THE MAN WHO BURNED THE WHITE HOUSE

British Army Maj Gen Robert Ross, from Rostrevor, will forever be remembered as the man who burned down the White House. The Burning of Washington took place in 1814, during the War of 1812 between British forces and the United States of America.

The major general led the troops who set alight public buildings including the Capitol, Washington Navy Yard and, most infamously, the President's Mansion. One eyewitness testified to Ross personally being involved in the piling up of furniture and kindling for the White House, preparing to destroy the landmark.

It was the only time that a foreign power captured and occupied Washington.