Read the copy these stories were drawn from on the Internet Archive.
- 219
- stories drawn from it
- 219
- placed on the map
- 16
- counties: Antrim, Down, Dublin and more
- 4,732
- words in the passages on this page
The stories, best first
page 4 of 4 · 219 in all
Each story keeps the passage it was read from. Open one to read the passage as the book has it, and, where the companion has written its own telling, that too.
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Sir Arthur Tyringham escapes Newry when captured by rebels
near Newry · town · Down · 1641–1642
Sir Arthur Tyringham had been governor of Newry and escaped from the town when it was taken by the rebels, after which he shared command of Belfast with Colonel Chichester.
Read the passage
Sir Arthur Tyringham had been governor of Newry, escaped from that town
100 HISTOKY OF BELFAST.
Internet Archive historyoftownofb00benn
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The ancient Pottinger tomb removed from Belfast to Kilmore graveyard
Kilmore · townland · Down · 1602–1813
An immense Pottinger tomb dating to 1602 stood in the old graveyard in High Street, Belfast, but was destroyed when the church was rebuilt in 1813; the family had part of the tomb removed by forty cars to Kilmore graveyard, County Down, where a new inscription commemorates its origin and later burial of Charlotte Pottinger.
Read the passage
"The Burying Place of the Pottingers since 1602 being destroyed by building the Church in Belfast
in 1813 — Part of the old Tomb was removed here out of respect to the memory of Charlotte Pottinger
Internet Archive historyoftownofb00benn, Chapter 125
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William Waring's elaborate 1676 funeral instructions
near Belfast · city · Antrim · 1676
William Waring's will, dated 1676, directed he be 'decently buryed in the Church of Belfast' and left detailed instructions for a devout funeral, with scarves and rings distributed to relatives and mourners kept in close mourning.
Read the passage
members of the Belfast Warings have been examined, the older of which is, without doubt, that of the very Tliomas who is represented to have been the first of the name who settled in Belfast. The following extracts from it show something of his history, and a little also of the fashion of the times. It is dated 1665. He desires to be buried "within the Church of Belfast;" leaves £15 a-year for life to Janet Waring his wife ; " also the two Rooms over (? and) the Kitchen, wherein I now live, with the furniture, Bedds, and all things thereunto belonging, and one Silver Cupp and two of the best Sylver Spoones, with one Park of land near the North Gate leading to Carrickfergus." After some other directions he enjoins his son to see him " decently and handsonilie buried," and then leaves £40 to the poor of Belfast, to which he makes this addition — " And if it please God that my vessel called the Providence of Belfast return safely back from S* Se Basstins whereunto shee is gone and Laden with several Commodities to that place, doe saflie retorne without damadge hot to a gain, then my will and mind is that Twentie Pounds more shalle bee given to the said Poore of the Towne of Belfast." The will of William Waring of Belfast, the son of the preceding, as stated when he was made Burgess, 17th April, 1660, is very long, and deals with large property. A few short extracts only can be inserted. It is dated 1676. He also directs that he shall be decently " Buryed in the Church of Belfast ;" and after some other lengthened items makes the fifth, which is rather peculiar and now inexplicable. It is — " That my Exect" allow my p'^tended wife Nothing but what she Recovers by Law." The next clauses are somewhat curious —
" I Leave to my several Eelations in Downe and Antrim, those of the name of Waringe, to each person qualitied to wear them, as well Men as women, A Scarflfe and Ring, and to the meaner sorte 20 shillings a peece in lieu thereof, if they demand it personally one Month after my Decease."
Internet Archive historyoftownofb00benn, Chapter 118
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Attainder of Joseph Cunningham of Antrim under James II
near Antrim · town · Antrim · 1689
In 1689, when many persons were attainted by James the Second, Joseph Cunningham, Esq., of Antrim was named among those attainted, believed to be a connection of the Cunningham family who continued at the old house at Ballyclare.
Read the passage
" The Cunningham family was settled at the plantation of Ulster at Ballyclare, in the district of Kilmakevit, and parish of Killead, and the old house of the family, built on the plan of the original Scotch settlers, was standing till about five years ago. That the Cunningham family are old and important in this locality is proved by the fact that, when Cromwell, in 1653, had determined on removing the leading Presbyterians from Ulster to Munster, among those who were mentioned to be removed was William Cunningham of Kilmakevit, ancestor to Waddell Cunningham, the famous Belfast merchant ; and again in 1689, when so many persons were attainted by James the Second, Joseph Cunningham, Esq., of Antrim, was one of the number, and, we believe, a connection of the aforesaid Cunningham family, who continued to occupy the old house at Ballyclare, near Lough Neagh, till about fifty years ago."
These few remarks barely correspond, chiefly in relation to Waddell Cunningham's early emigration to America, with the particulars furnished by his grand-nephew, Mr. Douglas of Eostrevor. In the main, however, the statements are correct.
