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'{{for|other towns of this name|Cookstown (disambiguation)}} {{Refimprove|date=April 2008}} {{Infobox UK place |official_name = Cookstown |irish_name = An Chorr Chríochach |scots_name = Cookestoun<ref>[http://www.cookstown.gov.uk/ Cookstown District Council]</ref> or Cookstoon<ref>[http://www.doeni.gov.uk/niea/beaghmoreus.pdf Ulster-Scots guide to Beaghmore stone circles – Department of the Environment]</ref> |local_name = |label_position |static_image_name = Cookstown crest.jpg |static_image_width = 120px |static_image_caption = Cookstown coat of arms |static_image_alt = Coat of arms with a silver knight's helmet crowned by flames from which arises a firebird. Below the helmet, a shield bears two red right gloves beside a simple castle, above icons of twin bundles of flowers and a gear. A banner with the word FORWARD unfurls below the shield. Leaflike decoration extends from the helmet, as a surround. |map_type = Northern Ireland |latitude = 54.647 |longitude = -6.745 |belfast_distance = 45 miles |unitary_northern_ireland = [[Mid-Ulster District Council|Mid-Ulster]] |population = 10,646 |population_ref = <small>([[United Kingdom Census 2001|2001 Census]])</small> |irish_grid_reference=H8178 |country = Northern Ireland |post_town = COOKSTOWN |postcode_area = BT |postcode_district = BT80 |dial_code = 028 |constituency_westminster = [[Mid Ulster (UK Parliament constituency)|Mid Ulster]] |constituency_ni_assembly = [[Mid Ulster (Assembly constituency)|Mid Ulster]] |lieutenancy_northern_ireland = [[County Tyrone]] |website = http://www.cookstown.gov.uk }} '''Cookstown''' is a town and [[townland]] in [[County Tyrone]], [[Northern Ireland]]. It is the fourth largest town in the county and had a population of nearly 11,000 people in the [[United Kingdom Census 2001|2001 Census]]. It is one of the main towns in the area of [[Ulster|Mid-Ulster]]. It was founded around 1620 when the townlands in the area were leased by an [[English people|English]] ecclesiastical lawyer, Dr. Alan Cooke, from the [[Church of Ireland Archbishop of Armagh|Archbishop of Armagh]], who had been granted the lands after the [[Flight of the Earls]] during the [[Plantation of Ulster]]. It was one of the main centres of the [[linen]] industry West of the [[River Bann]], and until 1956, the processes of flax spinning, weaving, bleaching and beetling were carried out in the town. Cookstown's famous main street (laid out from c1735–c1800), is {{convert|1.25|mi|km|2|}} long and {{convert|135|ft|m|2|}} wide, one of the longest, and widest in [[Ireland]].<ref>[http://www.emerald-isle-gifts.com/vintage-irish-town-prints/tyrone-vintage-photographs/cookstown---tyrone----holy-trinity-church.asp "Tyrone Vintage Photographs"]. Emerald Isle Gifts. Retrieved 27 August 2012.</ref> ==Places of interest== *Cookstown's main street hosts an open-air market each Saturday. *The annual [[Cookstown 100]] National Road Race is a motor biking event attended by many motorbiking enthusiasts. It is the opening race of the road racing calendar in Ireland and is usually held in April. *[[Ardboe High Cross|Ardboe High Cross and Abbey]] (''{{lang|ga|Seanchrois Ard Bó agus Ministir Naomh Colmán}}''), one of the best examples of a 9th/10th century [[High cross]] in Ireland, is 10 miles from Cookstown. 22 panels illustrate stories from the [[Old Testament]] and the [[New Testament]] of the [[Bible]]. [[Image:Cookstown looking north.jpg|thumb|right|250 px| alt=Four-lane street busy with vehicle traffic, with a central island, wide sidewalks, with two-story houses. In the distance, the 1700 ft mountain, Slieve Gallion. |The main street, looking north. Slieve Gallion is in the background.]] *Other ancient sites nearby include [[Beaghmore]] [[stone circle]]s and [[Tullyhogue Fort]] (beside the village of [[Tullyhogue]]), the [[inauguration]] [[Royal sites of Ireland|site]] of the chiefs of Tyrone (Tir Eogain), the O'Neills. Destroyed in 1602, the fort was salvaged to some degree in 1964, when the site was cleared and presented. Though none of the original buildings remain, the unusual layout (raised inner mounds, but no outer defensive ditch) is still clearly visible. Tullaghogue is now owned and maintained by the [[Northern Ireland Environment Agency]] (N.I.E.A.). *The Donaghrisk walled cemetery to the southwest of (and clearly visible from) the fort is the resting place of the O'Hagans, the chief justices of Tyrone (and as such, they presided over the inauguration ceremonies of the O'Neills). *[[Lissan House]] lies on the outskirts of Cookstown. It is a huge structure of little architectural beauty but