7
Castle Place in 1900
ONL Y
ÂŁ1.5 0
Bringing Old Belfast To The New
Glenravel Local History Project
There is perhaps no more fruitful for of education than to arouse the interest of a people in their own surroundings These words were written by Richard Livingstone and appeared in a book by Alfred Moore called Old Belfast over fifty years ago. Looking back its hard to imagine that they are as true today as they were way back then. More and more people are becoming interested in the history of Belfast and it was out of this that the Glenravel Local History Project were born in May 1991. Many could be forgiven for assuming that this name derived from the famous Glens in Co. Antrim and they would be right but in a roundabout way. Glenravel Street was situated directly behind in the old Poorhouse on North Queen Street and contained quite a few beautiful and historic buildings. One of these buildings was situated at its junction with Clifton Street and although it was officially known as the Ulster Ear, Eye and Throat Hospital it was known to most people as the Benn Hospital. This was due to the fact that it was built by Edward Benn (brother of the famous Victorian Belfast historian George). Mr Benn lived in the Glens of Antrim where Glenravel is situated. Although Glenravel Street contained all this history the street itself was totally obliterated to clear the way for the modern Westlink motorway system leaving us to question schemes such as historical areas of importance as well as buildings. The Glenravel Project was established by local historians Joe Baker and Michael Liggett and has now went on to become the main local historical group in the whole of Belfast. Over three hundred publications have been published by the group as well and several web sites, DVDs and countless newspaper and magazine articles. The Project also conducts several walking tours ranging from the Belfast Blitz right through to a walking tour of the historic Cavehill area. One of these tours is also around the historic Clifton Street Burying Ground which is also situated behind the old Poorhouse and which was opened by them in the mid 1790s. Although our original aim was the historical promotion of this site we have now went on to cover the whole of Belfast as well as assist numerous local historical schemes far beyond our city’s boundaries. This magazine is now our main focus for the local and factual history of Belfast and we welcome all articles of interest relating to the history of our city. And our aim:-
To secure a future for our past
5 Churchill Street, Belfast. BT15 2BP
A horse getting a drink of water from the trough at the junction of Comber Place and the Crumlin Road. 1925
The old Recorders Court. 1927
Hewitt Brothers, Sandy Row. 1924
028 9035 1326
glenravel@ashtoncentre.com 028 9020 2100 028 9074 2255 2
www.glenravel.com
MISSING FACE PARTS, A SHOT BULLOCK AND THE EXCESSIVE USE OF ARDENT SPIRITS! More From The Victorian Belfast Newspapers In our previous magazines we began a new series looking at life in Victorian Belfast as it was reported in the local press. Then we looked at January and February 1870 and in this issue we’ll continue by looking at March and April of the same year. In March 1870, in the early hours of Sunday morning, a respectably dressed man was observed to denude himself of the greater part of his clothing, and walk up and down the quay at Prince’s Dock in an excited manner. As it was considered the man intended to throw himself into the water, the police were called and he was taken to the Police Office. In the Police Court Owen Jones, a Welsh sailor, was returned for trial to the Recorder’s Court, charged with having maliciously assaulted Daniel Galley, a sail-maker, of Nelson Street, on board a vessel at the quay, by biting off a portion of his nose, cheek and ear.
Catherine Power and Alice Goodwin were both sentenced to a month’s imprisonment for having stolen the sum of £40 from the person of John Jackson, a commercial traveller. Thomas Bateson was admitted to bail to stand his trial at the Assizes, charged with having caused the death of William Carson, by having carelessly driven a van over him. In April, 1870 the depot, comprising 150 men of the 2nd battalion of the 18th (Royal Irish) Regiment, arrived in Belfast from Cork by the train due from Dublin at a quarter to four o’clock. They were met at the corner of Queen Street and Wellington Place by the band of the regiment. An explosion of gas took place in the house of Mr. William Bradshaw, Combermere Street. It appears that an escape took place from the metre. The explosion occurred in the parlour while Mr.
The General Hospital which stood in Frederick Street. This soon after became the Royal Hospital and later the Royal Victoria Hospital when it moved to the Falls Road. 3
Bradshaw was reading. He was severely injured around the face and upper body and was in a critical condition. Considerable damage was also done to the house. A man named James Connolly, resident of the Malone Road, fell into the Blackstaff at Cromac Street Bridge on his way home. Sub-Constable William Barclay rescued him from the river. He was almost half-drowned when he was rescued; however he recovered once restoratives were applied. Some maliciously disposed person placed a large piece of iron in the centre of one of the rails of the bridge at the Central Railway, which crosses the part of Ballymacarrett known as the ‘Sands’. An engine and wagons passed over the iron but thankfully were not derailed as the wagons were stopped before coming into contact with the iron. The police began inquiries immediately.
An employee of the Ulster railway discovered a man lying across the rails a short distance from the station shortly before the arrival of the express train from Dublin. The man was taken to the Police Office where he claimed to be Benjamin Disraeli. It was soon ascertained that he was George Preston, a shoemaker from London, who had been confined in Bethnal Green Asylum, London, some time before. The magistrates at the Belfast Police Court ordered him to be taken to the Workhouse.
An inquest was held in the Morgue, Police Square, on the body of Robert Lindsay, aged eighteen, engaged as an ordinary seaman on board the ship Lammergier, lying at Clarendon Dock, and who fell from the rigging of the vessel onto the deck. The jury returned a verdict of accidental death. A young bull attracted much attention among the cattle bought in Saintfield fair, due to his bad behaviour. Despite all efforts to capture him, he succeeded in breaking away from the herds, and ran wildly along the railway line so far as the Conns Water Bridge. On finding that there was no use in attempting to capture the animal, the men who had gathered decided to shoot him.
