History

The History of the Old Rectory

What began as Paul and Emma's dream home has evolved into a beloved venue with a story as captivating as its historic walls.

The Old Rectory was purchased by Paul and Emma in 2018 with the initial intention of it being their forever home.

Soon after purchasing they celebrated Pauls 30th birthday in the then dilapidated barn. Hanging fairy lights from beams, decorating with makeshift furniture and covering up holes in walls they invited family and friends to celebrate.

By all accounts this was a brilliant celebration and soon after this Paul’s cousin and two of their groups of friends asked if they could use the Old Rectory grounds to celebrate their wedding. The idea for the Old Rectory to become a venue was born.

Working tirelessly over the last 6 years Emma and Paul have poured their hearts into growing and evolving the Old Rectory and have been involved in every aspect of its design and creation.

The Barn at the Old Rectory before it was renovated

They are passionate about the Rectory and all the couples and guests who use its facilities and will continue to strive to create an amazing exclusive use venue.

Even though they dreamed big, they never imagined the Old Rectory would grow as it has.

They are passionate about the Rectory and all the couples and guests who use the facilities and will continue to strive to create an amazing exclusive use venue.

They want to extend a special thank you to their amazing couples and businesses who believed in them and allowed them to be a part of their special journey. To their amazing staff who are the backbone, and finally to their family and friends who continue to support them through thick and thin.

Emma and her Irish Wolfhound Leah standing outside the Barn

Whilst we are a small part of the recent history of the Old Rectory there have been many people who have crossed its paths many years before us.

1748

Rev. Richard Crump built the Old Rectory at the cost of £450

1775

On 10th June John Wesley first visited Killyman with support of Rev. Charles Caulfield who was rector in Killyman at this time. John Wesley is known for being the founder and leader of the Methodist Church

1785

John Wesley visited Killyman again. He was not permitted to enter the pulpit ao preached on the avenue of the Old Rectory to a large gathering.

1787

Aged 86, John Wesley made his third and final visit to Killyman where he preached on the Old Rectory steps for a second time. Again, he was entertained by Rev. Caufield on this occasion.

1910

On 1st February the wedding of Isobel Campbell to Lieut Charles de Burgh R.N was celebrated in St Andrews Church. Isobel was the daughter of Rev. Edward Campbell who was rector at Killyman at this time. Here they are pictured on the steps of the Old Rectory house. Isobel and Charles went on to have a daughter Coralie who married the lord lieutenant for Belfast.

1917

Colin Campbell (R of back row) Rev. Campbells son who was a commander in the Royal Navy. Alongside Dr G T Bennett, he invented the Campbell-Bennett Aperiodic Compass which made blind flying possible and was also useful at sea.

1918

Tragically just one month before war ended Colin, his wife and four-year-old daughter were all drowned at sea when their steamer was torpedoed by a German Submarine UB 123. They were brought to the mortuary of St Michael’s Hospital, Kingstown, (now Dun Laoghaire), County Dublin where Colin’s father, the Rev Edward Campbell identified them.

The Old Rectory when Doctor Campbell and his family lived there

1987

Rectory was sold to Dr Campbell and became a private residence. Doctor Campbell and his family lived here for 30 years.

2018

Old Rectory was bought by Paul and Emma who have undertaken an extensive restoration project to lovingly restore and maintain the unique character of this listed property and outbuildings.