Boundary Stone Of Downshire Estate, 130 Saintfield Road, Lisburn, Co. Down

This is a free-standing boundary stone, likely erected around 1800, marking the boundary of the estate of the Marquis of Downshire. It is located in a field on the grounds of Creevy House, to the south of Saintfield Road (B6), near Lisburn, County Down. The stone is constructed from rough-hewn granite and features a cast-iron rectangular plaque with a raised crown motif and a stylized monogram letter “D” affixed with lead. While the carving of the stone itself is not particularly elaborate, the cast-iron plaque is of historical interest, reflecting the history of the Marquis of Downshire and his former estate. The stone’s diminutive size means it was not shown on historic Ordnance Survey maps. The crest on the plaque is thought to be a possible logo for the Downshire estate, and its style is comparable to crests found on other local landmarks, such as Spencer’s Bridge (dated 1843), Magherahinch House (dated 1838), and Magheradartin School (dated 1853). The stone is situated within a hedgerow and is currently used as a boundary marker; it is privately owned.