Catholic (and Presbyterian) education was prohibited by the penal laws (WP) and particularly the Education Act of 1695 (WP) – this is probably what’s on the notice on the left-hand tree. Schooling by Catholics (in Irish) nonetheless took place, in covert houses and outhouses, as well as in fields and hedge-rows. The Act was repealed in 1782, provided the teacher took an oath of allegiance to the Crown.
See also: The Mass Rock.
Ardoyne Avenue, north Belfast
Click image to enlarge
Copyright © 1996 Paddy Duffy
T00185
Paddy Duffy Collection 