- Source: Tandragee Castle
Tandragee Castle, Tandragee, County Armagh, Northern Ireland, was built in 1837 by George Montagu, 6th Duke of Manchester as the family's Irish home. The 6th Duke of Manchester acquired the estate through his marriage to Millicent Sparrow (1798–1848).
Past and present owners
The past and present owners of Tandragee Castle are:
1610: Sir Oliver St. John, 1st Viscount Grandison
1630: Sir John St. John, 1st Baronet
1648: Henry St John of Tandragee
Robert Sparrow
Robert Bernard Sparrow
1805: Lady Olivia Sparrow
1822: Millicent Sparrow & George Montagu, 6th Duke of Manchester (rebuilt the castle)
1855: William Montagu, 7th Duke of Manchester
1882: George Montagu, 8th Duke of Manchester
1890: William Montagu, 9th Duke of Manchester
1940s: Alexander Montagu, 10th Duke of Manchester
1955: Thomas Hutchinson
History
During the Plantation of Ulster the castle at Tandragee became the property of Sir Oliver St John, Lord Deputy of Ireland. He rebuilt the original stronghold of the O'Hanlon Clan. During the Irish Rebellion of 1641, however, the O'Hanlons attempted to regain their lands – the result was the castle being ruined; it remained so for two hundred years.
Tandragee Castle underwent reconstruction around 1837, following its destruction during the Irish Rebellion of 1641, commissioned by George Montagu, the 6th Duke of Manchester.
= World War II
=In 1943, Alexander Montagu, 10th Duke of Manchester, leased Tandragee Castle to the United States Army for use during World War II. Reports suggest that General George S. Patton was a visitor to the castle in 1943. While inspecting troops in Northern Ireland, he was guest of honour at a dance in the castle.
= Present day
=The castle and estate were sold by Alexander Montagu, 10th Duke of Manchester (who was born at Tandragee) in the 1950s, and it was purchased by Thomas Hutchinson, a businessman from Tandragee who founded Tayto. Today, the castle houses offices for the Tayto potato crisp factory and the park's demesne incorporates a golf course.