A fire broke out in three houses in Moscow Street, Shankill Road occupied respectively by Mr. Francis C. Skelly, Mr. Charles Macpherson, and Mr, Branagh. Upon the arrival of the fire brigade however, it was discovered that roofs of the houses were completely burned out and that the end house, Mr. Skelly’s, was completely gutted. Only for the exertions of the brigade the entire row would have been destroyed. An inquest was held in the General Hospital on the body of a man named Alexander Eagle, of Sandy A fire occurred at 16 Cranbourne Street, the private Row, who died allegedly from accidental poisoning. residence of Mr. John Corbett, watchmaker, of York The deceased had been labouring under disease of Street. His wife and two children the heart, the right lung, and liver. After hearing the were in the house at the time with him and were it evidence relating to the post mortem examination, not for his timely discovery of the fire, it seems the the jury returned the following verdict: ‘death from whole family would have been suffocated. With the natural causes, hastened by the excessive use of help of many others, they managed to get the fire ardent spirits’. under control by the time the fire brigade arrived. An inquest was held in Mrs. Heron’s public house, Several companies of the 18th Royal Irish arrived Ballymacarrett, on the body of a woman named in Belfast by the mid-day train from Dublin, to join Mary Ann Wainwright, of Church Street, the headquarters of the right wing in Belfast. The Ballymacarrett, who died a few hours after her soldiers were accompanied to the barracks by the confinement. The jury returned a verdict saying that band of the regiment, who played several airs on no blame could be attached to any person in the route. attendance at the time of her confinement. 4
The remains of Wilton’s Funeral Parlour, Crumlin Road, after it was destroyed during the Luftwaffe Blitz on Belfast in April 1941
5
Grim Belfast Tragedy sad and distressing event took place in Kent Street, off Royal Avenue in Belfast in February 1925.
A
Alexander McEwan aged 28 and his wife Minnie aged 21 had been married for 13 weeks. During the time of their short marriage Alexander had lost his job, had become depressed and thought that he was going to have to go back to sea. He had served five years in the Navy, his last ship being the Research. His naval discharge
papers certified him as a man Elaine Hogg of good character but he had a rather nervous temperament after his experiences in World After his attempt at suicide the couple became homeless and War One. at the height of their stress they When Alexander lost his job met up with a Patrick O’Rorke, the couple were living in good who was one of life’s true good accommodation in Samuel Samaritans. O’Rorke was a Street, which ran from man of great generosity and his Winetavern Street to Millfield. wife knew Minnie McEwan McEwan was so distressed by from when they were children. losing his job that he tried to He offered to share his humble kill himself by gassing himself home in Kent Street with the but he was saved, arrested and couple and the McEwan's gratefully accepted. The remanded on a small bail. couple slept in the kitchen of the house in an improvised bed make up of a couch with chairs placed alongside it. Also living in the house in Kent Street were the Walsh family made up of Mrs Walsh and her four children. They all slept upstairs and the O’Rorke couple slept in a room off the kitchen, with their children.
In the early hours of that fateful morning Mr O’Rorke awoke when he heard someone coming into his room. In the darkness he could just make out the shape of a woman slowly making her way over to his bed. One of the woman’s hands was clutching her throat The house where the tragedy took place. X marks the window of and the other reached out and the kitchen where the ill-fated couple slept 6
Crowds gather in Kent Street after news of the tragedy spread
touched Patrick’s wife and a had got to. He found husky murmur could be heard. Alexander in the corner of the room hacking at his own throat Mr and Mrs O’Rorke jumped with a razor. Patrick grabbed form their bed and went after the razor from his hand but it the figure that they now was too late, Alexander had realised was Minnie McEwan already cut deep enough into as she passed from their room his own throat to cause fatal in to the lighted kitchen. As damage. The blood spurted Minnie walked back to the from his throat and before the kitchen she slipped and fell police came to the house back to the ground, dead. The Alexander was dead. The O'Rorkes could see clearly arrival of the police awoke the now that Minnie’s throat had O’Rorke children and the been cut, from ear to ear, and Walsh family who had slept they were also horrified to through the whole thing. discover that Minnie had At the inquest into the death of slipped in her bare feet in a the tragic couple the text of a pool of her own blood, which letter written by Alexander covered the kitchen floor. McEwan was read out: It was obvious with the amount of blood on the floor that Minnie was already dead and Patrick O’Rorke looked to see where her husband, Alexander,
Dear friends, - do not think I am daft or mad by doing this, as I am drove to it by my nerves, which I got in the war, and I think it fair for the
Government to grant my son a pension in respects to his daddy. So I kindly wish all goodbye. The story of the last few days of the McEwans life was also reported to the coroner and it would have brought a tear to anyone’s eyes. Living on the charity of a mere acquaintance sat hard with Alexander. He moped about and was very downhearted and O’Rorke and his friend Pat Curry tried very hard to liven him up while Mrs O’Rorke sought to cheer up her girlhood friend, Minnie. The men took the husband out round the city for walks and tried to talk him into happiness by hoping for better times. O’Rorke told McEwan that he could get a war pension to tide him over and told him that he could stay with him for as long 7
as he needed. He also offered him furniture for when he found somewhere else to live. O’Rorke took everyone to the cinema to cheer them all up and everyone seemed much happier the day before the couple died. The McEwan’s were described as being a devoted couple, very affectionate and they never argued. Alexander McEwan
Mrs McEwan
The inquest concluded that Alexander McEwan had killed while of unsound mind. It was changed the lives of all those his wife and then killed himself a sudden act of insanity which who knew them.
Fire disaster in Belfast Early one Sunday morning in October 1936 the Molyneaux family who lived in Turin Street off the Grosvenor Road were trapped by fire in the upstairs rooms of their home. Before the day was over four of the family of seven were so badly injured that they died in the Royal Victoria Hospital.
aged 14 was severely burned and spent many weeks in the RVH and three year old Sandy was treated in the Children’s Hospital on the Falls Road for slight burns and shock. Both sons made a full recovery. The only member of the family to escape uninjured was their six week old baby daughter who was dropped from an upstairs window by John The dead were John Molyneaux into a shawl Molyneaux aged 40, his belonging to a wife, Elizabeth neighbour. Molyneaux aged 38, and two of their daughters, This terrible disaster, one Ruby aged 15 and Elsie of the worst seen in aged 8. Their son Belfast for many years, Thomas Molyneaux also was responsible for 8
the death of Mr W Forsyth, an elderly man, who had been unwell for some time and lived across the road from the Molyneaux family. Mr Forsyth died from shock caused by the excitement on the street during the fire and his last words were an inquiry as to the safety of the Molyneaux children. His anxieties about the children were relieved by his wife who reassured him that all the children had got out of the house and he eventually went back to sleep, but Mr Forsyth was found dead in his bed the following morning.
"Father and mother no doubt lost their lives in trying to save their children" were the words of the Belfast Coroner after he recorded a verdict of accidental death on the Molyneaux family. The inquest had heard stories of heroism and gallantry by neighbours, firemen and police. The father and mother stayed in the house when they had every opportunity to escape but both refused to leave the house until all their children had been rescued from the house. One man, Victor Morrow, entered the
to hospital, relieved to see her baby daughter one last time.
Molyneaux house three times in an attempt to rescue the trapped family and only gave up his efforts when he became overcome from smoke and exhaustion and was taken to hospital.
