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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 of, and was built 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
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