Belfast Charitable Society becomes a Real Living Wage Funder

by caroline Belfast Charitable Society News

Last month Belfast Charitable Society announced it had become a Real Living Wage Employer, a commitment to pay its employees a rate of pay that is based on the actual cost of living. Today, it is going one step further in tackling low pay within the voluntary and community sector by becoming the first funder based in Northern Ireland to become a Real Living Wage Funder.

Paula Reynolds, CEO of Belfast Charitable Society explains “We are delighted to be the first Northern Ireland based funder to be accredited with the Real Living Wage Funder status. With over 270 years of history, Belfast Charitable Society has always been innovative in tackling poverty and disadvantage, and most importantly on how we supported individuals to break the cycle of poverty. Our archive records, which show hundreds of examples of well-paid apprenticeship schemes, are a testament to this, and today we continue to make that commitment by giving a guarantee to our grant recipients that we will ensure our funding enables them to pay the real living wage to their employees. This will not only positively impact real people struggling due to the continued cost of living crisis, but more widely will help to tackle the huge problem of low pay within the sector”.

In recent years, many organisations relying on grant funding have experienced a tough funding environment. Limited funding has had an impact on wages with more than a quarter of workers in the UK now earning less than a real Living Wage, and as a result of the continued cost of living crisis, finding it more and more difficult to pay for essentials like food and heating.
Northern Ireland has held the unenviable record of consistently having the highest, or almost highest, number of jobs paid below the real Living Wage compared to the rest of the UK. The real Living Wage is the only UK Wage rate based on the cost of living. It is currently £12.60 in the UK and £13.85 in London. Unlike the national Living Wage, it is paid to everyone aged 18 above. One in five jobs here are paid below the real Living Wage (RLW). Within this shocking statistic, women are disproportionally disadvantaged, with 24.5 percent earning below the real living wage compared to 16.3 percent of men. And part-time workers are almost three times more likely to be paid below the RLW than their full-time counterparts.

Mary McManus, Regional Manager – Living Wage NI expands “We are delighted that not only has Belfast Charitable Society accredited as a Living Wage Employer, they have taken the next step and become the first ever funder in Northern Ireland to accredit as a Living Wage Funder. This is a significant milestone for the Living Wage movement here. Low pay is a significant issue in the Community and Voluntary sector, a sector that provides essential services to so many. The Living Wage is a robust calculation that reflects the real cost of living, rewarding a hard day’s work with a fair day’s pay. The Living Wage Funder Network aims to promote fair pay across the sector. We hope that other NI Funders will follow Belfast Charitable Society and the other 79 Funders in GB who are already signed up to the scheme.”

Living Wage NI promotes and raises awareness of the real Living Wage and signs local employers up to the scheme. Today, Thursday 27th March, as part of the Imagine Festival, Clifton House, home of Belfast Charitable Society, hosted an event entitled, Making NI a Living Wage Region. The event will provide more information on the real Living Wage and how to sign up. There was also an opportunity to hear from a range of local real Living Wage Employers on why the Living Wage is good for employees, business and society.

Paula Reynolds concludes “Belfast Charitable Society now joins other funders such as the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, Esmee Fairbairn and the National Lottery Community Fund, who despite not being based in Northern Ireland, support a number of grant recipients here. However more needs to be done. Low pay needs to become a thing of the past. Having gone through the process of becoming a Real Living Wage employer and now a Real Living Wage Funder, we are delighted to host this event today in Clifton House and would encourage other employers and funders to come along and find out more about how they can become a Real Living Wage employer.”

Supporting People’s Kitchen

by caroline Belfast Charitable Society News

‘A massive thank you to Belfast Charitable Society from all at the People’s Kitchen’, says Paul McCusker today.

He continued “We haven’t been able to share until now, but back in December 2024 the Society stepped in and funded us £50,000 to keep the lights on and the doors open! It lifted a huge worry off our shoulders, paying for running costs but crucially its funding:

· provided 800 meals per week from December to March

· bought 500 sleeping bags

· bought sleeping mats for rough sleepers and emergency blankets during the storm

· let us purchase 38 with mobile phones to help individuals get connected with their support services

· helped us help 67 people find temporary accommodation – again during the worse weather

· enabled us to provide transport for those homeless who have been allocated temporary accommodation.