It was thought that the fire had started when Mrs Molyneaux hung some of the children’s clothes by the fire in the kitchen to dry overnight. When Mrs Molyneaux was rescued from the
All the family would have perished in the intense fire if a neighbour Mary Hastings had not smelt smoke as she made tea for her husband around 12.30am on the Sunday morning. Her husband rushed over to the Molyneaux house to find it filled with smoke. He broke down the front door and rushed into the house but was driven back by smoke and flames. He saw a shadow of someone in the flames and then heard Mrs Molyneaux scream "Oh my baby". He ran from the house and shouted to Thomas and Elizabeth to break the front windows and pass out the baby. Mr Molyneaux broke the window, cutting himself badly and he threw out the baby but he was overcome by the smoke and disappeared from the window. Mr Hastings could see that Thomas Molyneaux was already badly burned and almost unconscious from the huge amount of smoke in the house.
house, badly burned and scorched she told her neighbour, Mrs Eva Boal, that "I put on a fire and hung some of the children’s clothes around it before I went to bed". She died The firemen who minutes later on her way attended the scene acted 9
bravely in going into the house and getting the remaining family out of the house. The family were suffering from the smoke they had inhaled and from varying degrees of burns. The next day the fire service investigated the fire and traced the source of the fire to the kitchen and around the fireplace where Mrs Molyneaux
had said she had left the clothes to ry. Mr Alexander the coroner stated that "from the moment the fire was discovered, there seems to have been nothing but gallantry and heroism shown by neighbours and the emergency services. An unknown motorist hurried two of the children to hospital, doing two journeys and not losing a minute".
This unknown motorist was later found to be Cyril Diplock of 188 Malone Road, who had not wanted any attention for his kind and charitable act which surely saved the lives of two of the Molyneaux children. The Molyneaux family had lived comfortably and happily in their small but well furnished house in Turin Street.
The funerals of the Molyneaux on the Grosvenor Road
Mr Molyneaux was an ex soldier who had served in World War 1, in which he was badly injured. He was a man of good nature and as head porter in Arnott's in Belfast was beloved by his colleagues and trusted by his employers. Mr Molyneaux was also a member of the Central Mission and had a good singing voice and his death was greatly regretted by his fellow members of the choir. At the funeral of the family thousands lined the street as the remains of Thomas Molyneaux, his wife and two children passed along the Grosvenor Road on its way to Carnmoney. The funeral cortege passed the scene of the tragedy to scenes of anguish, grief and suffering from the local community.
The Belfast Gold Mine here have been many stories of the frenzied rush of fortune seekers to the famous goldfields in the Klondyke or in Americas west but the "gold mine" found in Belfast York Street area in November 1923 did not create quite the same frenzy.
T
Frederick Street when large gangs of workers who were working on excavating and demolishing buildings in the area left large piles of debris.
The rubble attracted groups of young men who often dug among the debris of the buildings to see No surveyors or special what they could find. Imagine equipment was needed in their surprise when one evening 10
they uncovered ten gold sovereigns. Soon the news spread through the area and large crowds of mostly young men gathered there to search anxiously through the debris in the hope of finding more gold. Bricks and stones were scattered all around by eager searchers but no more gold was found. The
young men had taken to writing on any surface in the area "Beware of Gold" and "Klondyke". The most annoyed of all the people in the area were the workmen who had often chatted to the young boys and had encouraged them to sift through
the debris to find wood which they told them to take home and use as firewood. If they hadn’t encouraged the young men to search through the debris the workmen may have found the sovereigns themselves. The building that was demolished where the money was found had originally been a poultry shop run
with a small grocery shop in Alexander Street opposite the corner of Constabulary Lane. After the owner had vacated the premises they were used as stables and they remained as stables until they became so dilapidated that they were ordered to be demolished thus allowing the gold to be found.
Glengormley Plane Crash n February 1927 an RAF plane crashed in the Ballycraigy area of Glengormley narrowly missing the small country home of the Heron family. The aircraft which was
I
attached to No 2 Bombing Squadron left Aldergrove in the early afternoon and had been the air for around two hours when the pilot realised that he was running out of petrol.
He was then over Belfast Lough and he immediately turned his plane towards the airport in the hope of reaching his destination without mishap. He had only covered about a mile
when the petrol ran out. All he could do was make a forced landing and he gradually brought the Avro machine to a low altitude to try and find a safe landing place. As he was passing over 11
Ballycraigy at a few hundred feet his engine backfired, indicating that all the petrol was gone. He picked out a field which although very small was his only chance. The field was beyond a belt of trees, but there was nothing else he could do and the undercarriage of his plane skimmed over the branches and it was then that he noticed he was heading straight for the country house owned by the Heron family. The pilot bravely banked the aircraft and the wing missed the top of the
12
house by inches. He circled round the house and then glided towards a field, but the plane struck a ditch and nosedived to the ground. As soon as the plane crashed Mrs Heron and her two daughters ran from their house to the plane but before they reached the scene the pilot got out of the cockpit, uninjured but shaken. The pilot immediately began an examination of the aircraft despite the possible danger to himself.
Mr Heron who was on his way to see a friend when he noticed the plane flying at a low altitude said at the time; "I was about a mile away from my home at the time and I stopped to watch the plane’s manoeuvres. It was evident that the pilot was in difficulties, as he came lower and lower in the hope of finding a spot to land. Suddenly he went down sharply, and realising that he was almost over my home I entertained fears for my family. In a few
moments the plane disappeared and I at once retraced my steps. I fully expected to find my home wrecked, but was relieved on arrival to learn that the machine had miraculously evaded the roof and had landed with the pilot safe, about 400 yards away".
Within days the plane was dismantled and brought to RAF Aldergrove for examination and the Heron family had a great tale to tell their family for many generations.
