order.
D654/R1/1A (1724)
Ballyrogan
183 Hugh Montgomery for 52a:0:1r Thereof for three lives from
Allsaints 1724
13:0:0 ........0:6:6 (Husband of Esther Cree, both buried in Movilla
Cemetery)
Ballycastle Tenants (No Cree present)
John Richards
Hugh Warden
Hugh McCutcheon & John Lowry
Fergus and Nath. McQuoid
David Moorhead
D654/R1/1B (1744) (A rentroll of Robert Colvill Esquire's
Estate in the Town and Parishes of Newtown and Greyabbey in the
County of Down for one Year's rent Receivers Sallary ending at All
Saints 1744.
Ballyrogan
187 Hugh Mt:Gomery for 51 acres & 1 rood for three lives from all
saints 1724
13:0:0 ......0:6:6
Templecron in Greyabbey Parish
271 Major Samuel Stewart's Executors for 162:2:0 for 99 years from
all saints 1657, only copies of the old deeds. 10:0:0
.......0:0:0
272 Thomas Cuming for 20 a for 30 years from allsaints
273 Mary Bell Widow for 43 a:0:0 for three lives
274 Miles Birbick's Executors
275 Nathanial McQuoids assignee
(No Cree name found but the above Hugh Montgomery was married to
Esther Cree.
D654/R1/2 (1767)
Ballyrogan
201 Robert Montgomery for 51a-1 for 3 lives 13-6-6
Templecron
322 James Cree & partner Do for 7:3:19 ......3:0:8
270 Jas Cree + partr for 7:3:19 .......3:0:8
D654/R1/5 (1768)
Ballyrogan
Robert Montgomery 6-13-3
Templecron
James Cree 1-10-4
D.654/R1/7 (1769) A Rent Roll of Alexander Stewart Esq in the
parishes of Newtown and Grayabbey for half year ending May 1769.
Ballyrogan
Robert Montgomery 6-13-3
Timplcoron
James Cree 1-10-4 (Rental £-s-d)
(This James Cree may be the same as the Ballycastle James Cree.)
D654/R3/1 (1769)
Templecron
James Cree ....1:10:4
D654/R3/4 (1771-73)
Templecron
James Cree .....0:0:0
D654/R3/5 (1772)
Templecron
James McQuoid .....16:0:0 (No Cree found)
D654/R3/7 (1772-74)
Templecron (No Cree found)
D654/R3/8 (1774)
Templecron (No Cree found)
D.654/R3/9 (1774/75)
Ballycastle:
John Reid 8-2-3 (Nov 1774),.... 8-2-3 (May 1775)
Only four tenants plots at Ballycastle:
Reid/Cooper/Lowry/Lowry
No James Cree in 1774/75
D654/R3/10 (1776-1777)
Ballybarnes: No Cree found at Ballybarnes
Ballycastle: Nov 1776.... May 1777 ....Nov 1777
James Cree .....3-11-4 ....3-11-4 ....3-11-4
D654/R3/12 (Commencing Nov 1777)
Ballyrogan: Robert Montgomery ....6-13-3
Ballycastle: Nov 1777
James Cree ....3-11-4
D654/R3/15 (1782-1783)
Ballybarnes: No Cree found at Ballybarnes
Ballycastle: James Cree ....3-11-4 ......3-11-4
D654/R3/18 (1787-1788)
.................................................May 1787 .....Nov
1787 ....May 1788
Ballyrogan: Robert Montgomery ...6-13-3 ....6-13-3 .....6-13-3
Ballybairns James Thomson's heirs
Ballycastle: James Cree ....3-11-4 ........3-11-4 .......3-11-4
D654/R3/20 (Nov 1788)
Ballybarnes: Robert Cree ...5-11-2 .....5-11-2,
Andrew Cree ...3-11-1 ....3-11-1
Ballycastle: James Cree ...3-11-4 ....3-11-4
