Monthly Archives: September 2019

Distinguished and respected Irish historian, Professor Marianne Elliott, officially launched a new version of ‘The Life and Times of Mary Ann McCracken – A Belfast Panorama’ at Clifton House this week. The book, first published by its author, Mary McNeill in 1960, has been republished as part of a number of events to celebrate Mary Ann McCracken’s 250th birthday. Professor Marianne Elliott, who was brought up in Belfast, educated at Queen’s and Oxford, has written extensively on Irish history and agreed to write the foreword, she said, “I was delighted to be asked to write the foreword for this republication. It [...]

The Poor House was requisitioned by the military during the 1798 Rebellion and for time afterwards. The Committee were forced to meet in the Exchange Building and other premises during this period. In March 1799 a letter was received from the Inspector General of Barracks. Belfast 4th Mar: 1799 Gentlemen, I hereby give notice that the Poor House occupied at present by His Majestys Troops will be given up on the first of May June next- There being no further occasion for it as a Barrack. I have the Honor to be Gentlemen Your most obedient Humble servant John Hughes Inspr. [...]

A unique social enterprise in Derry is offering art and wellbeing programmes for people with physical, sensory and learning disabilities in order to enable them to develop holistically and to provide them with essential job skills. Each week over 200 people are benefitting from day opportunities and multisensory programmes at Artspace. Artspace opened in April 2012 and has now received a £30,000 loan from the Building Better Futures Fund. The additional funding has allowed Artspace to redevelop new facilities in Campsie Business Park. The £1m Building Better Futures fund was launched in 2017 and is a unique collaboration between Ulster Community [...]

Our ever popular lecture series returns this November! Belfast Charitable Society, in partnership with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, are hosting Explorations in Modern Ireland History (1919-1969), a lecture series which will chart Irish history from the outbreak of the Irish War of Independence through to 1969. Taking in topics as diverse as election fever on the Island to the 'political misfits' who demonstrate that history is never black and white! Booking for this series is essential to secure your place. Lectures are held in Clifton House, 2 North Queen Street, Belfast, BT15 1ES Thursdays in November Door @ [...]

The Ladies Committee of the Poor House was set up in 1827, following a visit from Elizabeth Fry who inspired the women of the town to become actively involved with Belfast's various institutions and charities. The initial minutes record that the ladies “beg most earnestly to assure… [the men], that there shall be no interference whatever with any of their managements and regulations.” On of Mary Ann's early ideas was the concept of an infant (nursery) school. The idea of infant education was very new, with the first one opening in Belfast in the 1820s. Mary Ann was determined that one [...]