Hymn writer's former home not insured when attacked

Firefighters could not save the roof of Milltown House after the arson attack in August

A decision not to insure the childhood home of one of the Victorian era's most famous hymn writers that was later badly damaged in an arson attack has been branded "a disgrace".

Cecil Frances Alexander, who wrote All Things Bright and Beautiful, grew up in Milltown House in Strabane, County Tyrone, in the 1830s.

The historic building, now owned by the Education Authority (EA) was badly damaged in an arson attack in August and Northern Ireland's Education Minster Paul Givan this week revealed it was not insured at the time.

The EA said any potential losses would be covered by its own funds but SDLP MLA Daniel McCrossan said the decision was "a disgrace" and "lets Mrs Alexander's legacy down".

Cecil Frances Alexander wrote a number of the world's most noted hymns

Cecil Frances Alexander was born in Dublin and moved to Milltown House in 1833.

The 22-acre site on which Milltown House sits is formerly home to Strabane Grammar School.

The EA said that, like many other government bodies, it "operates as a self-insuring organisation" which meant that "potential losses and costs are covered from our own funds".

The organisation said the site had experienced "ongoing issues with break-ins, antisocial behaviour and criminal damage," despite concerted efforts to prevent this.

SDLP MLA Daniel McCrossan says nothing was in place to protect the historic home

Speaking to BBC News NI, McCrossan said the EA "knew the value of the building and the importance of it historically".

"And they knew the importance of preserving and protecting it, yet put nothing in place to protect it.

"It is much worse if they are self-insuring, they should be in a position to resolve the damage. It is frustrating and there is a huge amount of annoyance in the area," he said.

McCrossan said Mrs Alexander was "world renowned" and had left a legacy that was far-reaching.

"This is an embarrassment for the authorities," he added.

'Significant budget constraints'

As first reported by the Belfast Telegraph, Givan confirmed Milltown House was not insured in written responses to two local MLAs on Wednesday.

In response to a question from McCrossan, the minister said the EA "will only insure its properties for damage, where required under the terms of a legal agreement".

He told DUP MLA Tom Buchanan that "only a small number of vacant buildings and sites under the ownership of the EA are insured through its property damage policy, and only where this is required by the title under which the property is held."

In a statement, the EA said it operated within significant budget constraints and had to prioritise resources to support operational schools and prevent school closures.

"This approach ensures we can continue to deliver essential educational services across Northern Ireland whilst managing our wider estate responsibilities," the EA said.

The former school site is for sale and Strabane Rugby Club had hoped to make it their new home, with Milltown House as its clubhouse.

"We remain committed to the disposal of this site and are targeting this for completion during the 2026/27 financial year," the EA said.

Mrs Alexander was a prolific writer and several of her hymns became famous worldwide, including "There is a Green Hill Far Away" and "Once in Royal David's City".

Her husband, William Alexander, was the Bishop of Derry and Raphoe and later became the Archbishop of Armagh.

He was also the last Church of Ireland bishop to take up a seat in the House of Lords.

Mrs Alexander died in 1895 and is buried in Londonderry's City Cemetery.