D654/R3/21 (1789)
Ballybarnes: Robert Cree ....5-11-2 .....5-11-2,
Andrew Cree ...3-11-1 .....3-11-1
Ballycastle: James Cree ....3-11-4 .....3-11-4
D654/R3/27 (May 1795)
Ballyrogan: Robert Montgomery ....6-13-3
Ballybarnes: Robert Cree 5-11-2, Andrew
Cree 3-11-1
Ballycastle: James Cree 3-11-4
D654/R3/28 (1790-1791)
Ballybarnes: Robert Cree 5-11-2, Andrew
Cree 3-11-1
Ballycastle: James Cree 3-11-4
D654/R3/31 (1798-1799)
Ballybarnes: Robert Cree 5-11-2, Andrew
Cree 3-11-1
Ballycastle: James Cree 3-11-4
D654/R3/32 (1799-1800)
Ballybarnes: Robert Cree 5-11-2, Andrew
Cree ...3-11-1 ......8-1-2
Ditto Afrea of John Reids Reps (add to above)
4-10-1
Ballycastle: James Cree 3-11-4
D654/R3/33 (1800-1801)
Ballybarnes: Robert Cree 5-11-2, Andrew
Cree ...3-11-1 ......8-1-2
Ditto Afrea of John Reids Reps (add to above) 4-10-1
Ballycastle: James Cree ....James Crees heirs ....3-11-4
D654/R3/34A (1801-1802)
Ballybarnes: Robert Cree 5-11-2
Andrew Cree 3-11-1 ......8-1-2
4-10-1
Ballycastle: James Crees heirs 3-11-4
D654/R3/35A (1803)
Ballybarnes: Robert Cree 5-11-2, Andrew
Cree 3-11-1 .....8-1-2
(John Reid) 4-10-1
Ballycastle: May 1803
James Crees heirs 3-11-4
D654/R3/37A (1805)
Ballybarnes: Plot Lessees
1 Robert Cree 5:11:2
2 Andrew Cree 3:11:1
ditto afs of John Reed 4:10:1
8:1:2
Ballycastle:
James Cree's heirs 3:11:4
D654/R3/40A (1807-1808)
Ballybarnes: Plot Lessees
1 Robert Cree 5:11:2
2 Andrew Cree 3:11:1
ditto afs of John Reid 4:10:1
8:1:2
Ballycastle:
Robert Cree for his father 3:11:4
at will of Dems No 35. ...3:3:36 ....4:3:6
7:14:10
D654/R3/43A (1810-11)
Ballybarnes: Plot Lessees
1 Robert Cree 5:11:2 ......5:11:2
2 Andrew Cree 3:11:1
ditto afs of John Reid 4:10:1
8:1:2 .....8:1:2
D654/R3/44A (1813)
Ballybarnes: Robt. Cree Widow Cree 5-11-2
And. Cree Andrew Cree 3-11-1
John Reed Andrew Cree 4-10-1
Ballycastle: Jas. Cree Robert Cree ....3-11-4 .....7-14-10
Demesne No 35. .....4 -3-6
3:3:36
Wm. McCullough (It seems as if Robert took over extra land) 4-4-0
D654/R3/50A (Nov 1817-Nov1818)
Ballybarnes: R. Cree Joseph Cree 5-11-2 .....5-11-2
And. Cree Andrew Cree 3-11-1 .....3-11-1
Ballycastle:
Leasees Name Occupiers Name
Jas. Cree Robert Cree £3-11-4 ....7-14-10 .....7-14-10
Demesne No 35. ...£4 - 3-6
3:3:36 @ 40/
Wm McCullough Robert Cree (New Valuation) 3-15-8 .....3-15-8
D.654/R3/57 (1825)
Ballybarnes: Robt. Cree Joseph Cree 5-11-2
And. Cree Andrew Cree 3-11-1
Ballycastle: Jas. Cree Robert Cree 3-11-4
Rob. Cree Robert Cree 5-17-0
D.654/R3/62 (1830)
Ballybarnes: .........a r p ....Yearly Rent
1 Andrew Cree.... 9-0-4 .....6-11-4
2 Robert Cree ...13-0-37 ...10- 5- 4
4 Samuel Cree ....9-0-11 ....6-11-10
Ballycastle:
2 James Cree 9-1-5 ....6-11-10
7-3-34 .....10-16-0
2 Robert Cree (649) ...3-5-11 .....3-5-11 (2007)
3 (649) ....5-8-0 ......5-8-0 (2007)
D654/R3/65 (1833)