Paul, the Co-Ordinator of People’s Kitchen added “As we receive no government funding, we rely on support from the public and organisations to help us deliver all our services, so this funding was a lifeline at an extremely busy and critical time. We have seen, and continue to see, a significant increase in those struggling for support and are very thankful to Belfast Charitable Society for their donation, which has allowed the People’s Kitchen to continue to provide an important service to those most in need across Belfast.”

Speaking on behalf of Belfast Charitable Society, Paula Reynolds, CEO, commented “The Belfast Charitable Society has been supporting those disadvantaged by poverty for over 270 years and will continue to do so, while the need for it exists. As an independent charity, we can respond to urgent and emerging needs, and although it is heartbreaking to hear of the number of homeless in Belfast, we are delighted that this donation has provided such urgent direct support for those in real crisis. The People’s Kitchen is a fantastic, voluntary led organisation, providing people with care and dignity, as well as hot food, warm clothing and sleeping bags, washing facilities, and onward referral support.”

Black Santa Fundraising total of £200,000 reached with support from Belfast Charitable Society

by caroline Belfast Charitable Society News

Two neighbouring institutions come together to tackle poverty and disadvantage in Belfast

For over 120 years, Clifton House and St Anne’s Cathedral have been neighbours in north Belfast. Although their connections go back much further. The original parish church of St Anne’s opened in 1776, just two years after the Belfast Charitable Society officially opened Clifton House, the former Poor House of Belfast, over 250 years ago.

In recent years, both institutions have worked closely together as members of the North Belfast Heritage Cluster through a regeneration project, Great Place North Belfast, led by Belfast Charitable Society (BCS). Despite this lengthy history, last year was the first time BCS also supported Belfast Cathedral’s Black Santa fundraising campaign. Through a significant donation, which added a further 50 per cent to the money collected from members of the public, the fundraising total reached £200,000.

Belfast Charitable Society made the decision to support Black Santa for the first time as part of its 250th anniversary celebrations for its home, Clifton House. Professor Alastair Adair, Chair of Belfast Charitable Society explained “The familiar sight of Black Santa on the steps of St Anne’s Cathedral has become synonymous with the giving spirit and generosity of the people of Belfast. An ideal also close to the hearts of past and present members of Belfast Charitable Society. The decision to support Black Santa’s remarkable fundraising initiative was made as part of our 250th Anniversary celebrations of Clifton House.

Professor Alastair Adair, Chair of Belfast Charitable Society explained “We are delighted to be able to make this significant donation of £73,600, bringing the total Black Santa fundraising total up to £200,000. As Ireland’s oldest extant charity, Belfast Charitable Society has been addressing disadvantage for over 270 years and sadly knows too well the need that still exists due to poverty today.”

Welcoming the donation Dean Forde said: “It is wonderful to build on the partnership between Belfast Charitable Society and Belfast Cathedral and wonderful to share the celebrations of their 250th anniversary and our 120th anniversary.”

The funds raised will be distributed by Black Santa to 104 charities at the annual Good Samaritans Service on Sunday 2 February 2025.

Dean Forde explained “Out of this generosity, thousands of people across Belfast and across the province will benefit through the work of those 104 local charities who have been awarded a grant from this year’s appeal.”

Professor Alastair Adair concluded “The impact this fundraising will have on those reliant on these charitable organisations receiving funding will be significant, and in some cases life changing.”

The Good Samaritans Service will take place in Belfast Cathedral at 3.30pm on Sunday 2 February, with special guests former Olympic athlete Lady Mary Peters, and music from singer Peter Corry.

Clifton House, an enduring Christmas Gift

by caroline Belfast Charitable Society Clifton House News

Celebrating 250 Years of giving to Belfast

On Christmas Eve, 1774, following more than a decade of fundraising, planning and building, Clifton House, formerly the Poor House of Belfast, opened its doors for the first time.

On this particular winter’s day, members of the Belfast Charitable Society met in the Market House (now the Assembly Rooms) and agreed, with ‘immediate effect’, that ‘as many of the Begging poor as the Poor House can at present accommodate be received as soon as possible’ and that ‘as many of the sick poor as can be provided for in the Infirmary be also taken in as soon as possible.’

The house was finally ready, and orders of ‘potatoes and oatmeal and other Provisions’ were to be provided ‘as soon as possible’. The members who met to officially mark the opening of the house, included well known figures Mr Robert Joy, Mr Francis Hamilton, Revd James Bryson, Mr James Carson and Mr William Drennan.

