Scarva (from Irish Scarbhach meaning "shallow place, rough ford")[1][2] is a small village and townland in County Down, Northern Ireland. It is at the boundary with County Armagh, which is marked by the Newry Canal. In the 2001 census it had a population of 320.
Scarva
| |
|---|---|
_Scarva_-_geograph.org.uk_-_1342710.jpg) St Matthew's Church of Ireland, Scarva | |
  Scarva Location within County Down | |
| Population | 320 (2001 Census) |
| Irish grid reference | J063436 |
| • Belfast | 25 mi (40 km) |
| District | |
| County | |
| Country | Northern Ireland |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | CRAIGAVON |
| Postcode district | BT63 |
| Dialling code | 028 |
| Police | Northern Ireland |
| Fire | Northern Ireland |
| Ambulance | Northern Ireland |
| UK Parliament | |
| NI Assembly | |
Scarva is home to the "Sham Fight" Pageant which is held on 13 July every year.[3] The pageant attracts thousands of members of the Royal Black Preceptory, a group related to the Orange Order, who come to march and stage a theatrical (sham) re-enactment of the 1690 Battle of the Boyne.[4]
History
editDuring the Williamite War in Ireland (1689–1691), the forces of Frederick Schomberg reputedly first camped near Scarva, before marching south.[5]
Much of the village was laid-out by John Reilly, owner of Scarvagh House, in the mid-18th century.[5] This included the construction of Scarva's Presbyterian meeting house,[5] which was built in 1753.[6]
In the late 18th century, there were skirmishes in the area involving the Hearts of Steel and Break-of-day Boys.[5]
Transport
editScarva railway station opened on 23 March 1859.[7]
Scarva is on National Cycle Route 9, linking Belfast with Newry, and onwards to Dublin.[citation needed]
Amenities
edit
The village has a park, with playing fields and a wildlife pond, scenic walks and wild fowl sanctuary.[8]
The local primary school, Scarva Primary School, had an enrollment of 61 pupils as of 2011.[9]
Sport
editThe local football club is Scarva Rangers, formed in 1972. Home matches are played at Scarva Park.
People
edit- Rear Admiral Charles Davis Lucas (1834–1914), recipient of the Victoria Cross
- William Buller (born 1992), racing driver
References
edit
- ^ Placenames NI Archived 2011-07-27 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Placenames Database of Ireland
- ^ "Crowds gather for Scarva's 'Sham fight'". Belfast Telegraph. 13 July 2002. Retrieved 12 January 2024.
- ^ "Sham Fight draws thousands to Scarva parade". BBC. 13 July 2019. Retrieved 12 January 2024.
- ^ a b c d Lewis, Samuel, ed. (1837). "Scarvagh". A Topographical Dictionary of Ireland. Lewis.
- ^ "Ulster's Changing Borders" (PDF). February 2008. Retrieved 12 January 2023.
Scarva Presbyterian Meeting House is a T-shaped stone building built [..] in 1753, by Mr. Reilly, owner of Scarva House
- ^ "Scarva station" (PDF). Railscot – Irish Railways. Retrieved 28 August 2007.
- ^ "Scarva Park".
- ^ "Primary Inspection Report - Scarva Primary School, Craigavon" (PDF). Education and Training Inspectorate. September 2011. Retrieved 12 January 2024.