Ballymiscaw

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Ir: Baile Lios na Scáth ‘townland of the fort of the shadows or spectres’

The name of the townland of Ballymiscaw is recorded as Ballisnekah al. Ballisnesca in the Hamilton Patent of 1620 and the most satisfactory interpretation of the place-name is Baile Lios na Scáth ‘townland of the fort of the shadows or spectres’. Two forts are recorded in the townland, one of which is known as simply ‘The Fort’. This very large townland covers 895 acres and includes most of Stormont Castle estate and most of Knock Golf Club.

References

Historical/Postulated Forms

Ballisnekah al Ballisnesca - Ham. Patent [1620], xxi, 1620
Ballelisnescra al. Ballyhugh - Ham. Copy Inq. [1623], xlii, 1623
Ballyhugh al. Ballylisnisca - Ham. Copy Inq. [1623], xxxiv, 1623
B:Mc Sca - Census 1659, 87, 1659c
Ballym'sea - Sub. Roll Down, 284, 1663
Ballymascaw - Map of Down (OSNB), No. 48, 1745
Ballymascaw - Wm. Map (OSNB), No. 48, 1810
Ballymiscaw - Bnd. Sur. (OSNB), No. 48, 1830c
Baile Miosgaith - J O'D (OSNB), No. 38, 1834c
Baile Lios na Scath "the townland of the enclosure - NIPNP posters, Belfast, 1991
Baile Lios an Uisce - , KM/ROB, 2000