William Drennan, born in Belfast in 1754, was not only a distinguished Irish physician but also a prominent political activist of his time. Educated in the Enlightenment ideals of reason and liberty at the University of Glasgow, he later pursued…
Sir James Murray (1788–1871) stands as a remarkable figure in both the realms of medicine and agriculture, leaving an indelible mark on history through his groundbreaking discoveries and entrepreneurial spirit. Medical Innovations Born in Derry, Murray embarked on his medical…
Grey and family from LA gave me a super review!
John Hewitt (1907-1987) was a prominent Belfast poet and the first writer-in-residence at Queen’s University Belfast in 1976. He lived at 18 Mount Charles Street and made significant contributions to both literature and the arts. From November 1930 to 1957,…
Forrest Reid (1875-1947) was a Northern Irish novelist, literary critic, and translator, renowned for his significant contributions to literature. He resided at 20 Mount Charles in Belfast and was the youngest son in a Protestant family of twelve, six of…
As the spectre of war loomed over Europe, the British government made a strategic decision to station approximately 100,000 troops in Northern Ireland by April 1941. This military presence served a dual purpose, reflecting the complex geopolitical dynamics of the…
Out this morning with students and staff from the South Jones High School Marching Band – the Band of the Braves from Mississippi, USA – for a coach tour of Belfast’s main sights. We visited Queen’s University Belfast, the Peace…
Beautiful weather in Belfast today for a Troubles history tour around town. Brilliant group visiting from the USA and some thoughtful conversations about the messy, complicated history of this place. The people always make these tours special.
Smallpox, once a scourge of humanity, plagued societies for centuries until its eradication in 1980. Caused by the variola virus, it manifested with symptoms such as fever, malaise, and a distinctive rash of raised lesions. With mortality rates as high…
Out today (10 March 2026) in Belfast doing an @antislaverybelfast tour talking about Belfast’s fascinating history of slavery and abolitionism with students from Georgia in the USA.