enormous historical significance and was, until the death of its last inhabitant, [[Hazel Radclyffe Dolling]] (daughter of the 13th Baronet of Lissan, Sir Robert George Alexander Staples), in 2006, the oldest domestic dwelling in [[Ireland]] continually inhabited by one family. The entrance front is dominated by a gargantuan [[porte-cochère]] built in about 1830. Inside, the most striking feature is the bizarre and gargantuan oak staircase which rises from the stone flagged entrance hall the full height of the building. This was constructed by a local carpenter from the remnants of a rare 17th century staircase which collapsed (along with the floors between it) as a result of dry rot in the 1880s and is quite unique, having flights springing at every conceivable angle, some of which go nowhere. The other most notable feature of the house is its octagonal ball room added by Sir Thomas Staples ([[Queen's Advocate]] in Ireland) in about 1830 with its fine restrained [[neoclassical architecture|neo-classical]] plasterwork, Dublin chimneypiece and carved door frames. The house has recently underwent extensive renovation work externally and is open to the public for tours, events and is a licensed venue for civil partnerships. Further work is planned, including the rebuilding of the glass conservatory, refurbishment of outhouses and gardens and other general works to restore the demesne to its former glory. It is run by a Trust was established on the death of Mrs. Radclyffe Dolling to oversee the restoration of the house and its development into accommodation and conference facilities. *[[Killymoon Castle]] is about {{convert|1.5|km|mi}} south east of Cookstown. This imposing structure is regarded as Cookstown's finest piece of architectural heritage. It was built in just over a year at a cost of £80,000 and was [[John Nash (architect)|Nash's]] first Irish commission. It is two stories high and has two large towers to the East and West, one circular the other (slightly lower) octagonal. Parts of the original castle were retained and its former Chapel became Nash's library. Inside the dramatic entrance [[porte-cochère]] can be found a return staircase leading to the octagonal drawing room and oval dining room. The Stewarts sold the castle in 1852 and, after passing though the hands of some 6 owners, it was sold for the final time in 1922 to a local farmer for the princely sum of £100. The same family retains it to this day. *[[Drum Manor]], approximately 5 miles from the town. Alexander Richardson, a burgess from Edinburgh, Scotland, bought the estate of Craigbalk in 1617 and built Drum Manor, which was also known Manor Richardson.<ref name="Alex">[http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~ricksmith61/richardson/ps20/ps20_426.html Alexander Richardson], founder of the Drum estate. Ancestry.com user page.</ref> Alexander's son Sir William Richardson left it to his second son, Alexander, from which the Richardsons of Drum descend.<ref name="Alex"/> Sir William's third son, William, who inherited lands near [[Augher]], obtained a lease for lands in the townland of Tullyreavy on the Drum Manor estate, where he built a house by the lake known as Oaklands.<ref name="Alex"/> In 1868 Viscount Stuart (later the [[Earl Castle Stewart|5th Earl Castle Stewart]]) married Augusta Richardson-Brady, heiress to the Oaklands Estate. Immediately upon marriage, Lord Stuart set about reconstructing Oaklands into the [[Tudor revival]] [[Drum Manor]]. This [[battlement]]ed sandstone structure once had a tall tower to the East near the entrance front which was dominated by a huge entrance portal surmounted by a large [[tracery]] window which contained [[Victorian era|Victorian]] [[Roll of arms|armorial]] stained glass. Lord Stuart was also responsible for setting out the formal gardens and [[demesne]] which survive to this day. Lord Stuart's grandson sold the estate to the [[Northern Ireland Forest Service|Forest Service]] in 1980 and the Service set out the woodland habitat that exists today. However, in an attempt to avoid incurring [[rates (tax)|rates]] liability, the Forest Service decided to demolish the Manor. Today, Drum Manor Forest Park is one of Cookstown District's largest tourist attractions (complete with the highest-rated caravan site in the District) but only the ground floor outer walls and the east tower of the Manor House survive. *St Luran's [[Church of Ireland]] Church on Church Street is thought to have been originally constructed in 1822 by [[John Nash (architect)|John Nash]] and certainly plans for the church exist in his hand. However, even if Nash's church was completed, at most