Junction of Albertbridge Road and Castlereagh Street showing the landmark rock in 1923 BELOW - Malone Place on the Lisburn Road in the same year
13
1878
14
Exploring Belfast’s Old Streets Raymond O’Regan
CASTLE PLACE The history of Castle Place can be traced back to the Belfast of the 1600’s and was once part of High Street. Many people don’t realise that the original Belfast Castle, dating back to the 12th century, was on the site were British Home Stores stands today. (Pictured below) Hence the numerous references in the street names nearby e.g. Castle Street, Castle Lane and Castle Arcade. Castle Place was also where the original Robinson and Cleaver had their first store . Castle Place was also known as Grand Parade in the 1790’s as it was the venue for
many military parades. Castle Place also has another more grim reminder of its past as it was the area were public hangings took place. The last of these public hangings took place in the early 19th. century when two men convicted of arson on premises in Peters Hill were hanged. A Thomas Gaffikin records the event at the time "I remember distinctly seeing the helmets and swords of the Dragoons as their horses closed up the thoroughfare between High Street and Castle Place while the two men were hanged". On a more lighter note when trams were introduced initially
Castle Place in 1843
Castle Place in 1870
Map of Castle Place in 1888
15
horse drawn and then in 1904 *electric trams Castle Place became more well known as Castle Junction. Even today many of the older citizens of
Belfast still refer to it by that name. (*The last tram to run in Belfast was in 1954. They were replaced by trolley and petrol driven buses)
Map of Castle Place in 1897
Castle Place around 1885
Castle Place in 1897 16
A building that stands out as a striking piece of architecture is the Bank Buildings (1899). a five story building. This is the third version of this building and is today the home of Primark (first version 1787, second version 1855, third version 1899 / 1900.) The original names of the owners of the 1899 building can still be seen above the present day entrance I.E. ROBERTSON, L E D L I E , FERGUSON. The first Bank Buildings of 1787 was the brain child of four bankers , all with the Christian name of John and all members
of First Presbyterian Church in Rosemary St. They started off in Castle place approx. were HMV is today moved to Ann St and were known as "The Bank of the Four Johns". The 1787 Premises (today’s Bank Buildings) was leased from the Four Johns and was known as Cunningham’s Bank in 1787. This bank would close in 1793 and the Bank of the Four Johns would move from Ann Street to the Bank Buildings and remain in business until it was dissolved in 1797 and for a period the building was the home of a Church of Ireland Bishop)
Moving to the junction of Castle Place we find that the fast food outlet McDonald’s.
Castle Place in 1897
The same view today
Next to this is the coffee lounge of British Home Stores. Their neighbours are Jean Scene in which part of the store is situated in a 19th century building and the other in the 20th century Castle Building. The other stores occupying the Castle Building are Mothercare and East Clothes.
Castle Buildings were built in 1905 and recalls the association of this site with Belfast Castle that stood here up to the 18th. century (the site of the original Belfast Castle was approx. the area now covered by British Home Stores. The castle was almost completely destroyed
in a fire in 1708 and the Donegall family eventually moved to England with the land
17
eventually being We now cross to the leased out as other side of Castle commercial premises. Place beginning at its junction with Royal Avenue where the Clarkes Baggage Store is situated. Passing by today you cant help but notice the clothes store of DV8. The latest shop to open here is Carrolls Gifts and Souvenirs which is situated at the junction of Castle Place and Cornmarket. In the recent past Leahy This is situated in the Kelly and Leahy had building up until a tobacco shop here recently occupied by and its history goes the General Post back even further all Office until it moved the way back to the to the junction of High 18th Century when it Street and Bridge
Belfast Street Directory listing Castle Place in 1870 18
Street. The GPO moved here from Royal Avenue when the original building was demolished to clear the site for the Castlecourt complex (why it’s called this is a complete mystery as the original castle court was no where near it) The new Castle Place GPO occupied the site of the old Ulster Club which was demolished to build it and which can be seen in the old photographs with this feature. Facing this store is a small Kiosk. It was roughly where this stands that the public executions took place.
Next to DV8 is the only other 19th century building that survives in Castle Place and which today is occupied by Barclay’s Bank.
This then brings us to the stores of Game, HMV and Curry’s. These now occupy the site of the famous Robb’s Department Store and even more interesting is the fact the Donegall Arms hotel built in 1786 was absorbed into the Robbs buildings in the 19th. Century. The hotel was used by the army during the 1798 rising. The last owner of the hotel was a man called Moore who is buried in Clifton Street Graveyard in a grave simply marked Moore!
1930
Castle Place in 1963
Castle Place around 1890
A trolly bus pictured in Castle Place in 1953 Castle Place in 1965
Castle Place in 1952 19
THE OLD POORHOUSE AND GRAVEYARD Part 4 FINAL RESTING PLACE lifton Street Burying Ground is the final resting place of many of Belfast’s forefathers, as well as some of its wayward sons. Everyone from mill owners, shipbuilders, paupers, thieves, politicians and political rebels all rest within its walls.
C
dog which stood on top of it. It is unknown what the reason was behind this particular statue but, at a guess, it would be almost safe to assume that it was a devoted family pet.
The following is a tiny selection of some of the people buried here. Not all are famous or well known, but all show the diversity of the people buried here. Given that there are thousands laid to rest here it would be almost impossible to list all the graves. It would also be hard to look at all the graves of noted individuals as there are simply too many of them. The purpose of this feature is to show the diversity of those buried here be they rich or poor, skilled and unskilled. Where else would you get Unionist MP’s lying alongside Nationalist leaders? After all, as the old saying goes, we are all equal in death! Remember man as you pass by As you are now so once was I As am am now so you shall be Prepare yourself to follow me
This statue created another story, only this time it was a widely known story given a local theme. The story was that the statue was erected on the grave to commemorate Hyndman’s dog which lay on his grave after his death until the dog itself died. A nice story but completely untrue in relation to Belfast. The true story occurred in Edinburgh and surrounded a dog which became known as Greyfriars Bobby. The basic story is told on one of the many web sites on the subject Inscription on tombstone in Lower Ground (www.greyfriarsbobby.co.uk) The Hyndman memorial still In 1858, a man named John Gray remains almost intact with the was buried in old Greyfriars exception of a small statue of a Churchyard in Edinburgh. His 20
grave levelled by the hand of time, and unmarked by any stone, became scarcely discernible; but, although no human interest seemed to attach to it the sacred spot was not wholly disregarded and forgotten. For fourteen years the dead man's faithful dog kept constant watch and guard over the grave until his own death in 1872. James Brown, the old curator of the burial ground, remembers Gray's funeral, and the dog, a Skye terrier called Bobby, was, he says, one of the most conspicuous of the mourners. The grave was closed in as usual, and next morning Bobby, was found, lying on the newly-made mound. This was an innovation which old James could not permit, for there was an order at the gate stating in the most intelligible characters that dogs were not admitted. Bobby was accordingly driven out; but next morning he was there again, and for the second
time was discharged. The third morning was cold and wet, and when the old man saw the faithful animal, in spite of all chastisement, still lying shivering on the grave, he took pity on him, and gave him some food. This recognition of his devotion gave Bobby the right to make the churchyard his home; and from that time until his own death he never spent a night away from his master's tomb. Often in bad weather attempts were made to keep him within doors, but by dismal howls he succeeded in making it known that this interference was not agreeable to him, and he was always allowed to have his way. At almost any time during the day he could be seen in or about the churchyard, and no matter how rough the night, nothing could induce him to forsake that hallowed spot, whose identity he so faithfully preserved. Valentine Jones was one of the early builders of the town of Belfast. He was engaged in commerce with the West Indies in partnership with a Mr Bateson, and later went on to run an extensive wine trade, his premises occupying almost one side of Wineseller Entry. Valentine Jones was involved in almost every public venture of importance in Belfast, particularly the founding and establishing of the Belfast Charitable Society, and he contributed to the building of their poor-house. He was responsible for the building of fine houses which stood on the east side of
Alexander Mackay ‘bought out’ his associates and became the sole proprietor of the newspaper. He remained the proprietor of the Belfast Newsletter until his death in November, 1844. The newspaper remained within his family up until 1989, when it was sold by Mr O. Henderson who was the great, great, greatgrandson of Alexander Mackay.