Allegedly sketched on the back of a napkin by local newspaper publisher Robert Joy, Clifton House was built between 1771-1774 on land given to the Belfast Charitable Society by the Marquis of Donegall, Arthur Chichester.

The beautiful Georgian building, at that time sat at the edges of the growing town of Belfast, on a hill for all to see. When it opened, it satisfied the need to care for the poor and infirm. However it was also a statement…a commitment by the Society to continue to provide for the people of the town and city for what has now turned out to be 250 years.

Belfast Charitable Society has been celebrating the significant 250^th anniversary of Clifton House since January through a variety of special legacy projects, talks, tours, conferences, exhibitions and social media campaigns which have helped to tell the story of the house throughout its long history.

Professor Alastair Adair CBE, Chair of the Belfast Charitable Society, expanded: “Throughout the year we hosted a number of challenging conversations surrounding poverty, and listened to others including practitioners, academics, and those with lived experience, to find out more about how poverty and disadvantage affect people today. We have gathered much information and which will be used to inform our future plans.”

The final large-scale event of the yearlong programme took place at another significant Christmas event, the annual Benn Dinner, now in its 142^nd year.

Professor Alastair Adair CBE, Chair of the Belfast Charitable Society, explained: “This celebratory event, marking the official anniversary of the House, was also continuing the important legacy of George Benn, a renowned local philanthropist, who bequeathed £1,000 in his Will to provide the residents of Clifton House with a Christmas lunch.

“Following his death in 1882, the first Benn Dinner was recorded that same year and it is testament to the Board and Staff of Belfast Charitable Society that it continues to be a key event in our calendar, 142 years later. In recent years, the Society has continued to fund the residents of Clifton House their Christmas lunch and facilitated the Junior Chamber of Commerce to visit with presents.”

Since first opening its doors on Christmas Eve 1774, the archive records are full of stories of giving and generosity, such as the story of George Benn. The following year ‘Mr Waddell Cunningham made a present of some necks & houghs of beef to the poorhouse which the orderly desired Mr Bray to get unpacked.’

On the 21st December 1782 it was noted that ‘Mrs Carrothers is directed to lay out half a crown upon a small entertainment for the children at Christmas as a reward and encouragement for their industry’. And in December 1815 the record books noted that the ‘children had the festival of a tea party’.

Mary Ann McCracken had a huge influence on the house and ensured that the children and the infirm received a sweet bun alongside tea and bread for supper on Christmas Day before retiring to bed.

The building itself has been an iconic sight on the city’s skyline, synonymous with addressing poverty and disadvantage.

Paula Reynolds, Chief Executive of Belfast Charitable Society commented: “This year, as well as reflecting on our long history of philanthropy and social reform, we have also been looking ahead to our future.

“Throughout the year, we have been asking our supporters and followers ‘What should the next 250 years look like’? It has been an extremely busy year for our team but it has made a huge mark on our future plans. More on that to follow, but for now I would like to thank everyone who has supported our efforts this year and we look forward to welcoming you through our doors again in 2025”.

Hundreds of years of Christmas Traditions at Clifton House

by caroline Belfast Charitable Society News

On Christmas Eve, 1774, following more than a decade of fundraising, planning and building, Clifton House, formerly the Poor House of Belfast, opened its doors for the first time.

The house was finally ready, and orders of ‘potatoes and oat meal and other Provisions’ were to be provided ‘as soon as possible’. The members who met to officially mark the opening of the house, included well known figures Mr Robert Joy, Mr Francis Hamilton, Revd James Bryson, Mr James Carson and Mr William Drennan.

Although the 250^th Anniversary of the opening of Clifton House lies within December, Belfast Charitable Society has been celebrating the significant milestone since January this year. Through a variety of special legacy projects, talks, tours, conferences, exhibitions and social media campaigns, the many stories of the Poor House have been told. The end of the yearlong programme was marked today (11^th December) at another significant Christmas event, the annual Benn Dinner, now in its 142^nd year.

Professor Alastair Adair CBE, Chair of the Belfast Charitable Society, explained “It has been an honour to take on the role of Chair within such a significant milestone in our history, and witness the huge amount of work that has gone into this yearlong programme of celebration. The impact of our challenging talks, which brought others together to talk about the reality of poverty and disadvantage today, has been hugely beneficial to our future planning.