Internet Archive historyoftownofb00benn, Chapter 433
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Belfast meeting house ruined after use as a citadel
near Belfast · city · Antrim · 1657
The public meeting place at Belfast had been much ruinated after being converted for some years into a citadel, requiring £100 for repairs ordered by the Cromwellian council.
Read the passage
" To Eepaire the Publique Meeting Place att Belfast. " H. Cromwell. " Ordered that Henry Markham Esq. doe out of y" Publique Monies that are or shall come mto his hands arising out of Parochiall Tythes and Glebes issue forth and pay unto Mr. John Price, Eec"" att Dublin, the sum of £100, the same being by him to be issued out for y'' necessary Repaires of the Publique Meeting Place att Belfast which hath been much ruinated by being for some years past converted and made use of as a Citadell, the rest of y^ charg-i for y^ repaire thereof being to bee made by an equall and indifferent Cesse by the Justices of the Peace according to Law : And, for y^ said Henry Markham's paym* of y^ said sum this Avith the said Mr. John Price's receipts shall bee a warrant.
•'Councell Chamber, Dublin, 13tli January, 1657."^
Internet Archive historyoftownofb00benn, Chapter 69
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John Chichester's Obscure Grave at Old Belfast Church
near Belfast · city · Antrim · 1647
John Chichester, brother of the first Earl of Donegall and father of the second, died in 1647 and was buried privately in an obscure grave at the old church in High Street, Belfast, alongside his wife per her request.
Read the passage
The Chichesters were not all interred at Carrickfergus. Of John Chichester, the second son of Lord Edward, and uext brother to Arthur, first Earl of Donegall, this note is in Lodge's Peerage (vol. i., p. 330). "He died in 1647, as appears by the probate of his will in London, 4th February, 1647-8, and in Dublin in July, 1657 ; and is so confirmed by his Lady's will (proved 8th November, 1673), wherein she desires, that if she died in the North, to be buried privately by her deceased husband, Mr John Chichester, at Belfast." This must have been at the old church in High Street, and yet this John Chichester, interred in so obscure a grave, was not only brother of the first Earl of Donegall, but father of the second.
^ For the Will of the Lord Deput}% his likeness, genealogy from himself, and some other particulars, see Appendix No. 5.
Internet Archive historyoftownofb00benn, Chapter 45
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Mr Totesbury's spoliation between Lisburn and Antrim
near Lisburn · town · Antrim · 1641
The Rawdon Papers describe the effects of the 1641 rebellion on Mr Totesbury, who lived between Lisburn and Antrim, including the loss of his property, showing the material impact of the rebellion on the district near Belfast.
Read the passage
when taken by the rebels, and, as above stated, had, with Colonel Chichester, joint command in Belfast. The nearest place outside of Belfast where particulars of the effects of the rebellion are described will perhaps be found mentioned in the Eawdon Pajmrs, pp. 88-92, from Mr. Totesbury, who lived somewhere between Lisburn and Antrim. It shows an advance in property and material comforts one would hardly have expected in 1641, and the narrative of Mr. Totesbury's spoliation is fully told.
1 Mr. Froude, in his account of the capture of Sir Brian O'Neill, with all its disastrous accompaniments, in Belfast in 1574, mentions "the walls of the town." This is an error, but not one affecting the author's comments. Belfast was never walled, and the matter is but referred to here to state that fact.
Internet Archive historyoftownofb00benn
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Sexton's fee for grave-making at Belfast parish church
High Street · street · Down · 1645
In 1645 Richard Stafford was appointed Sexton for the Church of Belfast and was to receive fourpence yearly from each householder, plus fourpence for every burial for making the grave, while keeping church and churchyard in decent order. This refers to the old church and churchyard in High Street.
Read the passage
" 16th October 1645. At a council held this day the Sovereign, Burgesses and Commonalty ordered that Eich^ Stafford being appointed Sexton for the Church of Belfast shall receive for his yearly Stipend of every Householder, and other person following a trade or occupation though he be a single man and no householder, 4 pence sterhng yearly during the time he continues in office ; and shall receive for every burial at the said parish church 4 pence for making the grave ; the said Eich*^ Stafford taking a diligent care and charge for the keeping of the Church and Church Yard in decent order."
This of course refers to the old church and churchyard in High Street. An order concerning the same, in November, 1647, is inserted in the Eecords, and is expressive of the condition of the town and some of its church interests.
Internet Archive historyoftownofb00benn, Chapter 100
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Arrest and imprisonment of Fr. Phelomy O'Hamill
near Belfast · city · Antrim · 1708
The Roman Catholic priest of Belfast and Derriaghy, Rev. Phelomy O'Hamill, was arrested and imprisoned in Belfast in 1708 by George Macartney. A letter concerning the affair was sent to Joshua Dawson.
