Councillor Alan Barr condemns ‘wanton destruction’ of historic Craigavon House

Vandal destroyed 150 year old spindles on the double return staircase at Craigavon House

Braid Ulster Unionist Councillor Alan Barr has expressed outrage after a “malicious and destructive” act of vandalism at Craigavon House in East Belfast — the former home of Northern Ireland’s first Prime Minister and one of the most historically significant buildings in the country.

Councillor Barr, who serves on the Somme Advisory Group, said the damage was “disappointing, angering and saddening” and warned that such attacks threaten the survival of an important piece of Ulster’s heritage.

“I’m disappointed, angered and saddened to learn of the wanton destruction at Craigavon House,” he said.

Ulster Unionist Councillor Alan Barr, a member of the Somme Advisory Group

As well as being the family home to Northern Ireland’s first Prime Minister, Craigavon House was the hub of Ulster Unionism’s resistance to home rule and after the Great War part of it was used as a hospital for the care of 36th Ulster Division veterans.

“Ironically, the vandals used destroyed masonry to hold a Union flag in place. It’s sad that people know little about their culture and history.

“Therefore, it is important that we as Unionists help our people to understand and respect our rich heritage.”

A landmark steeped in history

Craigavon House

Image: Peter Moloney

Built in 1880 by the Craig family, the grand property on Circular Road was once a political nerve centre during the turbulent years before partition. Its most famous resident, Sir James Craig — later Lord Craigavon — served as Northern Ireland’s first Prime Minister from 1921 until his death in 1940.

Craigavon House became a meeting place for Ulster Unionist leaders during the home rule crisis, but it also has a history of service beyond politics.

In 1917, during the First World War, the house opened as the Ulster Volunteer Force Hospital, later known as the Somme Hospital, caring for soldiers wounded on the Western Front. Uniquely, it treated patients from across the community, offering respite to those physically and mentally scarred by the war.

Over the decades, the house has fallen into disrepair, with repeated attempts by the Somme Association to secure funding for restoration. Despite being referenced in the 2020 New Decade, New Approach agreement, progress on preserving the landmark has stalled.

‘Blatant vandalism’ of heritage features

The Somme Association and Somme Museum, custodians of the building’s legacy, detailed the damage caused during the recent break-in.

“Vandals broke in and intentionally destroyed the beautifully crafted 150 year old spindles on the double return staircase,” a spokesperson said.

“They then removed some of the original ornate cornice to use as a weight for the Union flag that they ironically erected.

“This post is to highlight this blatant vandalism that is eroding the cultural heritage around us.”

The incident has intensified calls for both stronger protection of the property and better education about its historical significance.

Call for education and preservation

In a direct appeal to the community, the Somme Association urged youth workers and educators to take a more active role in sharing the story of Craigavon House with younger generations.

“We appeal to anyone who works with the youth of East Belfast to please educate them on the significance of this historic house and to encourage them to stop this wilful destruction,” the spokesperson continued.

“On our part we would be willing to visit local youth groups or schools to talk about the history of Craigavon House.

“Please help us to protect Craigavon House from vandalism through education. Thank you for your support.”

For campaigners, the damage represents more than just the loss of physical fabric — it is a symbol of the ongoing erosion of Northern Ireland’s shared heritage.

Without urgent action, they warn, Craigavon House risks slipping further into decay, its remarkable story lost to future generations.