Ballybarnes: Plot Lessees Areas (a:r:p) Rent Occupiers Rental
1 Andrew Cree 9:0:4 ....6:11:4 Andrew Cree 3:5:8 .....3:5:8
2 Robert Cree 13:0:37 ..10:5:4 Joseph Cree 5:2:8 ......5:2:8
4 Samuel Cree 9:0:11 ....6:11:10 Widow & 3:5:11 ....3:5:11
John Kerr
Ballycastle: Plot Lessees Areas (a:r:p)
Rent Occupiers Rental
2 James Cree 9:1:5 ....6:11:10 Robert Cree 3:5:11 ....3:5:11
3 James Cree 7:3:34 ...10:16:0 Robert Cree 5:8:0 ....5:8:0
Killarn: Plot Lessees Areas (a:r:p) Rent
Occupiers Rental
2 Andrew Cree 9:3:34 ....11:2:2 Andrew Cree 5:11:1 ....5:11:1
D654/R3/66 (1834)
Ballybarnes: Plot Lessees Areas (a:r:p) Rent Occupiers Rental
1 Andrew Cree 9:0:4 ....6:11:4 Andrew Cree 3:5:8 .....3:5:8
2 Robert Cree 13:0:37 .....10:5:4 Joseph Cree 5:2:8 ....5:2:8
4 Samuel Cree 9:0:11 ...6:11:10 Widow & 3:5:11 ....3:5:11
John Kerr
(Joseph Cree is recorded as having arrears of 5:2:8 (1832)
Ballycastle: Plot Lessees Areas (a:r:p)
Rent Occupiers Rental
2 James Cree 9:1:5 .....6:11:10 Robert Cree 3:5:11 .....3:5:11
3 James Cree 7:3:34 .....10:16:0 Robert Cree 5:8:0 ....5:8:0
Killarn: Plot Lessees Areas (a:r:p) Rent
Occupiers Rental
2 Andrew Cree 9:3:34 ...11:2:2 Andrew Cree 5:11:1 .....5:11:1
D.654/R3/67 (1835)
Ballybarnes: a r p Yearly Rent
1 Andrew Cree 9-0-4 .....6-11-4
2 Robert Cree 13-0-37 .....10- 5- 4
4 Samuel Cree 9-0-11 ....6-11-10
Ballycastle:
2 James Cree 9-1-5 ....6-11-10
7-3-34 ....10-16-0
(No Robert Cree, perhaps died between
1830-1835)
D654/R3/68 (1836)
Ballybarnes: Plot Lessees Areas (a:r:p) Rent Occupiers Rental
1 Andrew Cree 9:0:4 ......6:11:4 Andrew Cree 3:5:8 ....3:5:8
2 Robert Cree 13:0:37 ....10:5:4 Joseph Cree 5:2:8 ....5:2:8
4 Samuel Cree 9:0:11 .....6:11:10
Ballycastle: Plot Lessees Areas (a:r:p)
Rent Occupiers Rental
2 James Cree 9:1:5 ....6:11:10 James Cree 3:5:11 .....3:5:11
3 James Cree 7:3:34 ...10:16:0 James Cree 5:8:0 ....5:8:0
(This indicates that Robert Cree died between 1834 and 1836 since
occupier is now James)
Killarn: Plot Lessees Areas (a:r:p) Rent
Occupiers Rental
2 Andrew Cree 9:3:34 ....11:2:2 Andrew Cree 5:11:1 ....5:11:1
D654/R3/72 (1840)
Ballybarnes: Plot Lessees Areas (a:r:p) Rent Occupiers Rental
1 Andrew Cree 9:0:4 .....6:11:4 Andrew Cree 3:5:8 ....3:5:8
2 Robert Cree 13:0:37 .....10:5:4 Joseph Cree 5:2:8 ....5:2:8
4 Samuel Cree 9:0:11 ....6:11:10 Widow & 3:5:11 ....3:5:11
John Kerr
Ballycastle: Plot Lessees Areas (a:r:p)
Rent Occupiers Rental
2 James Cree 9:1:5 ....6:11:10 James Cree 3:5:11 ....3:5:11
3 James Cree 7:3:34 ....10:16:0 James Cree 5:8:0 ....5:8:0
Killarn: Plot Lessees Areas (a:r:p) Rent
Occupiers Rental
2 Andrew Cree 9:3:34 ....11:2:2 Andrew Cree 5:11:1 .....5:11:1
D654/R3/73 (1841)
Ballybarnes: Plot Lessees Areas (a:r:p) Rent Occupiers Rental
1 Andrew Cree 9:0:4 ....6:11:4 Andrew Cree 3:5:8 ....3:5:8
2 Robert Cree 13:0:37 ...10:5:4 Joseph Cree 5:2:8 ....5:2:8