Read the passage
O'Hamill, the Rev. Phelomy, Roman Catholic priest of Belfast and Derriaghy, arrest and imprisonment of in Belfast, in 1708, by George Macartney, 416 ; letter thereon to Joshua Dawson, 416.
O'Hara, " Mr. Gray," directed by Venables and Coote, about 1651, to pay £22 to the inhabitants of Belfast as a relief to the burden of their cesses, 212.
Internet Archive historyoftownofb00benn
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Capture of Sir Brian O'Neill in Belfast, 1574
near Belfast · city · Antrim · 1574
The author notes a reference by Froude to the disastrous capture of Sir Brian O'Neill in Belfast in 1574, correcting the claim that the town had walls at that time, since Belfast was never in fact walled.
Read the passage
1 Mr. Froude, in his account of the capture of Sir Brian O'Neill, with all its disastrous accompaniments, in Belfast in 1574, mentions "the walls of the town." This is an error, but not one affecting the author's comments. Belfast was never walled, and the matter is but referred to here to state that fact.
Internet Archive historyoftownofb00benn, Chapter 49
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Drowning in the Dock opposite Prince's Street
near Prince's Street · street · Kerry · 1801
A man drowned in the dock opposite Prince's Street around 1801, suggesting the protecting chains meant to prevent such accidents were either ineffective or never installed. The site is now solid, paved ground.
Read the passage
This may refer to the final closing of the river in High Street, the taking away of the old arch or bridge, and replacing it by another of better form. Some old persons have told us, certainly many years since, that they remembered the river still open, and flowing a clear stream from Bridge Street to the Dock. About the same time the drowning of a man is reported as having taken place in the dock opposite Prince's Street, so that the protecting chains were either ineffectual or not put up at aU. The space opposite Prince's Street, where the dock was, is now solid, well paved ground.
" To be let, a House, No. 34, Castle Street, with a most elegant garden adjoining the premises, with an abundant supply of
Internet Archive historyoftownofb00benn, Chapter 381
As the companion tells it
Somewhere about Prince's Street, a man drowned in the dock here around 1801. The protecting chains meant to stop such accidents were either ineffectual or never put up. Old people recalled the river still open in those days, flowing a clear stream from Bridge Street to the Dock. Where the dock once stood opposite Prince's Street, there is now solid, well paved ground.
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Great bands of depredators plague Belfast in winter
near Belfast · city · Antrim · 1805
During the winter of 1805-1806, large bands of depredators were active in the town, committing numerous nightly burglaries against many named victims.
Read the passage
Great bands of depredators were in the town this winter. Numerous names are mentioned of those who suffered from their nightly burglaries.
Valentine Joyce, a Belfast merchant, died in February, 1805. The account of his funeral, as a trait of the customs of Belfast when still feeling the semi-military spirit, is worth preserving. " He was escorted, on Sunday, to the place of interment by the Belfast Cavalry, of which he was a member, the merchants, infantry, and volunteer corps, and buried with military honours."
Internet Archive historyoftownofb00benn, Chapter 383
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Monro's forces besiege Charlemont before the Cessation
near Charlemont · village · Armagh · 1643
Colonel Chichester's regiment was stationed before Charlemont when news arrived of the 1643 Cessation, and it continued in the field longer than most other units, according to the Parliamentary Commissioners' report.
Read the passage
" And though we take not upon us to excuse or extenuate any of the miscarriages of Colonel Chichester, yet as anything is suggested to fortify the reason of detaining Belfast (so properly and entirelj'- belonging to the disposal of the Parliament of England), ^ we conceive it our parts to endeavour the rectifying of any mistake in that kind, and rest assured that whatever consef{uence is drawn from the reports of Colonel Chichester agreeing to the Cessation with the Irish rebels contrary to the Declaration of the Parliament of England is so fully known to be ill grounded, that nothing is more manifest than that his Regiment was one of those that were before Charlemont when the news of the Cessation came to that army ; that they continued with the longest that time in the field, and that he sent on all occasions after that time part of his Regiment with the other forces, when they went abroad, partaking also in the dividend of the Cattle gotten from the Rebels, as others did who attended that service. And all this was constantly done after the Cessation ; ^ and until the town of Belfast was possessed by Major General Monro, Col. Chichester being then only permitted to stay in the Castle with one hundred of his regiment and the rest of them at that time designed quarters in the parts near the town. And truly though Col. Chichester had submitted to the Cessation contrary to the directions of Parliament, yet why he should be therefore conceived as one that is in the condition of an Irish Rebel, and so to bring the place taken from him within the compass of
^ It will be perceived, from these and other expressions throughout the document, that this Report of the English Commissioners was made at a time subsequent to the event ; in feet, as will afterwards appear, when the English Parliament desired to get Belfast into their hands, which the Scotch persistently refused. The Report is introduced in this place as it more naturally belongs to the preceding narrative of the surjjrisal of Belfast, and is in reality a continuation of the story.
