Greg and Rainey Mausolea in Knockbreda graveyard, Belfast

Less than three years after its formation, the Follies Trust celebrated the completion of its first project – the conservation of the Greg and Rainey mausolea in Knockbreda graveyard, Belfast. On a beautiful sunny morning the Chairman of the Trust welcomed Minister for Finance Sammy Wilson MP MLA and invited him to launch the publication Knockbreda – its monuments & people. Afterwards he cut ribbons, wrapped around the mausolea, helped by descendants of the families who erected the amazing monuments in the eighteenth century.

The Minister paid tribute to the Follies Trust for their work in completing their first project and combining it with a fine publication. Ninety people who included the Trust’s consultants, contractor, funders, friends, descendants and colleagues celebrated the occasion in style.

Speaking before the launch, the Chairman of The Follies Trust, Primrose Wilson CBE, enthused:

“Follies are joyful little buildings which aim to please!”

“These gorgeous structures proclaim to the world the importance of the people buried in them – they played a major role in making Belfast a great industrial city. The mausolea are part of Belfast’s heritage and have received a new lease of life since their restoration.

“The Follies Trust is proud to have played its part in rejuvenating this part of our history. Today at our celebration we are delighted to be joined by the Minister and descendants of the Greg and Rainey families who have travelled from Glasgow, London and Cambridge to be with us.”

Awards

the Knockbreda mausolea project was shortlisted for a Georgian Group Award in 2009 and received a commendation in the RICS Northern Ireland Awards 2009-10. Please see our Awards page for more details.