only the tower and first bay of this structure have survived Victorian extension by the architect Welland in 1859. Nash's plans show a castellated and battlemented church from which only the tower and spire bear any resemblance to the structure standing today. The interior is a typical Victorian church structure with a chancel arch, hammer beam roof and large sanctuary with sparse but dignified decoration. *[[J.J. McCarthy]]'s [[Roman Catholic|Catholic]] Church of the [[Holy Trinity]] was constructed between 1855 and 1860 with a tower and spire at the East End. It is one of McCarthy's earliest works in which the influence of [[A. W. N. Pugin]] is apparent and the later florid [[French Gothic architecture|French Gothic]] of his latter years (seen in St. Patrick's [[Dungannon]] and St [[Macartan's Cathedral]] in [[Monaghan]]) is nowhere to be seen. The church is constructed in the [[Early English style]] with a [[nave]] of 5 bays leading to a [[chancel]] arch and reduced chancel area beyond. In 1980 during the [[re-ordering]] works carried out in the aftermath of the Second Vatican Council, the caen stone side altars, marble altar rails, carved [[pulpit]], original high altar and [[Telford]] Pipe Organ were removed . Only the gargantuan [[Caen stone]] [[reredos]] survives (minus its central spire and High Altar) behind one of the reclaimed Caen stone and Carrera Marble altars, the front of which bears a carved representation of the [[Assumption of the Virgin]] (presumably formerly in the [[Lady chapel|Lady Chapel]] which would have been to the right of this space). The crowning feature of the church today is the Western Window. This was designed and manufactured by [[Hardman of Birmingham]] (a firm employed and partly run by [[A. W. N. Pugin]]) and has representations of the [[Canonized]] [[Bishops]] and [[Abbots]] of the [[Archdiocese]] of [[Armagh]] around a representation of the Virgin crowned in glory and below a tripartite window representing the constituents of the [[Holy Trinity]]. The remaining stained glass is mainly by [[Mayer of Munich]] and dates to the end of the 19th century though there is a very fine Art Deco window showing the [[Annunciation]] in the style of [[Harry Clarke]] in the former Lady Chapel (now the baptismal font area). The Church underwent a multimillion-pound renovation in 2010-12 which included an extensive renovation and refit inside the Church, including restoring the marble floors, altar and upgrading electrical and sound systems, as well as major conservation and preservation work on the church exterior and windows. ==History== {{Historical populations|state=collapsed |1821|963 |1831|2883 |1841|3006 |1851|2993 |1861|3257 |1871|3501 |1881|3870 |1891|3841 |1901|3531 |1911|3685 |1926|3555 |1937|3369 |1951|4247 |1961|4969 |1966|5620 |1971|6965 |2001|10646 |footnote=<ref>[http://www.nisranew.nisra.gov.uk/census NISRA Census - Population and Household Estimates for Northern Ireland] and [http://www.histpop.org histpop.org] for post-1821 figures, 1813 estimate from [[Mason’s Statistical Survey]]. For a discussion of accuracy of [[Great Famine (Ireland)|pre-famine]] census returns see [[John Joseph Lee|JJ Lee]] ''On the accuracy of the pre-famine Irish censuses Irish Population, Economy and Society'' edited by JM Goldstrom and LA Clarkson (1981) p54, in and also ''New Developments in Irish Population History'', 1700-1850 by Joel Mokyr and [[Cormac Ó Gráda]] in ''The Economic History Review, New Series'', Vol. 37, No. 4 (Nov, 1984), pp. 473-488. </ref> }} ===Plantation of Ulster=== The lands around the present site of Cookstown were, prior to the early 17th century, in the hands of the O'Mellan Clan and were broadly known as "Mellanagh". This land was confiscated by [[James I of England|King James I]] after the [[Flight of the Earls]] of [[Tyrone]] and [[Tyrconnell]] in 1607 and a series of Rebellions in the area which saw the native landlords ousted from their holdings. The O'Mellan land was held to be the property of the [[Established Church|Established (Anglican) Church]] and was thus presented to the Anglican [[Archbishop of Armagh]] who was charged with overseeing the settlement of the area with English and Scots "planters". In 1620, a small portion was leased by James Stewart (a Scots settler in the area) and lands around the townland of Cor Criche were leased to an English ecclesiastical lawyer, Dr. Cooke, who fulfilled the covenants entered in the lease by building 10 houses on the land (today covering the area known as Oldtown), which he stipulated were all to have front gardens (a tradition which still remains in place). In 1628, King [[Charles I of