A 19th century Armagh man once described as the city’s finest antiquarian has been honoured with a blue plaque marking his remarkable contribution to local history and archaeology.
John Corry (1805–1856), a passionate collector and historian who established his own private museum on Market Street, was commemorated on Thursday afternoon when the Ulster History Circle unveiled a plaque at the site of his former premises.
Born and raised in Armagh, Corry ran the family’s woollen business before devoting himself to uncovering and preserving the city’s ancient past.
His enthusiasm for archaeology saw him identify and collect artefacts that now sit in the National Museum of Ireland and other national collections.
Among his most significant discoveries was a Late Bronze Age gold ornament, known as a bulla, found as part of a hoard unearthed near Kinnego in 1840. Only seven such objects are known to exist in Ireland, and Corry’s example remains one of the finest.
He was just 28 when newspapers reported him presenting the Belfast Museum with an “ancient brazen seal belonging to the See of Armagh”, which had been discovered at the medieval church of St Bridget near St Malachy’s in Chapel Lane — the same church where he had been baptised.
Corry’s meticulous research and writings on local sites, including Bishop’s Court at Mullynure, remain valued by historians today. His detailed notes helped preserve knowledge of artefacts, stained glass, and coins uncovered before the site was destroyed by quarrying.
However, his passion for history ultimately cost him dearly. More devoted to his museum than his business, Corry was eventually forced to sell much of his precious collection as his retail trade declined. Some items were believed to have been acquired by the Royal Irish Academy and later transferred to national collections.
After losing the family business, he worked for a time in the postal service in Newry and Belfast, before poor health and personal struggles brought him back to Armagh, where he died in 1856. He was buried in the old cathedral churchyard in an unmarked family grave.
The blue plaque was supported by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council and unveiled with the assistance of Sean Barden, Curator of Armagh County Museum.
