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Hillsborough Castle

Hillsborough Castle

Photo: Wentwort12 · CC BY 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Location
Hillsborough, Northern Ireland
Client / Owner
Hill family, Marquesses of Downshire
Year
Completed 18th century
Access
Tickets required
Style
—

Hillsborough Castle is a Georgian country house that the article says is not a true castle. The Hill family, Marquesses of Downshire, owned it until 1922, when the 7th Marquess sold it to the British government. It was built in the 18th century, and the article gives no exact years, architect, materials or dimensions.

It was the official residence of the Governor of Northern Ireland from 1924 until the post was abolished in 1973, though the first governor, the 3rd Duke of Abercorn, moved in during 1925. After direct rule began in 1972 it became the residence of the Secretary of State. The Anglo-Irish Agreement was signed there on November 15, 1985.

Mo Mowlam opened the grounds to the public in April 1999. It is also a royal residence when royals visit, and Historic Royal Palaces has managed it since April 2014. Visitors pay to enter.

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