Previously Regent Square
Last Update - 08 February 2016
Page 1 - Looking North
1765 AD The Market House - later to become the Town Hall in Newtownards, was erected by the Stewarts.Originally there was a great archway in its centre which spanned the line of the North/South street axis.The market occupied the ground floor while the upstairs held function rooms which were used by the local gentry for social events and civic matters. inc. a public lecture room, ballroom and news room - Downstairs were the caretakers room, weighing office and Y.M.C.A. rooms. Conway Square was named for Lady Sarah Frances Seymour-Conway daughter-in-law to Alexander Stewart

For previous Inhabitants Click Here

More pics of Conway square in this section.

1784 It was decided to install street lighting in the town and the "Square" would have 3 lamps
2 in front of the Market House and 1 at Mr.Kearns

In the 18th. and early 19th. Centuries the "Cock Inn" stood on the south side of Conway Square.
In 1837 the Cherry Brothers were convicted for the robbery of James Gibson at Jeans Brae having taken the sum of £72. plus jewellry they were sentenced and hanged in Conway Square.

Observations by The Marquis of Londonderry 31st.October 1841
The Committee in conjunction with the Office should have the Market House spouted, washed and new coloured next season.
Saundersons Inn requires a new colouring and painting and as Mr.Saunderson has got much encouragement he should not be behind-hand.
The Committ should recommend his flagging the entrance as Captain Howe has done and the Saundersons neighbour on the left, Wallace.
The Office is to be flagged immediately in front and the Committee should strain every nerve to induce the people to undertake this beautifying effect to the town, as it would really m ake it unrivelled.

Another very early pic of Conway Square and the Market Place designed by Ferdinando De Stratford construction started in 1765 by the Stewarts.and finished in 1770.

Another few gems from the Frank Cafolla Collection - Added May 2014 - And below

Before the motor car
added 20th. April 2012

Another early pic

c1914

1920s

A wonderful early pic showing a thriving Town Centre - And below

Above and below around 1900

c1914

Early 1900s - Click for much larger image showing the Billards Hall upstairs in the Town Hall
To the right of the Town hall on Frances Street can be seen William Hills Drapers and the
original "Orchard" before it moved to the rh. top corner of the square. Looking far top left we can
see Moores Bakery Cart... what else can you spot....

c1914

Another early market day pic
added 20th. April 2012