Holywood Library is the venue on World Book Day, Thursday 6 March, for the launch of a fascinating new book on the town. Popular local personality and former Mayor of North Down, Rev McConnell Auld, is the author of Forgotten Houses of Holywood.

Con’s previous book Holywood Then and Now offered an intriguing glimpse into Holywood’s past. Forgotten Houses, as the title suggests, is an illustrated record of 100 mansions, lodges and historic Holywood houses, all of which have been demolished or converted for commercial use.

Con records how, in the nineteenth century, Holywood became a magnet for the mansions of Belfast’s successful merchants who were attracted by its pleasant seaside situation and its proximity to the city. The heritage homes that they built are now being rapidly replaced by commercial and apartment buildings. In his book, Con suggests a viable alternative to this wanton destruction of our architectural history.

Forgotten Houses of Holywood is produced by the Spectator Group and is available from local bookshops. Copies will be available at the launch, to which everyone is welcome, admission free.