4 Samuel Cree 9:0:11 ....6:11:10 Widow & 3:5:11 ....3:5:11
John Kerr
Ballycastle: Plot Lessees Areas (a:r:p)
Rent Occupiers Rental
2 James Cree 9:1:5 ....6:11:10 James Cree 3:5:11 ....3:5:11
3 James Cree 7:3:34 ...10:16:0 James Cree 5:8:0 .....5:8:0
Killarn: Plot Lessees Areas (a:r:p) Rent
Occupiers Rental
2 Andrew Cree 9:3:34 ....11:2:2 Andrew Cree 5:11:1 ...5:11:1
D654/R3/74 (1842)
Ballybarnes: Plot Lessees Areas (a:r:p) Rent Occupiers Rental
1 Andrew Cree 9:0:4 .....6:11:4 Andrew Cree 3:5:8 .....3:5:8
2 Robert Cree 13:0:37 ....10:5:4 Joseph Cree 5:2:8 ....5:2:8
4 Samuel Cree 9:0:11 ....6:11:10 Widow & 3:5:11 ...3:5:11
John Kerr
Ballycastle: Plot Lessees Areas (a:r:p)
Rent Occupiers Rental
2 James Cree 9:1:5 .....6:11:10 James Cree 3:5:11 .....3:5:11
3 James Cree 7:3:34 ....10:16:0 James Cree 5:8:0 ....5:8:0
Killarn: Plot Lessees Areas (a:r:p) Rent
Occupiers Rental
2 Andrew Cree 9:3:34 ....11:2:2 Andrew Cree 5:11:1 ....5:11:1
D654/R3/75 (1843)
Ballybarnes: Plot Lessees Areas (a:r:p) Rent Occupiers Rental
1 Andrew Cree 9:0:4 ....6:11:4 Andrew Cree 3:5:8 .....3:5:8
2 Robert Cree 13:0:37 ....10:5:4 Joseph Cree 5:2:8 ....5:2:8
4 Samuel Cree 9:0:11 ....6:11:10 Widow & 3:5:11 .....3:5:11
John Kerr
Ballycastle: Plot Lessees Areas (a:r:p)
Rent Occupiers Rental
2 James Cree 9:1:5 .....6:11:10 James Cree 3:5:11 .....3:5:11
3 James Cree 7:3:34 ....10:16:0 James Cree 5:8:0 ....5:8:0
(The name John M'Clune appears after No 2 Lessee James Cree and
arrears of 3:5:11 (1842) were stated. It seems that this was the
transition point for the death of James Cree and loss of tenancy. The
name Alice Cree appears after No 3 Lessee James Cree and arrears of
5:8:0 (1842) and 2:14:0 (1843) were stated. This period may coincide
with the Irish Famine.)
Killarn: Plot Lessees Areas (a:r:p) Rent
Occupiers Rental
2 Andrew Cree 9:3:34 ...11:2:2 Andrew Cree 5:11:1 ....5:11:1
D654/R3/76 (1844)
Ballybarnes: Plot Lessees Areas (a:r:p) Rent Occupiers Rental
1 Andrew Cree 9:0:4 ....6:11:4 Andrew Cree 3:5:8 ....3:5:8
2 Robert Cree 13:0:37 ....10:5:4 Joseph Cree 6:13:5 ....6:13:5
3:3:25 ....3:1:6
17:0:22 ......13:6:10
4 Samuel Cree 9:0:11 ....6:11:10 Widow & 3:5:11 ....3:5:11
John Kerr
Ballycastle: Plot Lessees Areas (a:r:p)
Rent Occupiers Rental
2 James Cree 9:1:5 ....6:11:10 John M'Clune 3:5:11 ..3:5:11
3 at will 5:2:0 ....6:1:4 John M'Clune 3:5:11 ....3:5:11
26 at will 5:0:0 ....5:10:8 Widow Alice 2:15:4 ....2:15:4
Cree (Arrears are shown of 2:14:0 before
period and 2:15:6 after against Alice Cree's plot 26)
Killarn: Plot Lessees Areas (a:r:p) Rent
Occupiers Rental
2 Andrew Cree 9:3:34 .....11:2:2 Andrew Cree 5:11:1 ....5:11:1
D654/R3/77 (1845)
Ballybarnes: Plot Lessees Areas (a:r:p) Rent Occupiers Rental
1 Andrew Cree 9:0:4 .....6:11:4 Andrew Cree 3:5:8 .....3:5:8
2 Robert Cree 13:0:37 ....10:5:4 Joseph Cree 6:13:5 ...6:13:5