England|Charles I]] granted Letters Patent to Cooke permitting the holding of a twice-weekly market for livestock and flaxen goods. ===1641 Rebellion=== In 1641, the native Irish revolted against the Planters in a bloody rebellion. Cookstown, being in the heartland of Ulster insurgency, was abandoned to the rebels who immediately seized the important Iron works at Lios Áine (later [[Lissan]]), and the area became a hotbed of activity since weapons such as [[pike (weapon)|pikes]] were forged for the rebel cause. Lissan was one of the first estates in this area to be settled when it was purchased by Sir Thomas Staples of Yate Court near [[Bristol]] in 1610. Sir Thomas' wife Charity, Lady Staples (by then a widow) and their five children were captured during the Rebellion by Hugh Og O Quin. Imprisoned in the castle at [[Moneymore]] 5 miles away,they were held there and later at Castlecaulfield until [[Moneymore]] and the estate were liberated by the [[Cavalier|Royalist]] army in 1643. When the armies of Charles I reached Cookstown in 1643, they routed the rebels and razed the town to the ground. ===Eighteenth century=== The 1641 Rebellion had a devastating effect on the town and development ceased for nearly a century. Over the succeeding years, the lands around Cookstown were progressively bought up by William Stewart of Killymoon until in 1671 all of Dr Cooke's lands were in the hands of the Stewart family. Settlement however remained sparse and by 1734, only 2 inhabited houses remained at Oldtown. William Stewart and later his son James set out plans for the town soon after this. Inspired by the [[Wide Streets Commission]]'s work in [[Dublin]], they planned a new town to be built along a tree lined [[boulevard]] 135 feet wide which would connect the Killymoon Demesne with Oldtown, a distance of over a mile and a quarter. This street was laid out by the mid-1790s and has remained at the centre of Cookstown's development ever since covering Killymoon Street, Church Street, Chapel Street, Loy Street, William Street, James Street Oldtown Street and finally Milburn Street and being the longest main street in Ireland. All remaining traces of Cooke's town were obliterated at this point. {{Citation needed|date=April 2008}} Throughout the remainder of the 18th century, Cookstown prospered quietly as a market town where linens, seeds and other agricultural produce were marketed at its famous market. In 1802, Col William Stewart (James Stewart's unmarried son) approached the famous London architect, [[John Nash (architect)|John Nash]] and requested that he visit the area to rebuild the [[Castle]] of Killymoon which had been burnt in 1801. The Castle was built in just over a year at a cost of £80,000 and was Nash's first Irish Commission. It is two stories high and has two large towers to the East and West, one circular the other (slightly lower) octagonal. Parts of the original castle were retained and its former Chapel became Nash's library. In addition to Killymoon, there is evidence to suggest that Nash also designed the original [[St Luran]]'s [[Parish Church]] on Church Street in 1822 and certainly plans for the church exist in his hand. It is also suggested that Nash designed the [[dower house]] of Killymoon on Chapel Street (now divided into two houses) and it is certain that he designed the [[Rectory]] at [[Lissan]] for the Rev John Molesworth Staples in 1807.{{Citation needed|date=April 2008}} ===Nineteenth century=== However, Cookstown's greatest development came with the [[Industrial Revolution]].{{Citation needed|date=April 2008}} With the establishment of Gunning's Linen [[Weaving Mill]], the expansion of the Wellbrook [[linen]] finishing estate, the establishment of Adair's weaving mill at Greenvale and the final arrival of the railways, Cookstown's population quadrupled between 1820 and 1840. The railways allowed the fast transport to and from the town of agricultural produce. Two railways established terminus [[railway stations]] at Cookstown - the [[London, Midland and Scottish Railway]] in their dressed stone station designed by [[Charles Lanyon]] (now much altered as a Chinese restaurant on Molesworth Street) and the [[Great Northern Railway (Ireland)|Great Northern Railway]] in their brick station next door (now Cookstown High School's Hockey Club). Both transported goods and livestock for sale to Cookstown's market. With the exception of [[Killymoon Castle]], all of Cookstown's best architecture dates from this period and the town still resembles almost exactly the town developed at this time. Probably foremost among the buildings of this period is J.J. McCarthy's Church of