[Press release put out today, 28.3.22] As Belfast commemorates the 81st anniversary of the Blitz, a local historian uncovers previously little-known stories behind the air raids. The bombing is arguably the biggest single disaster in the city’s 400-year history. But…
Flyer produced this morning for the tours. Information here for those who are interested:
The two great canary yellow-painted gantry cranes are icons of the Belfast city skyline are known as Samson and Goliath. Goliath is the smaller crane measuring 96m (315ft) high began work in 1969 and Samson, the larger at 106m (348ft),…
On the Western Front Association’s Mentioned in Dispatches podcast that I present, I recorded an interesting interview relevant to the history of Belfast. I talk to historian and author Brian Feeney about his latest book, Antrim and the Irish Revolution,…
On the former Robinson and Cleaver department store building on Donegall Square opposite the City Hall are a series of carved heads set between the 1st and 2nd floor (see red circles). These images were of leading store patrons, celebrities…
I’m delighted to announce that to mark the 81st anniversary of the 1941 Belfast Blitz, I will lead 4 walking tours will be held in April & May 2022 to tell Belfast’s story of raids. Tickets can be booked for…
Tuberculosis (TB) was a major killer in late 19th century and early 20th century Belfast. In the early 1900s an epidemic of the disease led to 13,000 deaths in Ireland. TB is caused by a bacterium called mycobacterium tuberculosis. The bacteria…
The Ormeau Avenue Public Baths date from the late 1880s. They were designed by Robert Watt and contained two swimming pools and 36 private baths. For local people, they were an important as many working class houses lacked running water…
Miss Isabella “Ella” Barbour Pirrie was the first nurse in the Belfast Union Workhouse Infirmary, now the Belfast City Hospital, and established a nursing school there. She was born in 1857 and her father was a doctor at both Belfast City Hospital…
Delighted to announce my Exploring the Queen’s Quarter Walking Tour in south Belfast on 19 February 2022. This free walking tour introduces people to the sites, open spaces, built heritage and history of the Queen’s Quarter, centred around Queen’s University…
