Constructed in the late 1700s, number 47 High Street is one of the oldest existing properties in Lurgan, whose architectural importance was recognised in 1981 when it was given Grade B1 listed building protection to ensure its future preservation.

During the 1800s and early 1900s, number 47 acted as the residence for a number of local linen manufacturers and merchants, who utilised the outbuildings to the rear for linen manufacture and warehousing. They include Samuel McCullagh, William Robert Nelson and the handkerchief firm of Murphy & Stevenson Company.

Murphy & Stevenson appear to have departed Lurgan in the 1930s, with newspaper adverts dating to 1936 announcing the auction of numbers 45 and 47 High Street. It appears the auction was not successful, for the properties were advertised for auction again in 1942. By 1945 number 47 was occupied by John and Emma O’Neile,

From the 1950s, number 47 began it’s long association with the medical profession, with Doctor Bingham, Doctor McNutt, and the dentists W.D. Pedlow and Stuart Best among its occupiers over the next 60 years.

Unfortunately, after the relocation of Best’s Dental Practice across the road to the Quaker Buildings, number 47 fell into a state of dereliction and disrepair. A fire in neighbouring number 45 and the subsequent water ingress in 2017 also caused further damage to the roof, floors and historical detailing of number 47

The current restoration work will address these problems, ensuring that number 47 is brought back to its former glory to ensure that future generations can enjoy using this landmark building.

This project has been made possible thanks to the investment from Johnston Pedlow Ltd., and the Lurgan Townscape Heritage Scheme, an initiative supported by the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council and Lottery players through The National Lottery Heritage Fund.