Part of 8 3:3:25 ......3:1:6
4 Samuel Cree 9:0:11 ....6:11:10 Widow & 3:5:11 .....3:5:11
John Kerr
Ballycastle: Plot Lessees Areas (a:r:p)
Rent Occupiers Rental
2 James Cree 9:1:5 ....6:11:10 John McClune 3:5:11 ....3:5:11
3 at will 6:1:4 ....3:0:8 ....3:0:8
26 at will 5:10:8 Widow Alice 2:15:4 ......2:15:4
Cree Arrears 2:15:6
Killarn: Plot Lessees Areas (a:r:p) Rent
Occupiers Rental
2 Andrew Cree 9:3:34 ...11:2:2 Andrew Cree 5:11:1 .....5:11:1
D654/R3/80 (1848)
Ballybarnes: Plot Lessees Areas (a:r:p) Rent Occupiers Rental
1 Andrew Cree 9:0:4 .....6:11:4 Andrew Cree 3:5:8 ....3:5:8
2 Robert Cree 13:0:37 ......10:5:4 Joseph Cree 6:13:5 ....6:13:5
Part of 8. 3:3:25 ....3:1:6
4 Samuel Cree 9:0:11 .....6:11:10 Widow & 3:5:11 ....3:5:11
John Kerr
(Arrears of 3:5:8 are shown against Andrew Cree)
Ballycastle: Plot Lessees Areas (a:r:p) Rent Occupiers Rental
2 James Cree 9:1:5 ....6:11:10 John McClune 3:5:11 .....3:5:11
3 at will 6:1:4 John McClune 3:0:8 .....3:0:8
26 at will 5:0:0 .....5:10:8
(It appears that the Cree family has ceased farming even though they
still have original lease to Plot 2. It was about this time that the
family migrated to County Durham in England.)
Killarn: Plot Lessees Areas (a:r:p) Rent
Occupiers Rental
2 Andrew Cree 9:3:34 ....11:2:2 Andrew Cree 5:11:1 ....5:11:1
(The name William Colville appears after 11:2:2 and arrears for 1847
are recorded. This could be the point where Andrew lost his
land).
D 654/R3/92 (1860)
Ballybarnes: Plot Lessees Areas (a:r:p) Rent Occupiers Rental
1 ........... - - - 9:0:4 ....6:11:4 Andrew Cree 3:5:8 ....3:5:8
2 ........... 17:10:8 Joseph Cree 8:15:4 ....8:15:4
8 ........... Joseph Cree 2:7:5 ....2:7:5
Ballycastle: No Cree recorded
Killarn: Plot Lessees Areas (a:r:p)
Occupiers Rental
2 Andrew Cree 9:3:34 .....11:2:2 William Colville
(Indicates that Andrew Cree and heirs were no longer farming
area)
D.654/R1/8 (1834-1855) Marquis of Londonderry's Estates in the
County of Down. Reference Book in the Order of Number in Rental
Surveyed between the years 1834 and 1855 Inclusive by Hugh Hanna,
Clarendon Place, Belfast.
Ballybarnes: Rental No/ Map/ Statute (a.r.p.)/ Occupier at time of
survey/
1. Map 4. 12-0-10 Andrew Cree Road 0-2-30 included
2. Map 3. 17-3- 0 Joseph Cree Road 0-2-20 included
8. Map 2. 5-0-20 Joseph Cree
Ballycastle:
1. Map 12. 0-2-15 James Cree It was indicated that these lands were
in some way connected, perhaps James rented out/in?.
2. Map 13. 16-3-23 John McCluire
26. Map 10. 5-0-0 James Cree
A4. Lord Londonderry Leases Post 1750 - Manor of
Newtownards
The following are the actual signed leases of tenancies on the
Lord Londonderry estates in County Down and include a number
pertaining to the Cree family. The list below identifies the actual
number of leases held by PRONI by townland.