Internet Archive historyoftownofb00benn
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Oldest gravestone in Carnmoney churchyard, dated 1692
Carnmoney · townland · Antrim · 1692
A tradition connects the Houston family to the parish of Carnmoney, corroborated by the very oldest gravestone in the churchyard there, which commemorates the death of a Mr. Houston in 1692. The Houston name remained common in the parish afterward.
Read the passage
The elder Mr. Houston, father of Mr. John Holmes Houston, married Miss Holmes. We have been told by many persons — we know not how truly — that this Mr. Houston belonged to the parish of Carnmoney, and for corroboration of this statement we found that the very oldest gravestone in the churchyard there commemorates the decease of a Mr. Houston, who died in 1692. The name is yet common in the parish. Mr. John Holmes Houston, we have been informed, went to Dublin in early life, and acquired much wealth. It must have been in very early life, as in the year 1790, when he could not have
220 IIISTOEY OF BELFAST.
Internet Archive historyoftownofb00benn, Chapter 453
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Oldest Tombstone in Shankill Graveyard
near Shankill · parish · Antrim · 1689
The oldest surviving tombstone in the old Shankill churchyard records the death of Homer Jackson in 1689, marking it as the sole datable monument of antiquity remaining at the site.
Read the passage
* No vestige now remains of the old chui'ch of Shankill. A large mound alone marks the spot on which it stood. The Font is still in the graveyard ; it is a rude block of stone not less than three feet in length, and of proportionate thickness. The cavity or basin for the water is also very large. If the stone has ever served for a font at all — as tradition avers, and in which general opinion concui's — no object, either sacred or profane, could have been formed more likely to last for ever. There is no other monument of antiquity in the graveyard ; the oldest tombstone, even, is one recording the death of Homer Jackson 8th April, 1689.
Internet Archive historyoftownofb00benn, Chapter 177
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Patrick Adair Desires Burial in Belfast
near Belfast · city · Antrim · 1695
In his will dated 1695, Patrick Adair, the eminent Presbyterian minister of Belfast, expressed his desire to be buried in the town where he had served for twenty years.
Read the passage
" It is disappointing to lind the wills of these two eminent and successive Belfast ministers, Adair and M' Bride, so devoid of interest, containing no hint of the trials they had passed through, or the eventful history of the times. Enclosed in Patrick Adair's will is a notice that it was lost for 100 years, as it is known that his Narrative was . To his name Adair appends the letters ' ' Clk. , " indicating a title used by the Established clergy only. He desires to be buried in Belfast. He beqiieaths to his wife the full interest of £400 in the Earl of Donegall's hands, and the half of his furniture and plate ; the other half to his three sons. He leaves the half of his books to his son William ; "out of the other half I leave to my wife such a number of practical books for her own use as she, with consent of the rest of the Executors, shall think meet to choose ; " also to his daughter Ellen " some practical books."
Victor Ferguson is one of the witnesses to this will, which is dated 1695.
Internet Archive historyoftownofb00benn
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Persecution of John M'Bride of Belfast for his opinions
near Belfast · city · Antrim
Dr Victor Ferguson, an army surgeon and ancestor of the Ferguson family, defended John M'Bride of Belfast when he was persecuted for his religious opinions, as recorded in Dr Kirkpatrick's work on Presbyterian Loyalty.
Read the passage
The Fergusox Family. — The family of Ferguson is one of the very few in Belfast who have legitimate claims to a long standing in it. The late John Francis Ferguson informed the writer that, so far as he knew, the first of them who came to this country was an army surgeon to the forces of William the Third. If so, he was most probably the Dr. Victor Ferguson who appears, in Dr. Kirkpatrick's work of Presbyterian Loyalty, in a conspicuous and honourable light as a defender of John M'Bride of Belfast when persecuted for his opinions, and otherwise as an advocate of liberality and of the opinions held by the Belfast Society. This Dr. Victor Ferguson is claimed indeed as the direct ancestor of the late Mr. Ferguson. His son was also a medical man, but connected also with the linen business, in which he made great improvements. He lived in the last century. His son was John S. Ferguson, who was a still more extensive linen merchant.
Mr. John S. Ferguson, at the beginning of this century, was
Internet Archive historyoftownofb00benn
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Private Night Burial of Samuel Haliday
near Belfast · city · Antrim · 1738
In 1738 the corpse of the late Mr. Samuel Haliday was interred in the churchyard on a Wednesday night in a private, genteel manner, continuing the practice of night burials among some Belfast families into the following century.
Read the passage
^ This funeral notice occurs in 173S — "On Wednesday night last interred in the Church yard in a private geuteel manner the corpse of the late Mr. Samuel Haliday."
This practice of night-burying among some Belfast families reached into the present centurj-.
