In the 1830’s a number of the leases on the estates of the London Companies across the rural part of the county came to an end, and, rather than let them again, many of the Companies took a direct interest. A period of enhancement followed with Companies competing with each other, to improve conditions and create the most beautiful village (all in the Georgian style- though churches were often built in a classicised Gothic), the Fishmongers invested in Ballykelly, the Grocers in Eglinton, the Drapers in Moneymore and Draperstown, and, in this area, the Mercers invested in Kilrea . They rebuilt many of the town’s buildings, including churches, and improved its roads. Much of that elegance remains today. The Companies continued to manage their estates until selling them under land laws enacted at the end of the century.
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