How the radical women of 18th century Belfast shaped the town
Belfast Charitable Society Presents: ‘Women, Radicalism and Eighteenth-Century Belfast: Mary Ann McCracken and Martha McTier’
This week Belfast Charitable Society explored the influential roles of radical women in eighteenth-century Belfast through a fascinating talk which was delivered by renowned historian Dr Catriona Kennedy, Reader in Modern British and Irish History at the University of York.
The talk delved into the lives of Mary Ann McCracken and Martha McTier, two remarkable women whose charitable work allowed them to participate in and influence Belfast’s radical public sphere during an era of religious and political dissent.
“I am delighted and honoured to have been invited to participate in Clifton House’s 250th anniversary celebrations”, Dr Kennedy said. “Drawing on the lives and letters of Mary Ann McCracken and her fellow radical Martha McTier, my talk took attendees on a tour of late eighteenth-century Belfast and explored how women participated in the town’s dynamic and highly politicised urban landscape.”
Dr Kennedy is a leading expert on gender and Irish radicalism in the late eighteenth century, having published extensively on topics such as women’s roles in the memory of the 1798 rebellion and the life of Martha McTier. Her forthcoming book, “Women, Politics, and the Irish Public Sphere in the Age of Revolution,” will be published by Oxford University Press.
Norma Sinte, Chair of the Mary Ann McCracken Foundation and Board Member of the Belfast Charitable Society, who hosted this event said “We are thrilled to host Dr Kennedy and learn more about the crucial, but often overlooked, contributions of radical women to Belfast’s vibrant public sphere during this pivotal era. Their efforts paved the way for greater female participation and demonstrated the power of charitable endeavours to create social change. All these years later, we can learn so much from Mary Ann and Martha. Mary Ann’s influence continues to shape the work of the Foundation established in her name”
This unique event, which formed part of the 250th Anniversary calendar of events for Clifton House, shed light on an important chapter in Belfast’s history
To learn more about Clifton House and the Mary Ann McCracken Foundation, please visit:
cliftonbelfast.com and maryannmccrackenfoundation.org