the [[Holy Trinity]] on Chapel Street which is one of McCarthy's earliest commissions in which the influence of AWN Pugin's [[St. Giles' in Cheadle]] can be ascertained. Other fine buildings of this period include the [[Scottish Baronial]] former Courthouse (currently derelict) on Chapel Street; the Classical First [[Presbyterian]] Church (Loy Hill) and [[Italianate]] Molesworth [[Presbyterian]] Church (Molesworth Street); the [[Romanesque Revival architecture|Romanesque]] Methodist Church (Church Street); the [[Hibernian Bank]] on James Street and the pair of railway termini on Molesworth Street. ===The twentieth century=== With the linen and later the hat-making and brick manufacturing industries, Cookstown continued to prosper in the early 20th century and its population continued to expand. Little architecture of any note dates from this period as the Victorian structures of the previous generation continued to fulfil their purpose. [[World War I]] had a devastating effect on the local community at a cost of life commemorated in the prominent [[Cenotaph]] (loosely based on Lutyens' [[Whitehall]] [[Cenotaph]]) at the centre of the town unveiled in 1927. This is Cookstown's sole piece of public sculpture. On 17 June 1920, during the [[Irish War of Independence]], the [[Irish Republican Army (1917-22)|Irish Republican Army]] (IRA) attacked the [[Royal Irish Constabulary]] (RIC) barracks in Cookstown.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Hezlet|first1=Sir Arthur|title=The 'B' Specials|date=1972|publisher=Tom Stacey|location=London|isbn=0 85468 272 4|page=10}}</ref> It is claimed that some RIC helped the IRA in the attack. However, it failed and one IRA volunteer was killed.<ref>[http://www.dcu.ie/~foxs/irhist/june_1920.htm Chronology of Irish History 1919 - 1923 - June 1920] Seamus Fox. 2008. Dublin City University.</ref> As industry developed, a [[Technical College]] was established on Loy Hill in a [[Queen Anne style architecture|Queen Anne style]] red brick structure. This was opened by Mrs. Adair, whose husband owned the Greenvale Mill, in 1936 and the building continued as a Technical College until 2006 when it was relocated. Currently it is used as offices, a creche and a credit union. All of Cookstown's main educational institutions date from this period, Cookstown High School being housed in the Victorian mansion and former residence of the Gunning family at Coolnafranky and the [[Catholic Church]] constructing its convent schools and St Mary's Boy's School in 1939 (now demolished and replaced by Holy Trinity Nursery School), all on Loy Hill. With the outbreak of [[World War II]], Cookstown became the centre of much regimental activity.{{Citation needed|date=April 2008}} Later, Killymoon was [[requisitioned]] by the [[United States Army]], and a large [internment camp] was established at Monrush, where German prisoners of war were interned. Cookstown suffered no enemy damage during the war and the town's industries prospered. However, this proved to be the last industrial [[belle époque]] of Cookstown. While the [[linen industry]] survived in Ulster until well into the 1960s, increased fabric imports from the [[Far East]] led to economic difficulties across Northern Ireland. Despite this, Cookstown's Council built a modern town hall in 1953 (now demolished and replaced by the Buranavon Theatre) and the Daintyfit clothing factory on Burn Road opened. An internationally renowned Agricultural College was established at [[Loughry]] House, but the town's prosperity was now in doubt. Gunning's weaving mill closed in 1956, and was followed by Adair's Mill and the [[Wellbrook estate]] in 1961. The railways ceased to operate in 1963, and while the market continued to be held each Saturday, its agricultural significance never recovered and the sale of livestock completely ceased in 2004. In 1970, the [[Blue Circle Industries|Blue Circle]] [[portland cement|cement]] factory opened at Derryloran. This provided employment for the local population. The sole remaining building of architectural note from this period was Liam McCormack's Chapel, a cube-shape tacked onto JJ McCarthy's [[Gothic Revival architecture|High Victorian Gothic]] Convent of Mercy at Chapel Street. The patterned concrete and bronze façade was constructed in 1965 and contains important stained glass by [[Dublin]] artist [[Patrick Pye]], though the building is currently boarded up following the closure of the Convent. ===The Troubles=== {{see also|Timeline of The Troubles in Cookstown}} Through most of its history relatively good relations between Protestants and Catholics were maintained by almost equal