Last week I was privileged to attend a two day conference about the 1798 Rebellion in County Down, featuring new perspectives and information from a range of speakers.

One speaker focussed on how the vast majority of Presbyterians did not take part and the majority of Presbyterian clergy were not agitating for rebellion. This was interesting to learn as I grew up believing otherwise.

Another focussed on the McKee family murders at their home near Saintfield whilst he and another speaker noted the use of intimidation and assassination of people who dared think differently or who had acted as informers.

I was delighted to see that the house was estimated to where I had thought it was. Alongside me was a Mr David McKee who could show me a photo of that former McKee home now known as the Burnt House, which he had visited some years ago.

Intellectually exhausted though I was a still took part in what appeared to be the second of three tours of Saintfield on Sunday. The guide, Mark, was informative and clearly spoken and now I know where the skirmish or battle took place. A plaque that I have driven past several times was pointed out, beside Saintfield High School.

Worn out by this I headed toward my car only to discover an advert for Saintfield Parish Church being open until 4pm (it was 3.45) so I headed in for a quick look to discover to my joy that seemingly ALL the parish record books were on display!

I donned cotton gloves and looked through them, noting the McKee enties for the period up until civil registration began. And there were many.

Why so? Because during the Penal Law period Presbyterian marriages etc were not technically legal so I wondered if ancestors of my wife had hedged their bets.

My thanks to the staff who tolerated my presence up to 23 minutes past the end time!