Internet Archive historyoftownofb00benn, Chapter 280
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John M'Bride flees Belfast for Scotland
near Belfast · city · Antrim
John M'Bride, successor to Patrick Adair as Presbyterian minister in Belfast, was forced to flee to Scotland because of his political opinions, illustrating the dangers faced by dissenting clergy.
Read the passage
M'Bride, John, succeeds Patrick Adair as minister of the Presbyterian Congregation in Belfast, 403 ; his picture still to be seen in the vestry, 404 ; had to fly to Scotland on account of political opinions, 404.
M'Cracken, Henry Joy, notice of, 665.
Internet Archive historyoftownofb00benn, Chapter 374
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Cairns family tombstones in Carnmoney burying-ground
Carnmoney · townland · Antrim · 1775–1844
The earliest tombstone found in the burying-ground attached to Carnmoney Parish Church records the death of William Cairns in 1775 and his wife Agnes in 1785. A separate railed enclosure elsewhere in the graveyard holds a monument to a later William Cairns (d.1844) and his wife Rose Ann Cairns (d.1822), the parents of Earl Cairns.
Read the passage
The first in rank is Earl Cairns. His family was long established in the Parish of Carnmoney, about three miles from Belfast. The earliest tombstone that has been found in the romantic and beautiful burying-ground attached to the Parish Church records the death of William Cairns in 1775, and of his wife Agnes in 1785. Then in another part of the buryingground, a considerable distance from the place in which this stone lies, is a railed enclosure, in which is a monument to the memory of William Cairns, who died in 1844, aged 55 years, and his wife, Eose Ann Cairns, who died in 1822, aged 37 years. These two were the father and mother of Earl Cairns. There would seem to have been a generation lapsed or omitted in this tombstone history, there being no monument discovered to the memory of Hugh Cairns and Nathan Cairns, who, we have been informed, were brothers, and both noted members of the family. They may have been the children of the two named on the first tombstone. Nathan was the father of William Cairns, who died as above noticed in 1844, and consequently grandfather of Earl Cairns.
Earl Cairns was born in Donegall Place, Belfast, in December, 1819, which was the temporary abode of his parents during the winter of 1819-20, their usual residence at this time being Ptushpark, on the Carrickfergus Eoad. The Earl was baptised in Carnmoney Church, on the 11th February, 1820, by Mr.
Internet Archive historyoftownofb00benn, Chapter 416
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Death of Dr. Maclaine, native of the North of Ireland educated in Belfast
near Belfast · city · Antrim · 1806
Dr. Maclaine died at Bath in 1806 at the age of eighty-two; a lengthy obituary noted he had spent his youth in Belfast and formed lasting attachments there, including with Dr. Haliday, before leaving for Holland around 1745.
Read the passage
1806. — Dr. Maclaine died at Bath this year. There is a lengthened notice of him in the paper of 11th January, 1805, signed J. (probably Joy). He says — " Dr. Maclaine was a native of the North of Ireland, and educated for a Presbyterian minister. The season of his youth was spent in Belfast, where he was long remembered with delight by a numerous circle, now nearly extinct. He there formed those early attachments which make the longest impression . . . and among the first was that for the beloved and revered Dr. Haliday. About the year 1745, when in his 22nd year, he was invited to Holland to take the pastoral charge of the English Church at the Hague. . . His reply to Soame Jenyns was received in England with the respect it deserved, and a volume of his sermons addressed to his own flock was equally esteemed. His great work, however, was the translation of Mosheims Ecclesiastical History, for which he received most unbounded praise — no doubt quite deserved." But there is no specific disclosure about his occupation in Belfast. He was eighty-two, and must have lived a long while in Bath ; unless this sentence can be taken as a Belfast recollection, there is no other. " After the various scenes of a life protracted till his 82nd year, an absence of half a century neither diminished his love for the friends he had left behind him in Ireland, nor his delight in recalling to memory the spots endeared by early acquaintance." He merely says that he never expected to revisit his native land and the scenes of his youth, but was shocked at the rebellion and the disorders in the country, &c.
1804-1806.] SUNDAY TRAFFIC FORBIDDEN. 51
Internet Archive historyoftownofb00benn, Chapter 383
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Death of Robert Gemmill in the Belfast dock
near Belfast · city · Antrim · 1808
Robert Gemmill, a Scottish native active in the cotton and shipping trades, lost his life this year after falling between the quay and a ship in the dock. No members of his family remained in Belfast at the time of writing.
Read the passage
liobert Gemmill lost his life this year in consequence of falling between the quay and a ship in the dock. He was a native of Scotland, and active in the cotton and shipping trades, but there are none of this family now in Belfast.
Madame Tussaud's famous Wax Works were exhibited at No. 92, High Street.
Internet Archive historyoftownofb00benn
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Grimshaw family graves and inscriptions at Carnmoney
Carnmoney · townland · Antrim · 1777–1805
Nicholas Grimshaw, founder of Whitehouse's cotton industry, died in 1805 and was buried at Carnmoney; a nearby gravestone records another Nicholas Grimshaw who died in 1777. The inscriptions on both stones are transcribed in full, describing the family's burial enclosure.
Read the passage
On the other stone we read — " Here rest the remains of Nicholas Grimshaw, Esq., of Whitehouse, in this parish, who departed this life, 28th April, 1805, aged 57 years."
214 HISTORY OF BELFAST.
Internet Archive historyoftownofb00benn, Chapter 450
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O'Mullan buried at Lambeg with surviving tombstone
near Lambeg · town · Antrim · 1733
Rev. John O'Mullan, parish priest from 1733, a native of Ballywillwill in the parish of Kilmegan, County Down, was buried at Lambeg, where his tombstone still remained at time of writing.
Read the passage
"The Eev. Pheloray O'Hamill was the Parish Priest of Belfast, Derriaghy, and Drum, the latter meaning the parishes of Drumbo and Drumbeg. He was registered at Carrickfergus 12 July, 1704, his sureties, according to the Act, being Conway Courtney of Aghalee, and Hugh Hamill of Carrickfergus, in £50 each. The return states he resided at Derriaghy, and received orders in 1677 from Dr. Oliver Plunkett, the titular Primate. The date of his death is not known, but his successor was the Rev. Mr. Magee, traditionally stated to have been Curate and Parish Priest for Fifty Years. He was succeeded in 1733 by the Rev. John O'Mullan, a native of Ballywillwill, in the parish of Kilmegan, County of Down. He was buried in Lambeg, where his tombstone still remains. He was succeeded in 1772 by the Rev. Hugh O'Donnell, a native of Glenarm. In August, 1812, Mr. O'Donnell resigned, and died December, 1813. On his resignation, the then Bishop, Dr. Patrick M'Mullan, separated Belfast from Derriaghy ; to the latter appointing the Rev. Mr. M'Quoid, and to Belfast and its extensive district, as far as Ballyclare, the Rev. WiUiam Crolly, Professor of Logic, Metaphysics, and Ethics, and who was formally instituted in November, 1812, taking with him as his curate the Rev. Bernard M'Cauley, afterwards Vicar-General and Parish Priest of Downpatrick. Dr. Crolly continued Parish Priest of Belfast for thirteen years, and in 1824 was elected Bishop of Down and Connor by the suifrages of his brother clergymen, and was consecrated in Belfast 1st May. In 1825 he made Belfast instead of Downpatrick the mensal parish of the diocese, which it still continues to be."
This narrative is brought down to a later period than those of the other religious bodies of Belfast, but this is excusable ; it is derived from a trustworthy source,^ and is but very brief. The history of the Roman Catholics in the town has hitherto been less known or inquired after than those of religious bodies at one time so much more numerous and influential. To the Catholic Church history of Belfast, as communicated in the foregoing
Internet Archive historyoftownofb00benn, Chapter 203
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Only One Funeral Recorded to Shankill Graveyard
near Shankill · parish · Antrim · 1712–1736
The Burial Registry shows that of the many Belfast funerals recorded, only one funeral is noted as going to the Shankill graveyard, with most town residents interred in the High Street churchyard instead.
Read the passage
only one funeral found its way to Shankill. Many of the poorer classes niust have been carried to that sacred ground ; all were not laid in the old graveyard of the town, but the certainty is that the great majority and the most important persons were. In the Parish Eegistry in St. Anne's Church from 1745 onwards the burials in Shankill are numerous.
Besides its interest as a Funeral Register, the book contains many notes arising from the nature of its contents, and requiring at least a passing remark. Such items as the following occur : — "Novr 3, 1717. Received of cash from Mr. Sam^ Smith from the Executors of my lA Mountalexander on account of a Cloake that a piece was torn out of at his ffuneral 5s." " Paid Mr. Eichard Ashmore for Two New Larg Cloke Bagis 8s. l|d." " Paid Alexr Bigger for caring (carrying) the Clokes and Mar. Cloath to Newtown to Mr. Marss ffuneral 2s. Mr. Gamble was to be buried the same night that they cald for them."^ " Paid Charles Eamage for bringing 3 Silver Cupes from Dublin 2s. 6d." These are examples of the miscellaneous entries. Burials at night were practised in Belfast in 1717 ; and though a goldsmith was an inhabitant of the town, his skill did not recommend him as a fabricator of silver cups.
Internet Archive historyoftownofb00benn, Chapter 280
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Sinclair Kelburn arrested over United Irishmen links
near Belfast · city · Antrim
Sinclair Kelburn, colleague and successor to Rev. William Laird in the Third Presbyterian Congregation of Belfast, was arrested on suspicion of complicity with the United Irishmen.
Read the passage
successor to the Rev. William Laird in the Third Presbyterian Congregation, Belfast, 412 ; arrested for supposed complicity with the United Irishmen, 413.
Kennedy, Gilbert, succeeds Dr. Kirkpatrick as minister to the Second Presbyterian Congregation in 1744, 409.
Internet Archive historyoftownofb00benn, Chapter 373
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Death of Stewart Banks, former Sovereign of Belfast
Castle Street · street · Roscommon · 1802
Stewart Banks died in April 1802 after a well-spent life of 77 years; he had previously served as Sovereign of Belfast in 1755. His property in Castle Street, Barrack Street, and Lettuce Lane was later sold.
Read the passage
" April, 1802. On Thursday evening, after a well spent life of 77 years, died Stewart Banks." No information is given as to his personal history, but very warm praises of his life and conduct. He had been Sovereign of Belfast in 1755.
At a dinner given to Mr. Skeffington on the 16th of April, 1802, one of the toasts was, " A happy and speedy improvement to the lately discovered Colliery on the Marquis of Donegall's Estate." Where was this colliery ? The language would imply that it was then at work, and not altogether one of those abortive attempts to discover coal in the vicinity of this town.
Internet Archive historyoftownofb00benn, Chapter 381
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Famine in Belfast in 1799
near Belfast · city · Antrim · 1799
The index records a famine affecting Belfast in 1799, with associated relief efforts such as a public soup kitchen and aid to the distressed, as detailed elsewhere in the book.
Read the passage
Famine in Belfast in 1799, 14. Famine, aid to distressed during the,
17. Ferguson family, biography of, 168. Ferguson, Dr. Victor, 168; Will of,
Internet Archive historyoftownofb00benn, Chapter 460
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Fever Hospital and Dispensary in Smithfield
Smithfield · site · Limerick · 1804
The Fever Hospital and Dispensary located in Smithfield were growing in importance year by year, with yearly expenditure reaching £254 in 1804, reflecting concerns about disease in the town.
Read the passage
The Fever Hospital and Dispensary in Smithfield were advancing yearly in importance. Long accounts of their proceedings appear at intervals. Their yearly expenditure amounted to £254 in 1804. The Police Committee are entitled to the thanks of the community for the improvements about to be carried into effect, of covering in a great part of the river which encroaches on High Street. They advertised for con-
46 HISTORY OF BELFAST. [1804-1806.
Internet Archive historyoftownofb00benn, Chapter 383
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Collapse of Seven Arches of the Long Bridge
near Belfast · city · Antrim · 1692
It is recorded that seven arches of the old Long Bridge at Belfast fell in 1692, not long after its completion, an event possibly related to the near-fatal incident involving Abernethy.
Read the passage
It is stated in Joijs MSS. and elsewhere that seven arches of the old Long Bridge fell in 1692, not long after its completion. Could this have been the same occurrence as that which was so nearly proving fatal to Mr. Abernethy ? The years do not correspond.
1 The Narrative is known, or should be known, to all Presbyterians. The extent to which Dr. Reid's more ample history is indebted to it is acknowledged by himself.
Internet Archive historyoftownofb00benn
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Death of John Brown, Sovereign of Belfast, in office
near Belfast · city · Antrim · 1801
John Brown, the Sovereign of Belfast, died in office on 12th November 1801 at the age of 51. His death marked the end of his civic tenure over the town.
Read the passage
On 12th November, 1801, John Brown, the Sovereign of Belfast, died in office, in his 51st year. Amyas Griffith, of Belfast notoriety, frequently mentioned in the first volume of this work, died in September, 1801.
In an advertisement of what is called the largest soap manufactory in Ireland, situated in Waring Street, it is said that the opening from Waring Street to Chichester Quay is now nearly completed.
Internet Archive historyoftownofb00benn, Chapter 381
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Hugh Cairns's missing burial site at Carnmoney
Carnmoney · townland · Antrim · 1808–1811
Although Hugh Cairns was the first of his family to hold Parkmount and lived there twelve years, no memorial marking his burial place has been found in Carnmoney graveyard. His successor Nathan Cairns died in Dublin and was interred in the cemetery of Mary's Abbey.
Read the passage
From the preceding narrative it appears that Hugh Cairns, Esq., was the first of his family who possessed Parkmount, and yet it is singular that there is no place in Carnmoney graveyard noting the burial-place of Hugh. He lived in Parkmount for 12 years, and at his death left a handsome bequest to the Old Poor House. The next possessor was Nathan, as one who was intimate with him has assured us that he visited the said Nathan there in 1811. He died in Dublin, and was interred in the cemetery of Mary's Abbey in that city.
Parkmount was finally sold, in 1828 or 1829, to John M'Neill, Esq.. D.L., Banker of Belfast, in whose family it now
Internet Archive historyoftownofb00benn, Chapter 418
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John Moore the baker's 1671 church burial with full rites
near Belfast · city · Antrim · 1671
John Moore, a baker, specified in his 1671 will that he wished to be buried in the church of Belfast with all rights and ceremonies belonging to a proper Christian burial.
Read the passage
There are numerous other wills of Burgesses, and some of Sovereigns of Belfast, obtainable. They are generally tame and commonplace, very many of them containing the injunction to be buried in the church or churchyard of Belfast. Roger Leathes, tanner, to be more explicit, desires to be laid " on y^ east side of y^ southe church door ;" John Moore, a baker (1671), to be buried in the church of Belfast " with all rights and Ceremonys thereunto belonging." Vain endeavour to preserve from devouring time the fleeting name ! Such bones and skulls as were not scattered more than sixty years ago were for the most part promiscuously mingled, gentle and simple alike, in one place of deposit. The ground which in their living days was so dear to the dead occupants — some of them expressing in their wills their desire to be buried with their ancestors — and which was expected to continue in sepulchral seclusion for ever, is now as devoid of any emblem of a venerable receptacle of death as the common on the heath.
Internet Archive historyoftownofb00benn, Chapter 120
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Nathan Cairns buried at Mary's Abbey cemetery, Dublin
Mary's Abbey · street · Dublin · 1811
Nathan Cairns, who succeeded to Parkmount after Hugh Cairns, died in Dublin and was interred in the cemetery of Mary's Abbey in that city, as confirmed by an acquaintance who had visited him there in 1811.
Read the passage
From the preceding narrative it appears that Hugh Cairns, Esq., was the first of his family who possessed Parkmount, and yet it is singular that there is no place in Carnmoney graveyard noting the burial-place of Hugh. He lived in Parkmount for 12 years, and at his death left a handsome bequest to the Old Poor House. The next possessor was Nathan, as one who was intimate with him has assured us that he visited the said Nathan there in 1811. He died in Dublin, and was interred in the cemetery of Mary's Abbey in that city.
Parkmount was finally sold, in 1828 or 1829, to John M'Neill, Esq.. D.L., Banker of Belfast, in whose family it now
Internet Archive historyoftownofb00benn, Chapter 418
As the companion tells it
Along this street lies the cemetery of Mary's Abbey, where Nathan Cairns was laid to rest. Nathan succeeded Hugh Cairns as possessor of Parkmount. Hugh had held Parkmount for 12 years and at his death left a handsome bequest to the Old Poor House, though oddly no marker notes his burial place in Carnmoney graveyard. An acquaintance of Nathan's visited him in Dublin in 1811. Nathan died in the city and was interred here at Mary's Abbey. Parkmount was later sold in 1828 or 1829 to John McNeill, a banker of Belfast, in whose family it remained.
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Old Burying-Ground of Shankill
near Shankill · parish · Antrim
The Farset river, rising on Squire's Hill, was noted for its meandering course encircling the old churchyard and burying-place of Shankill, one of the earliest known burial sites in the Belfast area.
Read the passage
Of these two small rivers, so peculiarly identified with the ancient topography of Belfast, the Farset rises on Squire's Hill, and in its meandering course encircles the old churchyard and burying-place of Shaukill. The Blackstaff is probably the
Internet Archive historyoftownofb00benn, Chapter 129
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Bishop Boyle's persecution of Presbyterians in Down
near Down · parish · Down
The index cites an account of Bishop Boyle of Down persecuting Presbyterians, indicating religious persecution connected to the diocese of Down.
Read the passage
Boyle, Bishop of Down, persecuting Presbyterians, 196.
Bradshaw, Robert, 222.
Internet Archive historyoftownofb00benn, Chapter 460
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Strafford's persecutions referenced in county Down history
near Down · parish · Down
The index references Strafford's persecutions in connection with the same page discussing religious persecution in County Down, linking Lord Strafford's repressive policies to local Presbyterian history.
Read the passage
64. Strafford's persecutions, 196. Streets, changes in the, 113. Strike-, 22, 36, 39, 47. Sugar houses, 77. Sunday schools. 94. Sunday traffic, 51.
Talbot, the actor, 51, 91.
Internet Archive historyoftownofb00benn
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Execution of Antonio de Silva
near Belfast · city · Antrim · 1810
The index notes the execution of a man named Antonio de Silva, associated with events around 1810 in Belfast. No further narrative detail is given beyond the index citation.
Read the passage
Antonio de Silva, execution of. 78.
Apparatus for execution in 1810, 78.
Internet Archive historyoftownofb00benn, Chapter 460
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Execution apparatus erected in Belfast, 1810
near Belfast · city · Antrim · 1810
The index references apparatus built for a public execution in Belfast in the year 1810, indicating capital punishment was carried out in the town at this time.
Read the passage
Apparatus for execution in 1810, 78.
Apprentices to business, 87.
Internet Archive historyoftownofb00benn, Chapter 460
This book is in the public domain; how the books' rights are judged. The passages are quoted as the scan has them, spelling and all; a story's place is the gazetteer's best reading of the text and can be wrong.