numbers from both communities. But during [[the Troubles]], Cookstown suffered from several bomb and other attacks, robbing the town centre of most of its Victorian buildings including the sandstone façade of the Hibernian Bank as well as the Adair's former [[Italianate]] residence at Glenavon (which had been converted to a hotel). In 1989, two permanent armed [[civilian checkpoint|checkpoints]] were erected at either side of the town centre to protect an already existing army base at Chapel Street. Barriers were also erected around the town so that the Main Street could be cordoned off in the evening. These checkpoints were finally removed from the town in 1996. ===The twenty-first century=== In 1994 the tree-lined [[boulevard]] thought up by James and William Stewart was restored and a scheme of regeneration saw the creation of green space, flowerbeds and restored shop frontage. The tree-lined [[boulevard]] is the basis of the towns fantastic festive Christmas lighting. With Ulster's industry now substantially defunct, the town began to attract instead financial investment from shopping and tourism. In 2000, the [[Burnavon Arts and Cultural Centre]] opened on the site of the former Town Hall on the Burn Road and began to attract large scale cultural and artistic events to the town whilst a year later, a development scheme began which saw the former [[London, Midland and Scottish Railway|LMS]] [[Railway station|Railway Terminus]] turned into a retail park. In 2003 Cookstown District Council in conjunction with Cookstown Town Centre Forum launched Cookstown's ten-year Town Centre Regeneration Strategy and Action Plan which details a range of short, medium and long range regeneration actions. Today, Cookstown has been almost completely regenerated with plans for further regeneration work to be carried out throughout the town centre. Another large retail and office development on Molesworth Street was built in 2007 on the site of the former Market Yard. Outlets of [[Heatons]], [[Sports Direct]] and [[Poundstretcher]] have since opened here. The old Gunning and Moore Weaving Mill at Broadfields has been transformed into a large retail park with outlets of [[Tesco]], [[Marks and Spencer]], [[Homebase]], [[Next (retailer)|Next]], Tempest, [[New Look (clothing retailer)|New Look]], [[Halfords]], [[B&M Bargains]], [[Poundworld]] and [[Iceland]] opening here. Plans were also passed for two more major retail and residential/ penthouse developments in the Orritor Street/ Burn Road area of the town. Further development is planned for the site of the former Daintyfit factory. The town's central location and many hotels (for a population of just over 11,000 it has no less than 4) has meant that it is a natural location for conferences and meetings involving delegates from across Northern Ireland. It was the natural choice of location for the Mid-Ulster Sports Arena (established in 2003) and the now cancelled planned state of the art Northern Ireland Community Safety College to accommodate the Police Service of Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue and the Northern Ireland Prison Service. Cookstown currently has more than a hundred types of businesses operating at its heart. Of the direct retailing businesses some two-thirds are independent, largely family-owned concerns which give the town's retailing a distinctive appearance and a unique mix of excellence outlets. The town's rich traditional retailing mix of high quality independent stores is a tribute to retaining long-standing and loyal business while simultaneously building a new customer base with the continued attraction of some of the biggest names in national retailing. The town has taken a long term view to regeneration and Cookstown District Council in conjunction with Cookstown Town Centre Forum appointed a Town Strategy Manager to implement Cookstown's Town Centre Regeneration Strategy. Cookstown confidently bills itself as the ‘Retail Capital of Mid Ulster’ and is at the forefront of those towns which are reinventing retail and communicating the strength of the retailing offer to wider audiences, through a unique Cookstown brand identity ''(Cookstown – Looking Good, Looking Great)'' and aggressive marketing of the town locally and nationally. The town was also one of the first in Northern Ireland to produce a ten-year Urban Design Strategy (2007), an aspirational framework for all future town centre development. The Cookstown Town Centre Living Initiative (LOTS) Scheme (2006–2011) offers substantial grant assistance to reinvigorate unused or derelict space above shops into modern residential living accommodation is considered