Donegall Place, and it was in one of these houses, next to the Imperial Hotel, that he spent his latter years. On a darker side he was one of those who wished to bring a slave trade to Belfast.
In 1795, Henry Joy (junior) sold the Belfast Newsletter to a consortium of five Edinburgh men consisting of Robert Allen, George Gordon, Ebenezer Black, James Blair and Alexander Mackay. Robert Allen, who was a banker,would appear to have negotiated the purchase and raised the necessary capital. Soon after George Gordon, became the editor and publisher and he was later joined, in 1796, by Alexander Mackay who took over the management. After the death of Ebenezer Black in 1804,
In this vault are buried the remains of Dr Alexander Haliday and his nephew, Dr William Haliday. Dr Alexander Haliday was the most distinguished physician in the north of Ireland for much of the latter part of the eighteenth century. He was the first president of the Linen Hall Library and was also closely connected with the Belfast Charitable Society. In 1770 he played a key role in bringing peace when the ‘Hearts of Steel’ attacked the Belfast Barracks after one of their members had been arrested and taken there. His nephew, Dr William Haliday, was also connected with the Belfast Charitable Society and was an early president of the Belfast Medical Society. This vault is the resting place of the Luke family. Buried here is the body of Samuel Luke, a merchant who lived at 4 Antrim Place (lower Antrim Road). Born in Belfast in 1791, he died in June, 1844. Also buried here is James Luke who, along with John Thompson, became partners of the Belfast Commercial Bank in 1821. This 21
Henry Joy, and it was there that most of their children were born. Henry Joy McCracken had four brothers, William, Robert (who died in infancy), Francis and John. He also had two sisters, Margaret and Mary Ann. Later in life Henry Joy McCracken became acquainted with Thomas Russell, both of whom were associated with
bank went on to become the Belfast Banking Company; and James Luke became a director. He died in London in October, 1862, at the age of 79 years. Without doubt the most famous person buried in the New Burying Ground is the United Irishman,Henry Joy McCracken. Henry Joy McCracken was born in High Street Belfast, on the 31st of August, 1767. His father was John McCracken, who was captain, and part owner of a vessel which traded between Belfast and the West Indies. His mother was Ann Joy, daughter of Francis Joy who had established the Belfast Newsletter in September, 1737. The Joy’s had, in all probability, fled to England from religious persecution in France, coming to Ireland with the armies of James I. The McCrackens, generations earlier, had settled at Hillhall near Lisburn, having been driven from Scotland during the persecution of the Covenanters by Claverhouse. After John McCracken and Ann Joy married they set up home in High Street next to Ann’s brother, 22
William Drennan and Theobald Wolfe Tone and a number of others, the most prominent of whom was Samuel Neilson, the son of the Presbyterian minister of Ballyroney. At this time the idea was born among them of uniting their fellow countrymen, Protestant and Catholic, into one grand confederacy of ‘United Irishmen’.
Soon after the “Society of United Irishmen” was born. McCracken laboured with the energy of his enthusiastic nature to promote the interests of the Movement, but at no time did he come forward as a leader or seek to obtain any position of honour in the Society, which he was instrumental in establishing. The main aims of the Society were to break the connection with England and win independence for Ireland. However, once these aims became clear it was outlawed by the authorities and many of its members were taken prisoner and held in various prisions throughout Ireland. Henry Joy McCracken was arrested and taken to Kilmainham jail in Dublin where his brother William was already incarcerated. Both were the first ‘Unitedmen’ to be held in this jail. Henry Joy McCracken spent almost a year in this prison, but had to be released in 1797 because of his failing health. After his release he returned to Belfast, and almost immediately set about organising the North for a planned rising. Soon after he was appointed Adjutant-General for Antrim, then Commander-in-Chief of the ‘Northern United Irish Army’. During this period there existed another Society called ‘The Defenders’. They were mainly Roman Catholic, and their object was to defend the rights of their class and creed when attacked. When the plans were being made for the United Irishmen’s rebellion the Defenders joined
Memorial plaque on the Co. Antrim headquarters of the Freemasons’ in Rosemary Street. Henry Joy McCracken was a member with them. The plan of the rebellion was to attack a large number of towns throughout Ireland; and Henry Joy McCracken was determined to make his chief attack on the town of Antrim. In command of around 3,000 men, from both the United Irishmen and The Defenders, he set out to attack the town on Thursday the 7th of June, 1798. When they arrived within sight of the town they saw that a number of homes and other buildings had
been set on fire by the retreating troops. McCracken had planned to attack the town from four different directions with four columns three of which were to arrive at 2.30pm and the fourth, from Randalstown, to enter by Bow Lane soon afterwards. Unknown to McCracken, the royal troops had received reinforcements from Blair’s Camp. What followed was a long and bloody battle in which the Royal Troops defeated the ‘United Men’, but at the great 23
expense of many killed and wounded. Henry Joy McCracken ordered his men to retreat, and he himself escaped to the Cavehill where he stayed in the home of a follower named David Bodel. Bodel got in touch with McCracken’s friends informing them of his whereabouts. Later a pass was obtained under a false name for McCracken to flee in a foreign vessel which was tied up in Larne. When all was ready he proceeded towards Larne accompainied by John Quiery and Gavin Watt, but when they crossed the commons at Carrickfergus they met four yeomen, one of whom, a man named Niblock, knew McCracken. All three were arrested at once and taken to Carrickfergus, then soon after to the old Artillery Barracks in Belfast. On the 17th of July, 1798, McCracken was taken for trial to the exchange at the bottom of Donegall Street, his trial being under the presidency of Colonel Montgomery. Just before the trial began, McCracken’s father was approached by the crown prosecutor who told him that there was enough evidence to convict his son, but that his life would be spared if he would inform on his friends, in particular Robert Simms. His father replied that he would rather his son die, than to do such a dishonorable action. He was soon found guilty and sentenced to death by hanging. At five o’clock Henry Joy McCracken was taken to the place of execution: the old market 24
