Official tourism website for Northern Ireland
En

Rollo Gillespie Monument

Comber Square, Comber, County Down, BT23 5DX
Photo of the Rollo Gillespie Monument standing tall in the centre of Comber Square

Book Tickets Online

About

Sir Robert Rollo Gillespie (1766-1814)

Born on this site, (house demolished in the 1840s) and baptised in the neighbouring St Mary's Parish Church, Gillespie moved to England aged ten with his family.

He joined the army in 1783 and saw a great deal of conflict, significant events include:

1794 | His first action as Captain at Tiburon in West Indies.

1798 | Attacked on San Domingo and badly wounded, he reputedly killed 6 men.

1806 | Joined the 19th Dragoons in India. Here he led his troops to Vellore, exacting “vengeance” on those who had massacred the British garrison there. This inspired the poem "Gillespie" by Sir Henry Newbolt.

1813 | Took command of the Meerut Division in India.

Gillespie lost his life 31 October 1814 whilst attacking the fortress of Kalunga. His last words, allegedly, were: "One shot more for the honour of Down". His ashes were buried at Meerut, and he was awarded a posthumous knighthood in the 1815 New Year's Honours.

In 1820 a “grateful nation” erected a memorial to him in St Paul's Cathedral.

 

Comber Memorial

This monument was the winning design by Mr John Johnston, of Belfast. It encompasses Masonic symbolism as Gillespie was a prominent member, and the Freemasons were heavily involved. The foundation stone was laid on 24 June 1844 which is St John's Day (a date of significance to Masons). A sealed bottle was also deposited which contained newspapers, coins, an 1844 almanac, the names of subscribers, the architect and contractor and a document outlining the background to the erection of the Monument.

The Monument was unveiled on 24 June 1845, with 30,000 people said to have crowded into Comber Square. The Illustrated London News reported:

“The pillar is described as a Grecian Column and stands 55 feet high. It is surmounted by the figure of Gillespie, posed for by a relative. Down the sides are listed the names of his battles.  There are four tablets round the base giving information about Gillespie, the Gillespie arms quartered with the badge of the Order of the Bath, and Masonic symbols. A fourth tablet initially remained blank but later was inscribed in commemoration of another Major General Robert Rollo Gillespie, grandson of the original Gillespie, who died in 1890.”

 

Text on tablet on West Face of the Pillar and panel in front of this face of the pillar:

ROBERT ROLLO GILLESPIE

Major General and Knight Commander of the Most Honorable Military Order of the Bath

Born at Comber A.D. 1766

After a brief but glorious career fell in battle before the Fortress of Kalunga 24th October 1814

His last words were –

“ONE MORE SHOT FOR THE HONOR OF DOWN!”

A monument in Meerut in the East marks the grave where his ashes rest

A statue in the Cathedral of Saint Paul in the City of London voted by both Houses of Parliament attests the gratitude of the Nation –

His own countrymen proud of the achievement which has shed lustre upon his native land, with a few of his old companions in arms have raised this column within that county which claimed his latest remembrance to perpetuate his memory at the place of his birth 

 

Text on Tablet on East Face of the Pillar:

This tablet, having remained blank since the erection of the monument seems fitting to the Masonic body and townsmen of Comber, recorded on it that the brilliant reputation of Sir Rollo was most worthily maintained by his grandson –

Major General Robert Rollo Gillespie C.B.

Who for over forty years served his country with the same bravery and fidelity as his illustrious ancestor, and won distinction at the following places

Reshire, Bushire, Koosab, Kolapore, El Magfar, Tel-El-Mahuta, Kassassin, Tel-El-Kebir, Bikanir.

He died on the 17th Nov 1890, in command of the Mhow Division of the Bombay Army.

 

July 5th 1893      John Frazer, County Surveyor, and William Walker, Architect } Inspectors

 


We would thank Ms Martha Payne, genealogist, researcher, and great-granddaughter of Mr John Johnston, in identifying a previous inaccuracy relating to the date of Rollo Gillespie’s death which has been amended as necessary.

 

For more information on Culture and Heritage in Ards and North Down, visit andculture.org.uk

Book Tickets

Facilities

Provider Preferences

  • Free (parking charges may apply)

Guide Prices

Ticket TypeTicket Tariff
TicketFree

Note: Prices are a guide only and may change on a daily basis.

Add Rollo Gillespie Monument to your Itinerary

Close window

Call direct on:

Tel+44 (0) 28 9182 6846

Map & Directions

Opening Times

* All year round

What's Nearby

  1. Comber Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church was built on a site donated by James Andrews…

    0.24 miles away
  2. This charming park is situated around the upper slopes and top of Scrabo Hill, near the…

    2.14 miles away
  3. At the top of Scrabo Hill, overlooking Strangford Lough and the whole of North Down, is…

    2.39 miles away
  4. WWT Castle Espie is an extraordinary day out for the whole family. Escape the everyday,…

    2.41 miles away
  5. Located in Newtownards’ beautifully restored Georgian Town Hall in the centre of town,…

    2.94 miles away
  6. In July 2000, Kiltonga Nature Reserve became the first site in the UK to be awarded BT…

    3.52 miles away
  7. At the south east edge of Newtownards these substantial remains of a Dominican (Black)…

    3.53 miles away
  8. Streamvale Farm is nestled in the rolling hills on the edge of Belfast. The family farm…

    3.54 miles away
  9. At the east of High Street in Newtownards the Market Cross was built in 1636 but was…

    3.58 miles away
  10. Movilla Abbey, Methodist and Church of Ireland.

    As important as Bangor, Movilla was…

    4.26 miles away
  11. The gallery seeks to promote quality Irish art in a relaxed atmosphere and displays a…

    4.38 miles away
  12. Stormont Estate is a Green Flag Award winning public park recognised as one of Northern…

    4.91 miles away
  13. The Museum examines Ireland's role in the 1st World War with special reference to the…

    5.11 miles away
  14. Parliament Buildings is home to the Northern Ireland Assembly, the legislative body for…

    5.13 miles away
  15. Shandon Park Mound is one of Belfast’s few surviving medieval earthworks, reached by a…

    5.13 miles away
  16. This ruined Tower House commands a position at the north end of Mahee Island in…

    5.17 miles away

Virtual Tour

Map & Directions

Recently Viewed

  1. Woodlab Distillery

    Type

    Distillery

    The gin school at Woodlab Distillery is a unique experience in the science of harnessing nature to…

  2. Carrickreagh Bay

    Type

    Guest Accommodation

    Escape to the waterways of Fermanagh at our unique glamping pods at Carrickreagh Bay, Lough Erne.…

  3. Blakes Of The Hollow

    Type

    Bar

    Renowned for its traditional Irish heritage, Blakes of the Hollow is one of the most famous and…

  4. Downpatrick Racecourse

    Type

    Equestrian

    Dating back to 1685, Downpatrick Racecourse is the oldest racecourse in Ireland. It has long been a…

Back to Top

Tourism Northern Ireland

Don't Miss