to be one of the most successful schemes of any town in Northern Ireland. The Cookstown Town Centre Street Entertainment Programme (2008–present) promotes the town's family-friendly appeal and encouraging people either to visit for the first time or to prolong a regular visit. While in late 2009 the civic heart of Cookstown, the Burn Road has benefited greatly from an Environmental Improvement Scheme and now hosts outdoor events including the Cookstown Comedy Festival. Cookstown District Council have continued to invest in the town, opening the Davagh Forest Trails- one of just 3 high spec mountain biking trails in Northern Ireland - in 2013. The Council has secured millions of UK pounds sterling and ensured that inward investment has been at its highest level since the establishment of the town in the 17th century, developing beyond recognition the economic infrastructure, tourism, retail and hospitality sectors in the area. ==Townlands== The following is a list of [[townlands]] within Cookstown’s urban area, alongside their likely [[etymology|etymologies]]:<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.placenamesni.org/Index.html | title=Northern Ireland Placenames Project | publisher=placenamesni.org | accessdate=2012-08-27 }}</ref> *Clare (likely from ''Clár'' meaning "level land") *Cookstown (an English name) *Coolkeeghan (likely from ''Cuil Caochain'' meaning "Keighen's corner") *Coolnafranky (likely from ''Cuil na Francaigh'' meaning "corner of the rats") *Coolnahavil (likely from ''Cuil na hAbhaill'' meaning "corner of the orchard") *Coolreaghs (likely from ''Cuil Riach'' meaning "grey corner") *[[Gortalowry]] (likely from ''Gort an Leamhraigh'' meaning "field of the elm place") *Loy (likely from ''Laigh'' meaning "hill") *Maloon (likely from ''Magh Luan'' meaning "plain of the lambs") *Monrush (likely from ''Moin Rois'' meaning "wooded peatland") *Sullenboy (likely from ''Sailean Buí'' meaning "yellow willows") *Tullagh (likely from ''Tulach'' meaning "hilltop") ==Politics== In elections for the [[Westminster Parliament]] and the [[Northern Ireland Assembly]] it is part of the [[Mid Ulster (disambiguation)|Mid Ulster constituency]]. The local authority, [[Cookstown District Council]], was established in 1973, and included part of [[County Londonderry]], notably the villages of [[Moneymore]], [[The Loup]] and [[Ballyronan]]. As part of the Local Government Reform (NI) [[Cookstown District Council]] merged with [[Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council]] and [[Magherafelt District Council]] to form a larger [[Mid-Ulster District Council]] in 2015. ==Notable inhabitants== * [[Tyrone GAA]] [[Eoin Mulligan]] who won three All Irelands with Tyrone in 2003, 2005 and 2008 is from the town. * [[Fulham F.C.]] and [[Northern Ireland national football team|Northern Ireland]] central [[defender (football)|defender]] and captain [[Aaron Hughes]]. * Birthplace of Ulster Vanguard founder [[William Craig (Northern Ireland politician)|William Craig]]. * Birthplace of Republican Socialist political activist [[Bernadette Devlin]], who was raised in a small housing estate called Rathbeg (meaning small fort in Gaelic), one of the leaders of 1960s civil rights movement and the youngest woman ever to be elected to the British parliament (aged 21). * Birthplace of Major-General Sir [[Richard Havelock Charles]], 1st Baronet (1858–1934), doctor, and [[Serjeant Surgeon]] to [[George V of the United Kingdom|King George V]]. * Home to [[comedian]]s [[Owen O'Neill]] and [[Jimmy Cricket]]. * [[Oliver Sheppard]], sculptor was born in Cookstown in 1865. His The "Death of Cuchalain" piece was chosen by De Valera as the national memorial to participants of the 1916 Rising and now resides in [[Dublin General Post Office]]. * [[Jonathan Swift]] stayed at Loughry Manor as a guest of the Lindsay family while writing ''[[Gulliver's Travels]]'' (published in 1726). * Birthplace of [[Mary Mallon]], aka [[Typhoid Mary]]. * [[Nick Laird]], poet and novelist. * Birthplace of Lieutenant Robert Lind of the [[71st (Highland) Regiment of Foot]] who was wounded at the Battle of Waterloo. He was presented with lands to the North of the Town as part of his pension on which he constructed a modest house. The south end of Moneymore Road where it meets Oldtown Street and Lissan Road was also named Waterloo Place in his honour. As the Waterloo Roll Call of 1904 states, "he received a grape-shot at Waterloo weighing 10 oz., which he kept as a relic, hooped in silver. The shot entered at the breast and was cut out at the shoulder three days later. He died at Waterloo Cottage [still existent, though