house, which stood at the corner of High Street and Cornmarket, which had been given to the town by his great grandfather. His sister, Mary Ann, was by his side right up to the gallows, and once there McCracken tried to address the people who had gathered, but his speech was muffled by the soldiers who had began to shout and stamp their horses’ feet. In a few minutes all was over. His body was then given to family and friends. His body was taken to the family home in Rosemary Street, and soon after he was buried in the Episcopal church in High Street. A number of years later this graveyard was cleared away, and in 1902, what are belived to be his bones were unearthed and placed in a coffin, and then kept in the home of Francis Joseph Bigger for seven years. On the 12th of May, 1909, the remains of Henry Joy McCracken were buried in the grave of his sister Mary Ann in
the Clifton Street burying ground. Before his coffin was buried, a sealed phial (glass bottle) was placed inside it. The phial contained a parchment and written on this were the following; These bones were dug up in the old graveyard in High Street in 1902, and from several circumstances are belived to be those of Henry Joy McCracken. They were reverently treated and were placed here by Robert May of Belfast, 12 May 1909, when the monument was placed to his beloved sister. There are in fact two monuments erected on this grave, one, erected by Francis Joseph Bigger, is to the memory of Henry Joy McCracken, and the other (mentioned above) is erected to the memory of Mary Ann McCracken on which appears the following inscription;
Mary Ann McCracken the beloved sister of Henry Joy McCracken born 8th July 1770 wept by her brothers scaffold 17 July 1798 died 26th July 1866 DILEAS GO h-EAG (Faithful until death) When the Society of United Irishmen was founded, Mary Ann McCracken along with her sisterin-law Rose McCracken were sworn into the Movement. After the Societies defeat at Antrim, Mary Ann helped her brother up until he was captured
and later hanged. Just as Mary Ann had seen her brother make the supreme sacrifice, she also witnessed the execution of the man who had won her heart. Five years later Thomas Russell was hanged, outside Downpatrick jail, in 1803. After the exection of Russell, Mary Ann withdrew from politics and began to work for the poor of Belfast, especially those within the poor-house on North Queen Street. Here she began a number of projects which included weaving for the women and teaching for the children. She later joined with the English
prison reformer Elizabeth Fry to form a ‘Ladies Committee’ in the poor-house. Together they won many improvements in conditions inside the poor-house and also in the work-house on the Lisburn Road. Mary Ann was also a member of the committee which was set up in Belfast to abolish the use of ‘climbing boys’, who were chimney sweep helpers, and also campaigned for better conditions for children working in factories. Mary Ann McCracken’s work for the poor women and children continued until her death in July, 1866. 25
From The Albert Bridge to The Old Ropeworks Bobby Cosgrove
PART 2 The Mount Stone This stone at the corner dates back to the 1840s and the stone was taken from the old long bridge when it was pulled down and replaced by the present Queens Bridge. The builder of the bridge Frank Ritchie gives the stone as a gift to the innkeeper of the Tavern that sat at this point, it had a dual purpose the first was it was a stone that the horsemen used to mount their horses and it is also alleged that it covers a well that the people used prior to piped water. By the way the story that King Billy mounted his horse at this stone is only that a story. (See picture on page 13) The Belfast Savings Bank stood and still stands at the entrance to Cluan Place a newly built Sandstone building in 1920 Musgrave’s Sirocco Works Musgrave Brothers Ltd A man called William Musgrave and his Brother started this Company in 1855 in a 26
stable in the Short Strand he was an inventor and the first goods he produced where Stable and household fittings. Among its customers was Royal Households from around the world and his customers included the rich and famous, people like Monsieur Eiffel of Paris the man who built the tower.
The company was given a Royal appointment by the Prince of Wales and the Royal Crest is still to be seen on the railing over the entrance to the Kings Building on the Albertbridge Road. The company also designed and fitted the first ventilation system in the world this was at the Royal Victoria Hospital in 1902. They ceased trading in 1965 but in its day it employed over 2,000 local people.
Ballymacarrett Orange Hall 1901 The present hall replaced the old Orange Hall, which stood at the corner of Chamberlain Street; this street was then called "Lovers Lane". Mr Gustav Wolff of the shipyards bought the land that the hall stands on and presented it to the Ballymacarrett Orange District No 6 as a thank
Gustav Wolff
you for all the work and skills that had been shown by the Orangemen in H&W.
The Orange Hall houses the largest Orange District in the World 32 working Lodges but at one time there were 53 lodges. For many years this was the main place of socialising for the area it hosted Tea Dances,
1920
Mountpottinger Social evenings, YMCA Concerts and Wedding The Y M C A was first Receptions started on the First Ballymacarrett Mountpottinger Road by Presbyterian Church two Scottish Preachers This Church and while they where on tour Buildings dates from the in Belfast, the group early 1830s and is still as grew that quickly that alive to-day it was the they needed larger ninth Presbyterian premises and the site on Church to be built in the road was donated to Belfast and the first in them and the large red Ballymacarrett it also brick building you see housed Mountpottinger today is the result of that National School and the endeavour. It has had a old school building can face lift in the last be seen at the rear of the number of years it is like Orange Hall. The School many building around and Church had many this part of the City very famous local people old and very Victorian. travel through it on their At its peak it had a Gym journey of life. a Snooker Hall a large
Church Hall and a number of smaller committee rooms during the Home Rule era it was used as a Hotel for members of the R I C who came from outlying areas, the Army also used it during the Second World War.
Mountpottinger Methodist Church This Church is sited at the Templemore Ave Junction a nd would be more famous for its outreach mission that stood in Pitt Street and had one of the largest B B Companies in Ireland.
27
of housing he had hoped to have all of Ballymacarrett built in this way but had no money left after he had the this avenue built.
