Celebrating rebuilding of No 1 Seven Houses

One of Armagh’s most historic buildings has risen from the ashes thanks to the multi-million-pound Armagh Townscape Heritage scheme – a partnership project supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council and building owners.

After being destroyed in a fire over 60 years ago transformative work began in 2021 to rebuild and restore the famous terraced No. 1 Seven House which dates back to the 1770s.  The building now stands tall with two stunning apartments and an office space which is now the new home to CPS Property.

Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Alderman Margaret Tinsley, said:

“I’m delighted to see the completion of this historic building and many other buildings across the city as part of the £6.3m heritage regeneration investment project. Historic buildings are part of Armagh’s fabric and I’m thrilled with the progress being made restoring and reviving their beauty.”

Sally Montgomery, Northern Ireland Committee Member at The National Lottery Heritage Fund commented:

“Investing in heritage means investing in the community it belongs to, which is why we are proud to support Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council to restore and regenerate many of the City’s historic buildings and provide an activity programme to increase engagement with heritage through the Townscape Heritage Initiative.”

Owner of No. 1 Seven House on Upper English Street, Colin McKee said:

 “It has been fantastic to see the work over the past few years, reconstructing the building from the ground up. We now have two great apartments and an office space in the heart of the city. A special thanks to Armagh Townscape Heritage Scheme, a wonderful heritage-led-initiative that has supported this property, and many others across the city, restoring and preserving historic buildings for many years to come.”

As one of the oldest cities in Ireland, Armagh is famous for its Georgian façades and listed buildings which are instrumental in giving Armagh its distinctive, unique and historical feel. To date seven projects have been completed across the city, with four properties in progress at Upper English Street, and more set to begin later this year.

Another iconic part of Armagh’s history, restored by support from the Armagh Townscape Heritage Scheme was Armagh’s Golden Teapot.

The Teapot was originated by James Irwin, in 1870, and he used it to attract customers to his family grocery store and café on Scotch Street. It remained there for over a century until it was unfortunately damaged by an articulated-lorry in the 1990s.

It was gifted to and cared for by the Armagh County Museum in climate-controlled storage until recent years.  As part of the Armagh Townscape Heritage Scheme, the teapot has been repaired and restored, and has now checked in as a long-stay guest of the Charlemont Arms Hotel on Upper English Street.