Ref:/ Townland/ 1750-1799/ 1800-1849/ 1850 -/
D654/L5 /Ballybarnes/ 16/ 2/ 1
D654/L7 /Ballycastle/ 17/ 47/ 1
D654/L27/ Killarn/ 15/ 23/ -
D654/L75/6 /Greyabbey/ 2/ 3/ -
D654/L17/ Ballyrogan/
D654/N1/13 1845 Memo book - names of parties holding rented
property with notes on same (Not yet consulted by T.J. Cree)
D654/L7 Ballycastle
Lease dated the ...... day of
From:
To: James Cree
Of: 9:1:5 CM (9 acres, 1 rood, 5 perches in Cunningham Measure)
To hold from the 1st day of Nov 1776
For the lives of Francis Turnly and Alexr. Turnly
Yearly Rent £ ........
Receivers Fees £ ........
Late Irish Currency £ ........
Jan 5, 1826, Imperial Currency £ 6:11:10
Expired Nov 1850 on death of A. Turnly.
"The Co part of this lease is wanting. June 20. 1829.'
(This lease confirms that the area of land shown on the map
(9a:1r:5p) was under the occupation of the Cree family from November
1776 until 1843, a period of least 67 years. The 1775 map indicates
that the land was previously in the name of John Cree whilst a James
Cree is shown in Templecron (Mount Stewart) from at least 1767. The
relationship of John Cree to James Cree has yet to be determined.
D654/L7 Ballycastle
The Counter part of James Cree's Lease of part of the Townland of
Bally Castle for three lives from November 1776 six
Containing 9a:1r:5p at 15/- per acre
Yearly Rent £6:19:20
Fees £ 3:56
£ 7:2:8
Signed James Cree James Cree
(Seal associated with signature of head of Greek or Roman man.
However it appears that a seal (possibly the same seal) of some kind
was always used by other tenants. It would be very valuable to
investigate the seals in more detail.)
James Cree his heirs and Assigns, for and during the natural Life and
Lives of Frances Turnly aged about Nine years and of Alexander Turnly
aged about four years both sons of Frances Turnly Esquire of
Newtownards aforesaid and the said James Cree aged about fourty five
years. [1776-45 = 1731] (This date of birth closely
approximates with the Movilla gravestone inscription date of birth of
1726 since ages given in leases were approximate.)
D654/L7 Ballycastle
The Most Noble Robert Marquis of Londonderry
to
Robert Cree
For one life and fourteen years from November 1814 Fourteen of part
of the Townland of Ballycastle Containing 4a:0r:0p at 36/- for
Yearly Rent £7:4:0
Fees £ :7:4
£7:11:11
Signature of Robert Cree Robert Cree
(Against this and other tenant
signatures in other leases there is a seal which seems to signify
something. It consists of a vertical forearm and hand clenched
holding five stalks of corn. At the bottom of the forearm is a rope
coil and beneath an oval in which there is a harp-like shape. An ink
line joins the signature of Robert Cree to this seal. Another seal
appears to be that of Lord Londonderry. A small map of the land is
drawn indicating it to be bounded by David Warden, Hugh Warden and
James Warden.)
D654/L7 Ballycastle
Robert Cree For One life and fourteen years from November 1814
of part of the Townland of Ballycastle Containing 4a:0r:0p at 36/-
per Acre
Yearly Rent £ 7:4:0
Fees £ 7:4
£7:11:4
The said Robert Cree aged about fourty years [1818-40 =
1778]
D654/L7 Ballycastle
The Most Noble Chas. Willm. Vane Marquis of Londonderry
to
Robert Cree
For one life and twenty years from November 1823 of part of the
Townland of Ballycastle containing 4a:0r:0p at 28/- per Acre
Yearly Rent £5:11:11
Fees £ 5:7
£5:17:6
(The lease shows the seal of head of
Greek type woman but no signatures. In 1818 the lease describes
Robert as aged about fourty years. [1818-40 = 1778 birth
date])
D654/L7 Ballycastle
Robert Cree For one life and twenty years from November 1823 of part
of the Townland of Ballycastle containing 7a:3r:34p at 28/- per
Acre
Yearly Rent £11:2:10
Fees £ 11:2
£11:14:0
(The land is shown on a map to be in two
parts, the original 4a:0r:0p and an additional 3a:3r:34p.)
