Visit to the Burial Ground at The Friend Meeting House

My further research into the Richardson family, I can identify these graves as follows, Sarah Edith Williams and Anne Wakefield Richardson are the twin daughters of John Grubb Richardson, they inherited the estate upon their mother Jane Wakefield Richardson's death in 1909. Sarah A Richardson is the wife of John Grubb Richardson's son James N Richardsosn III, who is also buried here. Helena Richardson is another daughter of John Grubb Richardson, named after his first wife Helena Grubb Richardson who died during childbirth in 1849. John Grubb Richardson is buried at The Friends Meeting House in Moyallon , in the Friends Burial Ground, at a large walled plot especially for the Richardsons, with some special treatment,

"Although all Quakers are considered equal in the eyes of God, the Richardsons had their own private burial plot, hedged off from the main burial ground; thus prompting the saying that although all Quakers are equal, some are more equal than others!" (richardsonname.co.uk)

National Trust Sign, at Camlough Road entrance to Estate

Topic Synopsis

The Topic I intend to do my research on is Derrymore Estate and The Richardsons 'Model Village' which will include ‘The Friends Meeting House’ in Derrymore Wood, Bessbrook, Co Armagh. Which is an original Quaker Meeting house dating back to 1864. Built in Derrymore Woods, a 110 acre estate now owned by The National Trust. I became interested in the Quakers during the last module for History, ‘Ireland 1798 to 1870’, whilst researching the Famine 1845-1850. Through my reading I learned of the significance of the ‘Society of Friends’ (Quakers) during this period and how much assistance the Quakers provided in offering their relief to the starving. This society also played an imperative part in convincing the British government to provide direct relief to the disaffected. I was moved into researching further into Quakerism, this coupled with the fact that I have recently moved into Bessbrook, Co. Armagh a Model Village built by a Quaker, John Grub Richardson, in 1845. I am also intrigued and inquisitive about the Quaker beliefs and the qualities he instilled in his workers in the Linen Industry, built up in this village. 
Derrymore Wood is a mere five minute walk from my home and has a wealth of history which I am looking forward to uncovering.   During my research journey It will also be important and necessary to mention the other notable buildings within this estate, ‘The Wood House’ where John Grub Richardson 1813-1890 and his family lived and ‘Derrymore House’ which in itself holds immense historical importance,  whilst also incorporating information about  ‘Bessbrook Spinning Mill’ which provided employment to the villagers and the history of ‘The Model Village’ itself. The research methods I intend to employ are the use of journals and records from Armagh Diocesan Historical Society, books from the reference library Irish Section, Newry and Armagh, Microfiche, PRONI, JStor and some Internet sources.  I will also be attending services at 'The Friends meeting House' and visiting the site, photographing and taking footage within the estate and I also hope to interview at least one knowledgeable individual