Alastair continued ‘As we celebrate the success of our Anniversary year, we were delighted to welcome so many of our stakeholders and supporters into Clifton House to thank them for their contribution. However today was also about continuing the important legacy of George Benn, a renowned local philanthropist, who bequeathed £1,000 in his Will to provide the residents of Clifton House with a Christmas lunch. Following his death in 1882, the first Benn Dinner was recorded that same year and it is testament to the Board and Staff of Belfast Charitable Society that it continues to be a key event in our calendar, 142 years later. In recent times, as the needs of residents in the care home have become more complex, the Society has funded their lunch and facilitated the Junior Chamber of Commerce to visit with presents.”

In this auspicious year, the Belfast Charitable Society was delighted to welcome Dr Alan Logan, Vice Lord Lieutenant for the County Borough of Belfast, who is representing the Lord Lieutenant.

The Benn Dinner is traditionally attended by the Lord Mayor of Belfast, and this year was no exception. The residents of Clifton House were pleased to welcome and chat with Councillor Micky Murray, who was accompanied by the Junior Trade of Commerce and Santa himself! Residents were entertained by pupils from Blessed Trinity College who sang a number of Christmas carols on the day too.

Councillor Murray said: “I am honoured to join in with this annual tradition and be part of such a long running event in Clifton House’s history, especially during this special anniversary year for Belfast Charitable Society.

“The idea behind the Benn Dinner is as relevant today as it was over 140 years ago, and I’ve received a very warm welcome from residents today as they enjoyed their Christmas lunch, together with friends and carers – long may this tradition continue.”

Since first opening its doors, Clifton House has been an iconic sight on the city’s skyline, synonymous with addressing poverty and disadvantage. Paula Reynolds, Chief Executive of Belfast Charitable Society commented “This year, as well as reflecting on our long history of philanthropy and social reform, we have also been looking ahead to our future. Throughout the year, we have been asking our supporters and followers ‘What should the next 250 years look like’? It has been an extremely busy year for our team, but has made a huge mark on our future plans. More on that to follow, but for now I would like to thank everyone who has supported our efforts this year and we look forward to welcoming you through our doors again in 2025”.

Belfast Charitable Society – An Avatar for Social Reform

by caroline Belfast Charitable Society News

Belfast Charitable Society, since it was established in 1752, has been an avatar for social reform. During its long history it has been influential in law and policy, particularly that which positively impacted on the most disadvantaged in society.

Today, from its home in Clifton House, BCS is still creating that road map for social change, by being the conduit between those most in need; community and advisory organisations; education providers and local government through the delivery of innovative projects and grants that respond to emerging and urgent need.

This morning we welcomed attendees from the advice sector, law/legal areas of the community sector alongside the third level education sector and law practitioners to hear from our own President Sir Ronnie Weatherup and guest speakers Professor Gráinne McKeever, Dr Esther McGuinness and Claire Mulrone from Ulster University.

We asked attendees “What should / can an avatar for social reform do in the future to support provision of the most disadvantaged in our communities, including north Belfast?”

More to follow as we digest the feedback from another thought provoking event.

Over 1,000 people turn out to celebrate 250 years of Clifton House

by caroline Belfast Charitable Society Clifton House News

OVER 1,000 PEOPLE TURN OUT TO CELEBRATE 250 YEARS OF CLIFTON HOUSE

On Sunday 1 September Clifton House opened its house and grounds for a free community event celebrating the 250th anniversary of one of Belfast’s oldest buildings.

Heritage Day celebrated the long history of the house and its significant importance in developing and helping the city of Belfast through a day of traditional skills and crafts, live music and food.

First opening its doors in 1774 as the poorhouse of Belfast, Clifton House remains the home of Belfast Charitable Society, who fundraised, built it, and managed it from 1774, and who ensure that its uses remain true to the charity’s mission – to look after those in need.

Today it remains an iconic sight on the city’s skyline, synonymous with addressing poverty and disadvantage in the community.

Professor Alastair Adair, chair of Belfast Charitable Society explained: “Our Heritage Day is the flagship event in our 250th anniversary calendar of activities, which launched in January this year, and will run until December 2024.

“Since January we have launched a number of special legacy projects, including a new teaching resource for KS2 children; hosted special talks, tours, conferences and exhibitions; and ran a monthly themed social media campaign, and all of which is helping us tell the story of Clifton House throughout its 250 years.

