Carrickfergus town owes it origins to the establishment of the 13th century castle having developed around the castle as a focus for trade as a thriving urban centre.
High Street was the main medieval thoroughfare leading from the castle to the market place. Today High Street is of a largely 19th century character defined by long terraces of three storey buildings displaying many elements of Victorian/Edwardian architecture, however given that the street retains it medieval layout the modern façade has the potential to conceal earlier building elements.
A recent regeneration project at No.10 High Street as part of the Carrickfergus THI Project involved careful strip out and renovation of the building by a team of specialist contractors, conservation architect and heritage specialists. During the process original lathe and plaster ceilings, floor timbers, 16th/17th century stonework and timber beams were uncovered as was a late 17th century staircase.
A combination of measured survey, dating techniques and historical research has been able to trace not only the architectural development of the building over time but also establish that the building was owned by the Dobbins family who played a prominent role in the socio-economic history of Carrickfergus for over 350 years. Followed by a tour of HERoNI and a document display.
