Newtownards History

Betsy Grey

Betsy is thought to have been born in Gransha, northern County Down, it is believed that her father Hans Gray was a prosperous Presbyterian farmer and a member of the United Irishmen. Betsy possessed wondrous beauty, a beauty enriched and enhanced by a warm heart. She became something of a mascot to County Down rebel battalion in the 1798 Rising. She is said to have rode alongside its commander in the Battle of Ballynahinch 13th July 1798 and also to have fought alongside the men, but the battle ended in a massive defeat for the insurgents. Betsy and the men had to flee, but were overtaken by the Hillsborough Yeomanry Calvery and killed. Betsy’s grave lies near the scene of the murder at Ballycreen. Remains of Betsy Gray’s house off the Carrowdore Road (off the main Greyabbey to Carrowdore Road) still stands.

Sir James died on 5th January 1981 at the age of 86. A memorial was established to remember Sir James Martin’s talents and revolution of fighter pilots safety in the square in Crossgar.

Robert Blaire Mayne

Robert Blair Mayne was born at the family home, Mountpleasant on the 11th January 1915 in the small town of Newtownards. He was the second youngest child in a family of seven, four boys and three girls. Robert’s education saw him through 3 schools, Miss Brown’s Kindergargen, The Ards Academy and Regent House. He developed a skill at playing rugby and by the age of sixteen he was playing for his local club side Ards RFC. He went to Queens University and continued playing rugby while also taking part in the sport of boxing. He became heavy weight champion. With rugby being his main passion he succeeded in gaining many representative honours for this province. His greatest honour was to be selected to play in South Africa as a member of The British Lions Touring Party of 1938. His playing career was cut short by the outbreak of the war in 1939. The Officer Training Corps at Queens had been his first contact with the military and he was transferred to various units. He commanded the 1st SAS which was then known as The Special Raiding Squadron. After the war due to injuries he received he couldn’t resume his sporting career. He continued with many public duties and was still a firm supporter of all his former sporting clubs and travelled throughout Ireland and mainland UK. Sadly he met his death in a car crash in December 1955.

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