D654/L5 Ballybarnes Lease
Andrew Cree Lease for three lives from November 1788 of part
of the Townland of Ballybarnes 9a:0r:4p 19th July 1824
Made the Ninth Day of February in the Year of our Lord 1789
Andrew Cree Flaxdresser......and the said Andrew Cree aged thirty
years. [1789-30 = 1759 birthdate]
(Signed by Andrew Cree with seal of
woman's head Andrew Cree)
D654/L5 Ballybarnes Lease
Robert Cree 13a:0r:37p Yearly Rent £10:9:9
£ 10:7
Late Irish Currency £11:2:4
Imperial Currency £ 10:5:4
Expired at Nov 1850 on death of Alexr. Turnly
Lease dated 9th day of February 1789 Dated 1789
The said Robert Cree aged fourty five years (45) [1789-45 =
1744]
(Signed roughly by Robert Cree. Seal
same as Andrew used. Land adjacent to Andrew Cree.)
D654/L27 Killarn
Andrew Cree 9a:3r:34p £11:9:3
£ 11:5
£12:0:8
£11:2:2
Made First of November 1825 Signature Andrew Cree
(Land located on the road from
Hollywood to Newtownards. Killarn is adjacent to Ballybarnes and
Ballyrogan to the north-west of Newtownards)
D654/L17 Ballyrogan Lease
Lease dated the 1st day of March 1790
James Montgomery Jnr of 26a:3p:6r
Made 1st March 1798 James Montgomery aged forty in years.
[1798 - 40 = birth 1758]
Land shown adjoining land of James Montgomery the Elder
D654/L17 Ballyrogan Lease
James Montgomery the younger for three lives from November
1797 of part of the townland of Ballyrogan containing 26a:3r:6p at
26/- (per acre)
James Montgomery aged fourty years dated 1798 [1798 - 40 = 1758
birthdate]
D654/L17 Ballyrogan Lease
James Montgomery for two lives from November 1797 of part of the
Townland of Ballyrogan Containing 18a:3p:29r Adjoins James Montgomery
Jnr lands
Dated 1798 said James Montgomery aged 64 years [1798 - 64 =
1734] (This must be James Montgomery the Elder)
(In Movilla Churchyard there is the grave of Robert Montgomery of
Ballyrogan who departed this life May 9th 1797 Aged 76 years (
Birth approx: 1797 - 76 = 1721) This gravestone overlaps the
gravestone of Hugh Montgomery (Birth approx: 1756 - 69 = 1687) and
Esther Cree (Birth approx: 1765 - 76 = 1689) and this probably means
that Robert is the son of Hugh and Esther. Based on the Ballyrogan
connection and birth dates it would appear that James Montgomery the
Elder (Birth approx: 1734) may be the younger brother of Hugh, whilst
James Montgomery the Yonger is the son of James Montgomery the Elder.
If we find some Montgomery family history then that may help us
understand more about Esther and the Cree family.)
A5. Weir Documents: D 366 (334)
No. .....Date .....................Parties
Name ..........................Nature of Document
..........................Lands
321 .....1 Aug 1820 ..........Richard Read &
.........................................Henry
Read & Elizabeth Stirling,
..........................................all
of Dublin to......
........................................(Note: these are the land
owners)
334 ......1 Aug 1820 .........Same to Jane &
..................Lease of 12 ac. 3 r. 10 per
..............Ballycopeland,
.........................................John
Cree, ...........................Cunn. meas. for three lives
..............Co. Down.
.........................................Ballycopeland,
.....................or 31 years from 1 Nov 1820.
.........................................Co.
Down. ..........................Rent (£2.5.6d per ac for 9
ac.
......................................................................................(£2
per ac. for remdr.)
335 .....1 Aug 1820 .........Same to Same
.......................Counterpart of No 334.
336 ......1 Aug 1820 .........Same to William
...................Lease of 10 ac. Cunn. meas.
...........Ballycopeland.
..........................................Cree,
Ballycopeland, ..............for three lives or 31 years
..........................................Co.
Down. .............................from 1 Nov 1820. Rent
...........................................................................................(£2.5s.6d
per ac per a.(nnum)
337 .......1 Aug 1820 .........Same to Same
.........................Counterpart to No 336.
A6. Rental of Crommelin Estate
D2223/9/19 Dated 1896.
(No record of any Cree in 1896 Rental
Book. However, by chance within the same container there is a Rental
Book, Maps and Particulars of the lands of Ballymacruise and
Carrowreagh which are to be sold by lots on 17th February 1854. Map
locating individual plots included. Refered to as "Sale of Incumbered
Estates.")