The Ulster Hospital for Women and Sick Children This hospital was sited on Templemore Avenue and is now a doctor’s surgery. The first Hospital with this name was recorded in Fredrick Street in the late 1700s it came to this site around the late 1800s. The hospital took a direct hit during the 1941 Belfast Blitz (above) and it closed as a hospital when the Ulster at Dundonald opened in the 1950s it was for a while an Maternity Hospital. Templemore Avenue Public Baths. 1893 The City of Belfast Corporation opened this facility to accommodate the 1,000s of working class people who lived in terraced housing that lacked even the basic amenities. 28
When it was opened it was said that the prime purpose of the baths was to provide a facility for the health, hygiene and cleanliness of the population of East Belfast. The building also had two swimming pools and at one time or another everyone used this facility. It was said that you cleansed you body on a weekday so as to be ready to cleanse your soul on a Sunday. Templemore Avenue, Templemore Street and Lord Street These streets all took their names from Lord Templemore who was the land agent for the Donegall’s who at one time owned all the lands around Belfast. He was the man who built the tree lined avenue with its mixture
Dr Breaches House 1870s Dr Williamson a prominent Surgeon and former High Sheriff of the City lived in this house for over 60 years. A crest bearing his initials and dated 1912 can be seen between the upper windows. The present owners are the Breach family who have been there from the
1950s. This indicates that in the 130 year history of the house it has been a Doctors Surgery. The tree that once stood in the front garden was an Irish Fairy Thorn Bush date unknown. Geddes Pawn Shop This is the only surviving pawn shop that still does "Pledges" left in East Belfast and the only one in Belfast that still displays the sign of the pawnbrokers over its door. The sign of the three golden balls is the family crest of the
Medici family. This was the Italian family who first introduced pledging goods for a loan of money in the 15th century. The family had many doctors and the three balls represent "Gilded Pills"
The present shop was built as a pawn during the First World War for a company called Harper and Quinn they traded until 1952 when Alldritt & Co took over, the present owner G & J Geddis started in 1962 At one time Belfast had over 100 pawnbrokers and the only two to survive are both owned by the same family - this one and one in York Road. The interior retains many features that where there when the building was first built It has the high counters and the boxes where you make your pledges in private. It is in fact like stepping back in time to Edwardian Belfast.
257 Albertbridge Road This site was the family home and business of McCreery & Son. The company was established in 1805 and traded up to the First World War at this address - over 100 years on the road. The company were Bog Oak Carvers, dealers in Bric-a-Brac and spinning wheel manufactures.
Victorian times and the only bog oak carvers listed for the same period.
They were the only spinning wheel manufacturers listed in the Belfast Street Directory for Ballymacarrett in mid
Ballymacarrett Fire Station This site at the corner of Albertbridge Road and Skipton Street was opened at the end of the 1800s and housed the Ballymacarrett Fire Brigade Station and for over 60 years it served the people of the area with commitment and bravery the first station officers and firemen in 1920 were as follows.
Chief Engineer Mr Devlin Robinson Firemen Alexander Jamison Harold Maginnis William Skeleton William Jordan Drivers William Massey Samuel Williams When it first opened the tenders where horse drawn so the drivers would have doubled up as blacksmiths. It light up many a dull day or night when you heard the bell ringing and the engine with crew passing on there way to a fire.
Albertbridge Road in 1952 29
The Belfast Ropeworks
The Belfast Ropework Company The ropeworks as it was known started life as a small ropewalk employing 50 people in the 1850s, but in 1873 it was taken over by the owners of the shipyards as the demand for rope could not be met by their suppliers. This like the shipyard became the largest ropeworks in the world, it was on 46 acres and by the 1920s it was employing 4,000 people. Not only did they produce rope but also twine, cord and fishing nets these where made at the three different walks or factories they were the Bloomfield, Connswater and Pottinger sheds each over a quarter of a mile in length and in the early days horses were used in the making of rope as they pulled the strands of 30
hemp up and down the shed so as they intertwined to produced the strong Rope. During the Second World War the Belfast Ropeworks produced one third of all rope and cord required by the Allies.
the wonderful panelled red brick wall that surrounded the works being demolished and taken away. I think that a piece of forward thinking could have seen the wall remain and the shopping complex built behind it so as the old and the new told there At one time the works own stories about our had over 100,000 past and our new customers worldwide beginning. 16,000 tons of goods left the premises annually The East Belfast Lamp valued at a staggering Lighters Office was at ÂŁ2m, sadly with the introduction of synthetic yarns the ropeworks could not compete against overseas competitors and sadly closed the gates for the last time in 1974 and so ended 100 years of industrial history in Ballymacarrett. I think that one of the saddest sites was to see
198/202 Albertbridge Road and had at one time over 200 men working from it the manager was a Thomas Mc Bride, and at number 208-212 was the Ulster Unionist Labour Association this was an organized trade union group and was well supported . The last building on the left coming down the road was a bar called BEN L’s after its owner Ben L Ferris now a bookies and the lounge is now called "The Prince Albert" I hope you enjoyed this trip along the Albert and it has brought memories to some and an eye opener to others when we look at the road today it is hard to believe that it was a thriving working class community with a soul and a heart. .
A remarkable aerial photograph of the Albert Bridge and its surrounding area in 1965 31
DISEASE AND DEATH IN BELFAST Verdun Ball
fter the famine, cholera caused a huge number of deaths in Ireland. In Belfast those who died from this terrible disease were buried in mass graves in Friar's Bush and the New Burying Ground at Clifton Street (above). As most Belfast houses didn't have adequate water supplies, disease and infection spread rapidly. During the 1840's cholera was often referred to as the 'potato cholera' due to the fact that people thought it was caused by eating unripe and green
A
32
potatoes. One local newspaper reported: "The disease will continue to decimate the country as long as potatoes are the staple diet of the people." During a cholera epidemic the death rate can reach over an alarming fifty per cent. Victims are restless, exhausted and thirsty. As the body becomes colder the voice is reduced to a whisper. In the 1840's Belfast was full of overcrowded lanes and as the water supply was poor it was impossible to wash and keep clean. At that time only the rich could
afford such a luxury, but for every rich man in Belfast there were multitudes of paupers. People were dying at an alarming rate. Although no official health boards were established, it was recommended that one be set up 'to inspect the homes of the poor and to advise them on hygiene and diet'. Disease was most common in the poorest areas of Belfast where people lived in cramped conditions, dressed in dirty rags and ate whatever scraps of food they could find.
On 22nd December 1846 food riots erupted in Belfast. A crowd of over 200 surrounded Hughes's Bakery in Donegall Street and even though the owner told them he'd contributed a lot to charity the crowd became violent. Things calmed down when passers-by gave them money, which they spent on bread from the bakery. In the same month labourers with spades and shovels entered the city. They
surrounded bakers' shops demanding bread as the frost and snow had stopped their work. Because they weren't violent the bakers gave them some bread to eat. Nevertheless, the problem of hunger and disease continued to grow. The fever wards of Belfast's institutions were so overcrowded that no more people could possibly be taken in. The General Hospital in Frederick Street was
ORMEAU ver two hundred years ago Belfast's town parks were laid out in pasture. South of the Blackstaff most of the land was wooded, comprising the extensive deer park of the Marquis of Donegall. The drives of this deer park were laid out in the early 1700s. Two of them became roads - the Ormeau Road leading to the 1816 bridge across the Lagan and Donegall Pass. Roads leading out of Belfast got their names by direction, for example, the Dublin Road and Antrim Road to name just two. Yet strange as it may seem, the name Ormeau, French for young elm, gives no such clue. First mentioned on an old map of Belfast in 1791, it's simply marked 'Ormeau, Mr Kingsmill'. As well as the store keeper and surveyor of the Port, Mr Kingsmill was also agent to the Marquis of Donegall for his Irish estates. Until the end of 1803 the Kingsmill family retained Ormeau cottage, which then came into the hands of the Marquis of Donegall. After making some alterations, he lived there in 1807.
