The building on the corner of English Street and Church Street dates from about 1860 and previously housed the Post Office and telephone exchange. The Down Recorder now has its offices in this building – a company first founded in Downpatrick by Conway Pilson in 1835.

Prior to this, a medieval stone tower known as ‘Castle Derras’ stood here. This was used as a prison in the early 18th century and was demolished in 1848.