The Ulster bank in
Armagh is housed in a fine Georgian building (one of a pair), built in 1830
by brothers Thomas and William McWilliams. They were built as part of a mill
complex but just six years later one of them was taken over by the Ulster
Bank, who have occupied the premises ever since. The architect was John Quinn
who was responsible for some of the fine limestone architecture on the Mall
in Armagh including the Sovereign's house (now the regimental museum).
In 1998 the Ulster Bank decided it needed to remodel the interior of the building
and amazingly applied for planning permission to demolish the place. Several
letters of objection perhaps influenced the authorities and the plans were
modified so that the front could be retained. Although this is better than
the original plan it is nevertheless a great shame that such a fine old building
should be flattened just because it's owners decided on a different office
layout. There were many decorated plaster ceilings and other features which
are now destroyed and a very nice plaque bearing the names of the original
owners carved in Armagh limestone has gone. Hopefully it will be retained
and incorporated into the new building