O
completely full. There were 72 cases of fever, 70 of dysentery and 84 cases of other diseases. The fight against cholera and fever continued and a simple, yet extremely effective way to reduce the spread was discovered. In Belfast and the surrounding countryside people whitewashed their houses, both inside and out. The lime in the white-wash destroyed the germs, thus helping to reduce the risk of infection.
In the 18th century, before the present road was made, the Ormeau Road was known as 'The Long Pass' to distinguish it from other Belfast passes and stopped short near Essex Street. The Ormeau Road wasn't completed to its junction with the old Ballynafeigh Road at Rosetta until 1825. Ormeau Bridge, built in 1815, gave better access to Ormeau by what was then known as Cromac Road. Before this the way was through the old Long Bridge and Lagan Village. Until 1897, from the Ormeau Bridge to the Saintfield Road, was known as the new Ballynafeigh Road. Between 1897-1900 this name was changed to the Ormeau Road, so that the complete length of road between the Gasworks corner and the Saintfield Road became the Ormeau Road. Interestingly, the earliest reference to public parks in Belfast was at a meeting of the Corporation on October 3, 1865. Four years later the corporation acquired a fee farm grant from the Marquis of Donegal for his demesne at Ormeau. On April 15, 1871 Belfast's first public park, covering an extensive 173 acres, opened there. 33
1888
34
many interesting landmarks. The Convent near Rosetta was built in 1867 and enlarged in 1906. The Gasworks were designed by Robert Watt. During the 1830s the second Marquis of Donegall lived in Ormeau House. Later the young Irish architect William Vitruvius remodelled it in the Tudor style. After 1850 the Belfast's Ormeau Park received many gifts. house was demolished and the demesne became Richard Patterson donated garden seats, a Belfast's first public park. councillor a drinking fountain. Others included Egyptian geese, swans, goldfish and lion cubs. The well-known blind harpist Paddy Murney sang and played in the Ormeau Park in 1875 and in 1892 golf links were built. During the First World War, 236 allotments were laid out to grow vegetables for Belfast's food supply. At the end of the war the park was closed to the public and given over for a day's entertainment for children. After the peace procession through Belfast on 10th August 1919, the 36,000 men who took part rested in Ormeau Park where they were given refreshments. Belfast's Ormeau Road has 1895 It was a spectacular event. A procession with banners and flags assembled at Carlisle Circus, then proceeded via Donegal Street, Bridge Street, High Street, Chichester Street, Cromac Street and Ormeau Road. At 4pm, 30,000 people saw its opening.
35
ames MacDonnell set up Belfast's first Dispensary. Hitherto, many poor people received no proper medical attention at all, relying on the Charitable Instition in Clifton Street (above). He took a house in West Street, suppling free medicine and free medical attendance to all. Born outside Cushendall, Co. Antrim in 1762, the young James spent a happy childhood in the beautiful Glens of Antrim. Sometime in the 1770s the blind harper Arthur 0'Neill arived in the Glens and stayed for two years with the MacDonnell family. "The young James made the best progress, giving astonishingly clever
J
36
performances on the harp," he recalls. Yet it's difficult to believe that the young James received most of his early schooling in a cave. Writing in May 1689, Richard Dobbs remarks: "Into Red Bay falls a river. Where the boats are harboured are three large caves." Towards the end of the 18th century Maurice Traynor taught in one of these caves and James MacDonnell was his star pupil. After leaving this curious 'cave school' James went to Belfast and then to Edinburgh where he graduated in medicine. Afterwards he returned to Belfast, established himself as a doctor and built up a large practice.
In the late 1790s typhus fever was rife in Belfast. It was impossible to control the infection and nurse patients at home. James MacDonnell arranged for the purchase of a house in Berry Street and here, in 1797, the first fever hospital in Ireland opened its doors. As well as his medical interests, Dr. MacDonnell found time for other activities. From an early age he'd been keenly interested in music. In 1608 he founded the Belfast Harp Society. He organised an Institute for the Blind where they were trained to play a musical instrument so they'd have some means of livelihood.
Undoubtedly, Dr. James MacDonnell was Belfast's leading physician. Under his instruction, new hospitals were built, one of which opened its doors on 1st August 1817 and later became the Belfast Medical School. Dr. James MacDonnell lived at 13 Donegall Place, Belfast, where he died on 5th April 1845, aged 82. He is buried in the peaceful country churchyard at Layde, near Cushendall. In the same year the celebrated poet, Hugh McDonnell published an elegy in memory to both the man and his exceptional medical achievements.
Shoppers enjoy the pet stores in Gresham Street in 1963 37
Junction of Crumlin Road and Oldpark Road in June 1960
Holiday makers enjoying Bellevue in the Summer of 1965 38
Today Joe Baker is extremely well known for his work on the local and factual history of Belfast. In fact at one time he was described as Belfast's most distinguished historian. Most people would be forgiven for thinking that because of this Joe done very well at school, went to university and went to the shop when his mummy told him! However most people would therefore be wrong. Joe grew up in the tough working class district of the New Lodge in North Belfast at the height of what became known as The Troubles. When leaving school he could hardly read and write and self taught himself while in young offenders centres and prison. This December Joe will be launching a new book telling the story of this remarkable transformation in what really is a case of Hooligan to Historian The book will be available in all leading newsagents throughout Belfast and will cost just ÂŁ3.50 For more information go to
www.joebaker.ie 39
FOR ALL AVAILABLE BACK ISSUES OF GLENRAVEL’S PUBLICATIONS GO TO
BOOKSTORE 21 Lower North Street, Belfast 25,000 + Second Hand Books on a Wide Range of Subjects
MASSIVE IRISH SELECTION All Glenravel Titles Only £1.50 each 11am - 5pm Monday - Saturday
Old Belfast is published by the Glenravel Local History Project as part of our Belfast History Project scheme www.glenravel.com
ISSN 1757-7284