In 2022 the museum acquired this portrait of Sir George Rawdon (1604-84). This acquisition was made possible through generous support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council.
About Sir George Rawdon
From the late 1620s, Sir George Rawdon was Agent for successive Lord Conway’s, and managed their Irish Estate. Rawdon played a key role in developing Lisnagarvey, later Lisburn; laying out the streets, founding the market and church and growing industry. He defended the town during the 1641 Rebellion and was later given charge of a horse troop by Charles II. Created 1st Baronet in 1665, he used his talent, cunning and networks to gain land. He founded the town of Moira, where he had a house, as well as the Co. Down town of Ballynahinch. He is buried in Lisburn Cathedral.
The portrait can be seen on display as part of our exhibition, ‘Rawdon: an Irish Family Dynasty’.
