Warren Cottage, Lisburn, c. 1980s (ILC&LM Collection)
Warren Cottage was located opposite Warren View terrace on the Hillsborough Road, Lisburn. It was named after the townland in which it was located – Old Warren. Dating back to around 1800 and usually termed a ‘gentleman’s residence’, the property was described in the late 1960s as a:
‘Pleasant plastered and creeper-covered two-storey house and outbuildings, overlooking Lagan [Moore’s] Bridge and river, regency glazing bars downstairs, Georgian upstairs.’
C. E. B. Brett and Lady Dunleath, List of historic buildings, groups of buildings, buildings of architectural importance in the Borough of Lisburn (n.p., 1969), p. 15
Among those who occupied the house was Benjamin C. Hobson (1862–1935). From 1890, he was co-owner of the Ravarnette Weaving Company outside Lisburn following the death of his father-in-law, John Sinton JP (1835-90). Together with his brother-in-law, Hobson was among the pioneers of ‘aero linen’ which covered the fuselage of early aircraft.
Advertisement for Ravarnette Weaving Company’s aero linen (Flight, 20 March 1919)
Another occupant of Warren Cottage was James Brabazon JP (d. 1941). He was a managing director of the Antrim Iron Ore Company, secretary to the Belfast Shipping Federation, and a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers. Outside of work, he was a renowned breeder and judge of dogs, particularly Irish Terriers.
‘Strongheart Surprise Item’, a champion of Ireland Irish Terrier bred in the 1930s. Brabazon was involved in the breed around this time (Hutchinson’s Encyclopaedia of Dogs, 1934).