Articles by Ian Wilson
The Betsy Gray Cafe
The Betsy Gray Cafe
Ian Wilson  Near Six Road Ends there is a cafe named after Betsy Gray who, according to a very strong local legend, followed her boyfriend Willie Boal to the Battle of Ballynahinch in June 1798.
Easter Tuesday: Bombs on Bangor
Easter Tuesday: Bombs on Bangor
Ian Wilson  15th-16th April is the 80th anniversary of the Easter Tuesday bombing in Bangor when fourteen bombs fell and five people were killed..
Old Photos and Postcards appear in Bangor
Old Photos and Postcards appear in Bangor
Ian Wilson  With no Seaside Revival Day this year, efforts have gone in other directions, including placing blow-ups of old photos and postcards on hoardings round the major works being undertaken by NI Water.
The Curious Case of Tom McMahon, the Bangor Rower
The Curious Case of Tom McMahon, the Bangor Rower
Ian Wilson  Recently there has been publicity locally for the intrepid Donegal man Henry O’Donnell, who is attempting to swim round Ireland for charity.
The Long Hole (or Big Hole)
The Long Hole (or Big Hole)
Ian Wilson  A very recent planning application seeks to make the biggest change to this Bangor feature in its history.
Ballyholme Showgrounds circa 1928
Ballyholme Showgrounds circa 1928
Ian Wilson  Perhaps the most striking thing about this wonderful aerial view of Ballyholme is that relatively little has changed in almost 100 years!
Conlig and Whitespots Lead Mines
Conlig and Whitespots Lead Mines
Ian Wilson  Enthusiasts for local history will be interested to know that this fascinating location is to become much more accessible.
The Glen Yard
The Glen Yard
Ian Wilson  Walk past the foot of Strickland’s Glen towards Carnalea and you will clearly see the remains of a slipway beside which Arthur Clapham carried on boat-building from the 1930s till about 1960.
Ballymacormick Point
Ballymacormick Point
Ian Wilson  The random thoughts of a walker.
Captain William Brown of Bangor and a Mystery of the Sea
Captain William Brown of Bangor and a Mystery of the Sea
Ian Wilson  Prompted by the news in The Times of 30 August 2019, that the wreck of the paddle steamer Lelia has been found off North Wales and granted protected status on the advice of Historic England …
Sir Thomas Wilson: Pillar of Ulster Society - and Bootlegger!
Sir Thomas Wilson: Pillar of Ulster Society - and Bootlegger!
Ian Wilson  Sir Thomas Wilson (1863-1930) was the first Mayor of Bangor after it was created a Borough in 1927, and the first Freeman of the Borough.
Cockle Row, Groomsport - beachcomber's delight!
Cockle Row, Groomsport - beachcomber's delight!
Ian Wilson  The little beach in front of these ancient cottages seems at first glance like any other shingly patch of sand. But closer inspection reveals a curious thing.
A History of Bangor
A History of Bangor
Ian Wilson  A timeline of the town's history since 500 BC, when Bronze age settlers were living in the area, up until the present day