The Governor's Residence, Downpatrick Gaol

Image: © Eric Jones Taken: 7 Jun 2011

..except there was no governor to reside in it. Instead it contained stores, a chapel and staff quarters. It also had rooms which were let out to wealthy prisoners. During WWII, long after it had ceased to be a prison, it also housed the Officers' and WO's Messes in turn of both the British and American armies. In the early years of the war it was garrisoned by the 6th Batt (TA) of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, which was responsible for local security in Co Down. Interestingly, "The Skins" played a similar role in the home area of the 6thRWF. One of the subalterns, 2i/c of the Pwllheli Detachment, was the artist Sir Kyffin Williams who in his autobiography described his time in Ulster as highly enjoyable with many days spent hunting on the county's estates. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/obituaries/article625679.ece

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