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Mary Ann McCracken Bursary Programme continues

2024-05-29T09:58:58+00:00

In the wake of the unveiling of the Mary Ann McCracken statue in the grounds of Belfast City Hall, the Foundation, which continues to build on her legacy, has announced a third and final year of bursaries for post primary schools in North Belfast. For the past two years the Mary Ann McCracken Foundation, in conjunction with Belfast Charitable Society, The James Kane Foundation, Hunter Smyth Fund and Raj Darshna, has supported a bursary programme for all twelve post primary schools in North Belfast. This initiative, first launched in February 2022, has gone from strength to strength, as evidence of the [...]

Mary Ann McCracken Bursary Programme continues2024-05-29T09:58:58+00:00

The House and the Hospitals – Glenravel Street

2024-05-13T09:38:21+00:00

The House and the Hospitals - Glenravel Street The presence of the Poorhouse, and the wealth and prestige that was present on the board of the Belfast Charitable Society proved to be a catalysing influence for change in the area. Whilst the Charitable Society directly influenced significant changes through the foundation of the New Burying Ground and the provision of water to Belfast, other entrepreneurs and philanthropists identified the area as one in need of development but filled with potential. One such individual was Edward Benn; a familiar name for followers of the history of Clifton House. The Benn’s history has [...]

The House and the Hospitals – Glenravel Street2024-05-13T09:38:21+00:00

Cheek by Jowl- The History of The New Burying Ground

2024-05-13T09:44:38+00:00

Cheek by Jowl- The History of The New Burying Ground The Belfast Charitable Society has long been improving the living conditions of the less fortunate of Belfast. Their impact can be seen in landmarks in the local landscape. Whilst some of this history has been eroded as the city has evolved, near the old Poor House, now known as Clifton House, one of the Society’s most enduring ventures still exists just off Clifton Street. The New Burying Ground, or Clifton Street Cemetery as it became known was in use for nearly 200 years since its first burial in 1799 before the [...]

Cheek by Jowl- The History of The New Burying Ground2024-05-13T09:44:38+00:00

Belfast Charitable Society and the Provision of Water

2024-05-07T11:30:59+00:00

Belfast Charitable Society and the Provision of Water When Clifton House first opened its doors in 1774 the Belfast Charitable Society was incorporated by an Act of Parliament giving it additional responsibilities that would normally be associated with local government. As well as looking after the poor the Society became responsible for things like street paving, planning permissions, street lighting, and the provision of a water supply. Indeed, it is one of the lesser known stories of Clifton House that we brought piped water to Belfast on a large scale. Since 1682 a water supply had been taken from the Tuck [...]

Belfast Charitable Society and the Provision of Water2024-05-07T11:30:59+00:00

Calling all food and craft traders

2024-05-22T19:26:36+00:00

Calling all food and craft traders On Sunday 1st September, Clifton House, and its grounds, will be open to the public for a Heritage Skills Event. As part of our 250th anniversary celebrations, this flagship event will host fun interactive heritage skills workshops and demonstrations; a chance to hear more about the history of the house; food and entertainment and an oral history capture. As part of this event, we will be offering pitches to local crafters and food vendors. If you are interested in being part of this exciting community event, please apply using the following link:  https://tinyurl.com/CliftonHouseTraderApp  

Calling all food and craft traders2024-05-22T19:26:36+00:00

Medical History of the Poorhouse

2024-04-09T09:20:38+00:00

Medical History of the Poorhouse From the very beginning of the poorhouse, Belfast Charitable Society was a pioneering force for medical innovation in Belfast. As poverty and sickness are inextricably linked, the Society needed to be able to care for the sick poor who would enter the house.  Before the involvement of the Society, medical relief for the poor in Belfast was practically non-existent and extremely limited. When Clifton House first opened in 1774, it contained seven beds for the sick. These beds mark the beginning of Belfast’s hospitals, and the Society’s first medical report noted the treatment of five patients. [...]

Medical History of the Poorhouse2024-04-09T09:20:38+00:00

Belfast Charitable Society highlights the challenges facing refugees today

2024-03-25T12:36:39+00:00

Now in its 250th year, Clifton House, home of Belfast Charitable Society (BCS) and the Mary Ann McCracken Foundation, has chosen this milestone to host challenging conversations around poverty and disadvantage. In its long history, Clifton House has witnessed many changes and developments Sadly, however, the issues surrounding poverty remain the same. Across the UK many vulnerable groups are experiencing disadvantage. During the month of March, BCS and the Mary Ann McCracken Foundation want to highlight the challenges refugees and asylum seekers currently face, particularly women and girls. The audience listened while Vicky Tennant, the UNHCR Representative to the UK, spoke [...]

Belfast Charitable Society highlights the challenges facing refugees today2024-03-25T12:36:39+00:00

The catastrophic consequences of cuts in Education discussed at Clifton House

2024-02-29T16:35:51+00:00

“Catastrophic”; “Detrimental”; “Widening attainment gaps”; “Neglect”; “Disrepair”; “Breaking point”. These words echoed around the historic walls of Clifton House time and time again last Friday, 23rd February, during a stark but informative conference on ‘The immediate and long-term impacts of cuts on North Belfast’s education sector’. This event, which formed part of Clifton House’s 250th Anniversary programme, looked at the current state of education in North Belfast; how schools are dealing with unprecedented levels of poverty; and the terrifying predictions recent cuts will have, longer-term, on an education system already under pressure. Dr Ciara Fitzpatrick, Ulster University, opened the talks and set the [...]

The catastrophic consequences of cuts in Education discussed at Clifton House2024-02-29T16:35:51+00:00

AUDIO: Clifton House and Its Early Development, with Marcus Patton

2024-01-26T10:47:14+00:00

AUDIO: Clifton House and Its Early Development, with Marcus Patton This year marks 250 years since Clifton House first opened its doors as a Poorhouse in 1774 which makes it the oldest working building in Belfast. To celebrate this milestone anniversary we will produce a brand new short series of audio recordings which will explore various themes across the year. In keeping with January’s theme, then, the first of these recordings we have taken a closer look at the early development and architecture of Clifton House in the context of the growing town of Belfast. With me I had James Cromey [...]

AUDIO: Clifton House and Its Early Development, with Marcus Patton2024-01-26T10:47:14+00:00

“Made of Belfast”- 250 years of the Belfast Poorhouse

2024-01-10T11:25:38+00:00

“Made of Belfast”- 250 years of the Belfast Poorhouse Allegedly sketched on the back of a napkin by local newspaper publisher Robert Joy and brought into reality by architects Thomas Cooley and Robert Mylne, Clifton house was built between 1771-1774 on land given to the Belfast Charitable Society by the Marquis of Donegall, Arthur Chichester. Not only did the house offer respite to the poor of Belfast and become a shelter for the sick and infirm, but it also became a home for the Belfast Charitable Society for nearly 250 years. Within its walls, meetings helped shape the course of the [...]

“Made of Belfast”- 250 years of the Belfast Poorhouse2024-01-10T11:25:38+00:00

Clifton House

  • Address
    2 North Queen Street, Belfast,
    Antrim BT15 1ES

  • 028 9099 7022
  • info@cliftonbelfast.org.uk
  • Monday - Friday: 9.00 AM - 4.30 PM

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