“We were delighted to open Clifton House and grounds today as part of this special celebratory event, and to let people learn more about this significant building, which lies in the heart of Belfast and which is so important to the city’s history.”

Paula Reynolds, CEO of Belfast Charitable Society, expanded: “It was important to us to create a fun day that was open and accessible to the local community and beyond, and we are just so delighted that so many people of all ages came along to enjoy the variety of heritage skills and craft demonstrations taking place. We also had a local craft fair in the beautiful grounds of the house, traditional children’s games, including a history hunt; some fabulous live music; and most importantly our team of amazing volunteers were on hand to share stories of the history of Clifton House.

“Visitors were also able to take part in our first ever History Harvest, run in conjunction with partners in the North Belfast Heritage Cluster and its Great Place North Belfast project. We had over 80 people come along and share their memories and stories of North Belfast with us, which was just amazing.”

Alastair concluded: “We want to thank Belfast City Council for their support and our partner Radius Housing, for helping us to make this day really special. We can’t think of a better backdrop than the magnificent building that is Clifton House for an event such as this. Now in its 250th year, and still going strong.”

For further details on Clifton House’s 250th Anniversary, including how you can make a donation, please visit https://cliftonbelfast.com/clifton-house-250/

Mary Ann McCracken Bursary Programme continues

by caroline Belfast Charitable Society Clifton House News

In the wake of the unveiling of the Mary Ann McCracken statue in the grounds of Belfast City Hall, the Foundation, which continues to build on her legacy, has announced a third and final year of bursaries for post primary schools in North Belfast.

For the past two years the Mary Ann McCracken Foundation, in conjunction with Belfast Charitable Society, The James Kane Foundation, Hunter Smyth Fund and Raj Darshna, has supported a bursary programme for all twelve post primary schools in North Belfast. This initiative, first launched in February 2022, has gone from strength to strength, as evidence of the positive impact on pupils has emerged.

Norma Sinte, Chair of the Mary Ann McCracken Foundation, explained “Over the course of the last two years, we have grown the funds available for the Mary Ann McCracken Bursaries from £18k in year one to £24k in year two. This year we are delighted to announce that the fund has grown for a third consecutive year to £30,000, and we want to thank our partner funders, including LFT Charitable Trust who have come on board this year. Last year this fund supported 64 pupils who were identified by their schools due to their financial situation. The impact on these pupils is huge, and we have no doubt that the increased funds available this year will allow more and more pupils to benefit.”

The Mary Ann McCracken Bursaries continue to be a flexible fund for pupils aged 16+ who face financial barriers which may prevent them from continuing to AS / A-Level, further or higher education, employment or apprenticeship. Previous years’ funding has allowed pupils to buy smart clothes for interviews; pay for college or university fees; pay for laptops, books and equipment for higher education courses; transport for interviews, jobs or courses…the list goes on.

Chair of the North Belfast Area Learning Community, Mary Montgomery said “On behalf of all the post primary schools in North Belfast, I would like to thank the Mary Ann McCracken Foundation and its partner funders the Belfast Charitable Society, Hunter Smyth Fund, Raj Darshna Fund and LFT Charitable Trust for continuing to support this initiative into its third year. For our schools to have a flexible fund like this to support our pupils is absolutely fantastic. In some cases it is the difference of a child going to University or not; of getting an apprenticeship job or not; of being able to get to a job interview or not. On behalf of every child who gets this chance by receiving a bursary, thank you!”

Norma Sinte concluded, “With the continued effects of the Cost-of-Living Crisis on families in North Belfast we are acutely aware of the financial burdens many young people in this area face. We are determined, as Mary Ann herself would have been, to give every child an equal chance to progress in their life and work, and not to be further disadvantaged due to their financial situation. We look forward to hearing about the impacts this next round of funding .

Pic caption: Principals of North Belfast Post Primary Schools with representatives from the funders officially launch the third year of the Mary Ann McCracken Bursary Programme in the beautiful centre courtyard of Clifton House, which this year is celebrating its 250^th anniversary.