No .........No on Map .............Tenants
..........Quantity ............Yearly
...........Yearly ..........Valuation
................................................Names
...........Land ................Reserved
.........Abated
..................................................................................................Rent
................Rent
4 ..............24, 24a, .................William ..........28:3:26
.............50:4:7 ............44:9:7 .............38:8:0
.................24b, 24c
.................Boyle,
...................24d
......................Thomas
...............................................Boyle
and
..............................................James
Cree
8.............. 28, 28a ................In hands of .........13:0:5
..............................................................18:18:4
................28b, 28c
................late Widow
....................28d
....................Anne Cree,
..............................................Representative
..............................................John
Cree
.................................................Anne
Cree .......Tenements .........4:1:4 ...............4:1:4
...............5:0:0
............................................widow
in Millisle
Lease dated 10th January 1827, from Benjamin Chapman Nevin, to John
Cree, deceased, for three lives, of whom two living, viz: James Cree,
brother, and Agnes Cree, sister of Lessee. Contains covenant for
perpetual renewal. Renewal fine is 1s. This Lease is registered, the
Landlords part has been lost, but an Abstract thereof, taken from the
Tenants part will be given to the purchaser.
No ..........No. on Map ..............Tenants
..............Quantity .........Yearly
..............Yearly ............Valuation
...................................................Names
................Land .............Reserved
...........Abated
.......................................................................................................Rent
.................Rent
10 ..............29, 29a .....................Joseph
................8:2:11 ...........14:13:8 ............14:13:8
.............13:14:9
.......................................................Cree
Tenant from year to year, tenancy determinable 1st May, in every
year.
11 .................29b .......................Ann Cree
............Tenement ..........1:0:0 ................1:0:0
................1:0:0
.............................................Widow
in Millisle
Tenant from year to year, tenancy determinable 1st May, in every
year.
23 ................38, 38a ......................James
.................2:2:13 ...............4:10:0 .............4:10:0
..............4:3:10
..........................................................Cree
Tenant from year to year, tenancy determinable 1st May, in every
year.
24 ....................38b ..........................James
...............Tenement ...........2:0:0 ..............2:0:0
..............2:10:0
...................................................Cree
in Millisle
Tenant from year to year, tenancy determinable 1st May, in every
year.
65 .....................80 .......................James Cree
.............0:1:3 .................2:6:0 ..............2:6:0
..............2:10:0
.......................................................now
Nancy
............................................................Cree
Tenant from year to year, tenancy determinable 1st May, in every
year.
A7. Rental of part of the Estate of Nicholas de la Cherois
Crommelin Esq in the County of Down
(Very poor condition paper map refers to
Cree's Fields 3:2:30. Seems to refer to the purchase of land for the
building of a dam.)
Ballymacruise ............0:3:29
Ballycopeland ............3:3:16
Carmichael's part ........6:0:31
Lot No 1 ....................4:0:36
Lot No 2 ....................5:2:19
Lot No 3 ....................3:2:10
Lot No 4 ....................2:1:36
Lot No 5 .....................1:1:20
..........17:1:01
..........................................................28:0:32
.............................................Cree's....
3:2:30
...............................................Total
...31:3:27
Letter about dam.
My dear William,
I read your 2 Maps showing the intended improvements about the Mill
Dams at Mill Isle..........You will observe from the Map that Cree's
2 small fields on the Mill Isle Road......
Cree's Field 3:2:20
Small Map
Survey for N.D. Crommelin Esq. by William Adams.
(This small map is probably a map of Cree's Fields since it is
exactly the same size as 3a:2r:20p. One assumes that a Cree may have
owned this land and that efforts were made to buy it from him.
A8. A Rent Roll of Donaghadee Parish, Co. Down.
1729.
D2223/96 Just four fragile pages of
paper headed: A Rent Roll of Donaghadee parrish for May 4, 1729.
A total of 80 names of whom
B. Bulle .....33 .........John Cree .......0:12:0 .........3:0:0
(B. Bulle could be Bally Buttle just west of Ballymacruise.)
A9. Personal Names Index D566 (629)
1. Crey, Samuel ............Conveyance for
£123-10s .....................10 a(cres)
.......................................Drumkeeragh,
Co. Down. ......................I.P.M.
......................................Farmer.
Drumkeeragh
(Believe that Samuel Crey bought with
James Palmer, Henry O'Neill and Rev. William Brownslow land, of which
his share was one quarter of 10 acres?)
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