Monthly Archives: July 2018

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Mary Ann McCracken: Faithful Until Death

2018-07-26T08:54:08+00:00

On this day in 1866 the people of Belfast learnt of the death of Mary Ann McCracken. She had lived through some of the most turbulent years of Irish history including the 1798 rebellion, the Great Famine and the Industrial Revolution. Passing away aged 96, Mary Ann lived into a period where photography was becoming popular. We have one photograph of her but this image of an older lady masks the strong willed and determined character that she possessed throughout her life. Mary Ann never married, or had any children of her own. However, after the execution of her brother Henry [...]

Mary Ann McCracken: Faithful Until Death2018-07-26T08:54:08+00:00

The NHS at 70: Belfast before Universal Healthcare

2018-07-06T16:04:01+00:00

This week marks the 70th anniversary of the foundation of the National Health Service in Great Britain and Northern Ireland. It seems appropriate that as people across the country celebrate this momentous occasion that we take a look back at early attempts in Belfast to provide healthcare to those who found the cost of treatment prohibitive. In 1851 the History of the General Hospital was published by Dr A.G. Malcolm. It is clear from this early history that medical care in Belfast grew from very humble roots with the determination and tenacity of a relatively small number of men and women [...]

The NHS at 70: Belfast before Universal Healthcare2018-07-06T16:04:01+00:00

The Belfast Charitable Society & the creation of Belfast’s first chemist

2018-07-03T10:54:23+00:00

Medical care in Belfast grew from humble roots but developed with the determination and tenacity of a relatively small number of men and women. The Belfast Charitable Society were at the forefront of healthcare provision, opening Belfast's first infirmary (hospital) to the general public in 1774. The infirmary at the Poor House was the only medical relief in Belfast until the Dispensary opened in 1792. An advertisement had been placed in the Newsletter seeking support for Belfast's first chemist were citizens, particularly the poor and labouring classes, could get medicine at little or no cost. The signatories of the 'Dispensary Notice' included [...]

The Belfast Charitable Society & the creation of Belfast’s first chemist2018-07-03T10:54:23+00:00

Step back in time this Summer with Clifton House Tours! Tales of Belfast’s Original Poor House and More

2018-07-02T09:10:22+00:00

CLIFTON House, the home of Belfast’s first charitable organisation, the Belfast Charitable Society, is set to host a series of unique tours, offering an insight into Belfast’s original Poor House and telling the story of the interesting yet turbulent history of years gone by. The Clifton House and Cemetery tours run every Friday from the 22nd June to the 31st August, mid-week tours for Clifton House only are also available from Monday to Thursday during the summer months. These unique tours offer you the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of the famous Joy and McCracken families, led by knowledgeable and [...]

Step back in time this Summer with Clifton House Tours! Tales of Belfast’s Original Poor House and More2018-07-02T09:10:22+00:00
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