Stitchers: Margaret Skea, Avril Blown, Margaret Shaw, Fiona Brown, Veronica Ross, Marjorie Blake, Mary Low (Kelso, Scotland).
When Elizabeth Shaw married Hugh Montgomery he was a minor Scottish laird. However in 1606, by arrangement with an Irish Chieftain, Con O’Neill, and authorised by King James, Hugh acquired extensive lands in Co. Down. This privately organised plantation was the precursor to the later official plantations in other counties. Elizabeth was active in the development and management of the Montgomery estates, including the settlements Newtown, Grey Abbey and Comber. Recognizing the value of self-sufficiency, she had watermills built in every parish and provided tenants with houses and garden plots, as well as establishing a thriving linen and woollen industry, including the production of plaid.
GBN02 Ealasaid Sheaghach agus Malairt an Anairt
Phòs Ealasaid Sheaghach, nighean uachdaran Ghrianaig, Ùistean MacGumaraid (c1560–1636) a choisinn fearann airson a thuineachadh ann an Ulaidh le taic bho Rìgh Seumas VI & I, a bha na ro-ruithear do na planntachasan oifigeil a thàinig beagan bhliadhnaichean às dèidh sin. Bha Ealasaid gnìomhach ann an leasachadh an tuineachaidh aca ann am Baile na Mainistreach, ‘s i a’ stiùireadh nan oighreachdan aig An Comar agus An Mainistir Liath nuair a bhiodh Ùistean glè thric às-làthair, a thuilleadh air togail muilnean-uisge gus an fheum aig luchdtuineachaidh a lùghdachadh air a bhith ag inmhalairt mhine à Alba. B’ e am fèinfhoghainteachd seo a stiùir na h-iomairtean aice gus gnìomhachas soirbheachail anairt is aodaich a chur air chois ann an Ulaidh cuideachd.