much modified, on the Moneymore Road] on 3rd July 1851". * [[Eamonn McCrystal]], singer and broadcaster. ==Sport== *[[Cookstown Hockey Club]], are the local [[field hockey]] team. *[[Cookstown Fr. Rock's]] are the local [[Gaelic Athletic Association]] club. *[[Killymoon Rangers F.C.]] are one of a number of football clubs based in the town. Others include Cookstown Youth, Cookstown Celtic, Cookstown Olympic and Cookstown RBL * [[Coagh United]] is a football club in the Cookstown District and play in the NIFL * Cookstown Rugby Football Club play at the Sports Arena. They currently play in the Ulster Junior League 6 and are the reigning Ulster Minor League South and Ravenhill Cup champions * [[Mid-Ulster Ladies F.C.]] are the local women's football club SH1T Hole!!!!!! ==Demography== ===19th century population=== The population of the town increased during the 19th century:<ref>{{cite web | title=Census of Ireland 1851| work=Enhanced Parliamentary Papers on Ireland| url=http://eppi.dippam.ac.uk/documents/13130/eppi_pages/336886 | accessdate=22 March 2013}}</ref><ref name="CI">{{cite web | title=Census of Ireland 1891| work=Enhanced Parliamentary Papers on Ireland| url=http://eppi.dippam.ac.uk/documents/18814/eppi_pages/505469 | accessdate=22 March 2013}}</ref> {| class="wikitable" |- ! Year !! 1841 !! 1851 !! 1861 !! 1871 !! 1881 !! 1891 |- | Population || 3006 || 2993 || 3257 || 3501 || 3870 || 3841 |- | Houses || 550 || 576 || 600 || 728 || 822 || 835 |- |} ===21st century population=== On census day (29 April 2001) there were 10,646 people living in Cookstown. Of these: *26.0% were aged under 16 years and 15.6% were aged 60 and over *49.7% of the population were male and 50.3% were female *52.8% were from a [[Roman Catholic Church|Catholic]] background and 45.1% were from a [[Protestantism|Protestant]] background *3.9% of people aged 16–74 were unemployed.<ref>[http://www.ninis.nisra.gov.uk/ NI Neighbourhood Information Service NISRA]</ref> ==Education== *Ballylifford Primary School ([[Ballinderry]]) *Churchtown Primary School ([[Lissan]]) *Cookstown High School *Cookstown Primary School *Crievagh Primary School (Lissan) *Derrychrin Primary School (Ballinderry) *Gaelscoil Eoghain (Irish language primary school) *Holy Trinity College *Holy Trinity Primary School, Cookstown|Holy Trinity Primary School *Lissan Primary School (Lissan) *Orritor Primary School (Orritor) *St. Joseph's Primary School, Cookstown|St. Joseph's Primary School *St. Mary's Primary School, Cookstown|St. Mary's Primary School *Phoenix Integrated Primary School ===Colleges=== *The Loughry Campus of the [[College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise]] is two miles south of Cookstown. *[[South West College]] (technical college) *Northern Ireland Community Safety College when built will provide all training facilities for the [[Police Service of Northern Ireland]], [[Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service]] and the [[Northern Ireland Prison Service]]. This college will be built two miles south of Cookstown at Desertcreat (close to Loughry College) ==Cookstown Townland== The townland is situated in the historic [[Barony (geographic)|barony]] of [[Dungannon Upper]] and the [[Civil parishes in Ireland|civil parish]] of [[Derryloran]] and covers an area of 217 acres.<ref>{{cite web | title=Townlands of County Tyrone| work=IreAtlas Townland Database| url=http://www.thecore.com/seanruad/ | accessdate=19 March 2013}}</ref> The population of the townland increased overall during the 19th century:<ref name="CI"/><ref>{{cite web | title=Census of Ireland 1851| work=Enhanced Parliamentary Papers on Ireland| url=http://eppi.dippam.ac.uk/documents/13130/eppi_pages/336885 | accessdate=19 March 2013}}</ref> {| class="wikitable" |- ! Year !! 1841 !! 1851 !! 1861 !! 1871 !! 1881 !! 1891 |- | Population || 27 || - || 16 || 123 || 119 || 93 |- | Houses || 5 || 1 || 4 || 23 || 28 || 22 |- |} ==See also== {{Commons category|Cookstown}} * [[List of towns in Northern Ireland]] * [[List of villages in Northern Ireland]] * [[List of townlands of County Tyrone]] ==References== {{Reflist|2}} ==External links== {{wikivoyage|Cookstown}} *[http://www.chrono.qub.ac.uk/local/tyrone/Beaghmore/ Beaghmore Stone Circles] *[http://www.midulstertoday.com Mid Ulster Mail] *[http://www.cookstown.gov.uk Cookstown District Council website] {{NorthernIrishTowns}} {{County Tyrone}} {{Use dmy dates|date=February 2011}} [[Category:Towns in County Tyrone]] [[Category:Populated places established in 1609]] [[Category:Townlands of County Tyrone]] [[Category:Civil parish of Derryloran]] [[Category:1609 establishments in Ireland]]'