Ever wonder who those forgotten folk named on Blue Plaques are and why they are worth remembering? Let’s celebrate some of the less well known people of interest in our local history.
Friendly Advice to Irish Mothers on Training their Children (by Catherine Alexander, 1839) sought to educate Irish mothers on better parenting
Michael Andrews should also be remembered for his philanthropy and concern for the all of inhabitants of Belfast.
Today Banagher old church stands quietly on its grassy drumlin. Its stories of saints, dragons, outlaws and holy sand are all but forgotten.
The fact that the name of Shane Crossagh remains synonymous with bravery and justice reflects his popularity in those most dangerous times.
Background Thomas McCabe was born in Lurgan in 1739. He was the son of Patrick McCabe, a watch-maker, and Mary Maziere. Mary was born of French parents Samuel de la Maziere and Jeanne Vallee. Samuel was a jeweller. Thomas was the eldest of four boys Thomas, William, John and James. Read more…
The story of Luke White & Biddy Farrelly has it all – rags to riches, thwarted love, broken hearts and a ghost that walks Belfast’s streets.
James McDonnell MD devoted his time and eminent talents to the work of humanity in delivering medical services to Belfast’s poor
A famous resident of north Belfast is Gordon Thompson, better known as Galloper Thompson, the phantom horseman!
Naoise O’Haughan , known as Ness or Neesy, was born in 1691 at Skerry in County Antrim and went on to become Antrim’s Gentleman Outlaw
The story of Saint Olcan and his Holy Well – for centuries a source of hope to pilgrims and those suffering. Every rag holds someone’s pain
Vere Foster contributed enormously to Ireland’s famine relief, emigration support, charity, health & education only to die forgotten and poor
Sherlock Holmes is arguably the smartest fictional detective in literature but what connects him to real life Ulster tailor, John McGee?
The Dunville Family had an important impact on Belfast in terms of commerce (Whiskey), charitable works, sport and a popular Belfast Park
Anyone who reads George Benn’s History of Belfast will definitely agree with his appellation ‘the first great historian of Belfast’.
O’Hanlon’s Letters, collected in “Walks Among the Poor of Belfast”, is a fascinating insight into the lives of Belfast’s poor in 1852
Francis Joseph Bigger was one of the foremost figures in the antiquarian, historical and literary life of Ulster
Francis Calder – Founder of the Belfast Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals . Calder Memorial Fountain erected 1859.
Edward Benn was born at Tandragee , County Armagh in the year 1798. His father was John Benn. As a boy Edward was educated at Belfast Academy, along with his younger brother George. The brothers moved to Downpatrick and set up a brewing business. Subsequently they bought an estate called Read more…
Andrew George Malcolm was born in 1818. His father, of the same name, was a Presbyterian minister in Dunmurry and then Newry. His mother was Eleanor Hunter. Andrew was educated at Belfast Academical Institution and completed his medical training at Edinburgh, graduating in 1842. By 1843 Andrew Malcolm had returned Read more…
Through his hard work and entrepreneurial skills, Otto Jaffe was one of the leading merchants responsible for the boom in the linen industry in Belfast.