The Argory

The Argory
The front façade of The Argory
Coordinates	54.4467°N 6.7006°W / 54.4467; -6.7006
Built	1820–1824
Built for	Walter MacGeough Bond
Architects	Arthur and John Williamson
Owner	National Trust
Website	www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/northern-ireland/the-argory

The Argory is a 19th-century Neo-classical country house and estate situated in County Armagh, Northern Ireland, near the village of Moy across the River Blackwater in neighbouring County Tyrone. Built between 1820 and 1824 for Walter MacGeough Bond, it is notable for preserved interiors, a rare barrel organ, and extensive wooded grounds along the River Blackwater. It remained in the MacGeough Bond family until it became part of the National Trust's care in 1979. Today, the estate welcomes the public as a historic house museum, offering insights into the lifestyle of the landed gentry and the architectural heritage of Northern Ireland.

History

Construction began in 1820, with Walter MacGeough Bond commissioning a house that would reflect his status as a prominent landowner and magistrate. Designed in a restrained Neo-classical style, the building was intended as a statement of modernity and taste. In 1822, MacGeough Bond ordered a large barrel organ for the entrance lobby, originally meant to accompany family prayers. Completed by James Bishop in 1824, the organ remains one of the most distinctive features.

The property stayed in the family for over 150 years. During the 20th century, it adapted to changing circumstances, including a period during World War II when it served as a military hospital. A fire in 1898 damaged the north wing and part of the organ’s mechanism, leading to unrealised plans to convert the lobby into a bathroom.

In 1979, the last resident family member donated the house, its contents, and surrounding lands to the National Trust. The acquisition included a rich archive of letters, photographs, and personal documents, offering valuable insight into the domestic life of the Irish gentry.

MacGeough Bond family

The MacGeough Bond family originated from the marriage of William McGeough and Elizabeth Bond, daughter and heiress of Walter Bond of Bondville, County Armagh. To reflect the inheritance of both estates, their descendants adopted the combined surname MacGeough Bond.

Walter MacGeough Bond (1790–1866) with his son Edward Staples MacGeough Bond (1842–1891), by Hugues Fourau, 1848.

Their grandson, Walter MacGeough Bond (1790–1866), a barrister, commissioned The Argory in the 1820s. In 1826, he married his first wife, Mary Isabella Joy, who died in 1829, leaving their daughter, Mary Isabella MacGeough Bond. He remarried in 1830, his second wife was Anne Smyth, daughter of Ralph Smyth of Gaybrook, County Westmeath. Together they had six children, including Joshua, Ralph, William, and Edward; the identities of the remaining two remain unconfirmed.

• Joshua Walter MacGeough Bond (1831-1905), the eldest son, who inherited the family’s other estate at Drumsill.
• Ralph Shelton MacGeough Bond (1832-1916), who later reversed his name to Ralph MacGeough Bond Shelton and at one point held The Argory.
• William MacGeough Bond (1836-1896), who owned lands in Armagh, Tyrone, and Westmeath during the 1870s.
• Edward Staples MacGeough Bond (1842–1891), a justice of the peace, also associated with the estate.

The estate later passed to Sir Walter William Adrian MacGeough Bond, grandson of the original Walter and son of Joshua. He pursued a distinguished legal career and served as a judge in the Cairo Court of Appeal from 1888 until 1916, ultimately becoming its Vice-President.

Sir Walter was succeeded by his nephew, Captain Walter Albert Nevill “Tommy” MacGeough Bond (1908–1986), the son of Sir Walter’s brother, Edward Staples MacGeough Bond. Tommy became the final family resident at The Argory. Known for his devotion to preserving the estate, he maintained the house much as it had been in the Victorian era. He was buried on the estate grounds following his death in 1986.

Architecture and Interiors

This Neo-classical house, completed in 1824, was designed by Dublin-based architects and brothers Arthur and John Williamson. Constructed from ashlar limestone, it features a symmetrical façade and shallow hipped roof. The layout reflects early 19th-century ideals, with a central entrance hall, formal reception rooms, and private family quarters arranged across two main storeys.

The entrance lobby houses the barrel organ, installed in 1824 after being commissioned two years earlier. Built by James Bishop of London, it accompanied daily family prayers and remains in situ, though partially damaged by the 1898 fire. Much of the interior has remained unchanged since the early 20th century, preserving original wallpapers, furnishings, and personal effects that reflect the family's lifestyle and tastes.

Other rooms include a library, drawing room, and dining room, each furnished with period pieces and heirlooms. The service wing and courtyard retain original features such as a bell system and kitchen fittings, providing insight into 19th-century estate operations.

Estate and Grounds

Front lawn of The Argory, with the River Blackwater in the background

Set within a 130-hectare (320-acre) wooded riverside landscape, the grounds overlook the River Blackwater and include formal gardens, pleasure walks, and mature parkland. Seasonal highlights include displays of spring bulbs, flowering rhododendrons, and wide-ranging views across the surrounding countryside. The landscape design reflects the blend of ornamental and practical features typical of 19th-century gentry estates.

Collections and Archive

The house retains a substantial collection of original furnishings, artworks, and decorative objects reflecting the tastes of the MacGeough Bond family. Notable items include the 17th-century Doomer Cabinet, attributed to Dutch cabinetmaker Herman Doomer, and a rare acetylene lighting system preserved in several rooms.

Following the 1979 transfer to the National Trust, a large archive of personal correspondence, photographs, diaries, and estate documents was preserved. These materials offer insight into the domestic life of the Irish landed gentry and the broader social history of the region. Additional family papers dating from 1692 to 1861 are held at the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI).