William J. Watson (1845-1911)

1874 – Villas, Rostrevor, Co. Down

Architect: William J. Watson

Terrace of four villas constructed in Rostrevor, and published in The Irish Builder, May 15 1874.

1876 – Great Northern Hotel, Rostrevor, Co. Down

Architect: William J. Watson

A large hotel facing Carlingford Lough, with a main frontage of almost 150 feet broken into a central block and two lower wings.

1885 – Wesleyan Church, Warrenpoint, Co. Down

Architect: William J. Watson

Also known as the “Coke Memorial Church” after the Methodist preacher Thomas Coke, construction started in August 1884 with the church opening in 1885.

1886 – Town Hall, Bessbrook, Co. Armagh

Architect: William J. Watson

“These buildings, designed by Mr. William James Watson, M.R.I.A.I, architect, Newry, have very recently been completed under his supervision.

1888 – Rostrevor Hydro, Co. Down

Architect: William J. Watson

Also known as Knockbarragh. Ahead of its construction, it received a description in The Irish Builder –

1890 – Danske Bank, Marcus Square, Newry

Architect: William J. Watson

Originally constructed as a branch of the Belfast Banking Co., which existed until its 1970 merger to form the Northern Bank,

1895 – Great Northern Hotel, Warrenpoint, Co. Down

Architect: William J. Watson

Warrenpoint and Rostrevor were popular seaside holiday destinations. The railway companies built hotels and many local women opened boarding houses in the three seaside resorts at Warrenpoint,

1899 – Victoria Home, Rostrevor, Co. Down

Architect: William J. Watson

Built in the mid-1890s for the Girls Friendly Society of Ireland, who asked for and received Royal permission to call it the Queen Victoria Home in 1901.