The House and the Hospitals – Glenravel Street

by caroline Belfast Charitable Society Belfast Poor House Clifton House News

The House and the Hospitals – Glenravel Street

The presence of the Poorhouse, and the wealth and prestige that was present on the board of the Belfast Charitable Society proved to be a catalysing influence for change in the area. Whilst the Charitable Society directly influenced significant changes through the foundation of the New Burying Ground and the provision of water to Belfast, other entrepreneurs and philanthropists identified the area as one in need of development but filled with potential. One such individual was Edward Benn; a familiar name for followers of the history of Clifton House.

The Benn’s history has been well documented on our various websites, with an in-depth biographical piece available here. Both brothers were members of the Society and contributed significantly to the Poorhouse and the wider area. Older brother Edward (1798-1874) was plagued with health issues throughout his lifetime which explains his philanthropic focus on providing hospitals which could help provide for the citizens of the city in a way that was notably absent in treating his own ongoing ailments. He, along with younger brother George (1801-1882) helped fund a number of hospitals in the area, including the Ulster Eye, Ear and Throat hospital in 1874 and the Benn Skin Hospital in 1875 on Glenravel Street: A street named in honour of Benn’s estate near Ballymena.

These hospitals were erected under the patronage of the Benn Brothers, rather than the Charitable Society, however, they were erected on land donated by the Society who likely understood and endorsed Benn’s vision of medical provision for the citizens. Whilst the existing relationship between the Benn Brothers and the Charitable Society would have helped in procuring land to build their hospitals, the location of the hospitals directly to the rear of the Poor House offers another perspective. At this time, Donegall Street and Clifton Street attracted people from all walks of life for religious worship, work, learning and even cleanliness and bathing. Whilst everyone could avail from the medical facilities built on this site, their location adjacent to the Poorhouse, which catered to the city’s most vulnerable is significant. When the hospitals were built, it would have been the poor and destitute who lived in the Poorhouse, before it later transitioned to a home for the elderly and infirm. The close location to such a large body of people who could readily avail of the medical services demonstrates that these hospitals were not exclusive for the upper classes, and would provide medical care to anyone.

Originals plans for the Benn Hospital, 1873 (MS9|2015|009|0308).

These hospitals, along with the Hospital on Frederick Street, established this area of Belfast as the medical centre of the city; a theme that was touched on in last month’s tours and talks of Clifton House. The Benn hospitals remained a constant on Clifton Street until the 1940’s, when the Skin hospital was destroyed during the Blitz. Whilst one hospital was destroyed, the other thrived in the aftermath of the Blitz, offering an important lifeline to wounded and injured citizens. In 1941 alone, the Benn hospital treated 12,777 patients, with donations pouring in to help fund the hospital in a pre-welfare society. The Benn Hospital forms an important part of the story of North Belfast. Many people on tours and open days retell stories of getting treated at the hospital on Glenravel Street.

The Benn Hospital remained an integral part of the Belfast landscape, until it was demolished along with the entirety of Glenravel Street in the 1980’s to make way for the Westlink. All that remains of Glenravel Street is a tiled street sign that now resides in Clifton House, a few-hundred yards away from its original position. As part of the 250^th Anniversary Celebration of the house, and in recognition of his contribution to the House and the wider area, the board of the Belfast Charitable Society has taken steps to get the portrait of Edward Benn restored. This portrait hangs in the boardroom of Clifton House and is a reminder of a great philanthropist who helped pioneer medical treatment in the area and went to great lengths to ease the suffering of others, all-the-while battling with his own ailing health. We hope that it will return in time for the Benn Dinner in December which has remained a staple of the Clifton House calendar for over 140 years, thanks to the generosity of George Benn.

We look forward to bringing you more updates as the restoration proceeds.

Cheek by Jowl- The History of The New Burying Ground

by caroline Belfast Charitable Society Belfast Poor House Clifton House News

Cheek by Jowl- The History of The New Burying Ground

The Belfast Charitable Society has long been improving the living conditions of the less fortunate of Belfast. Their impact can be seen in landmarks in the local landscape. Whilst some of this history has been eroded as the city has evolved, near the old Poor House, now known as Clifton House, one of the Society’s most enduring ventures still exists just off Clifton Street. The New Burying Ground, or Clifton Street Cemetery as it became known was in use for nearly 200 years since its first burial in 1799 before the last interment in the 1990’s. The story of the city can be read from the names and inscriptions that once ordained the headstones of the cemetery, with many of the most wealthy and influential citizens buried “cheek by jowl” alongside the city’s poor, and hundreds of nameless bodies from various epidemics that gripped the region. The cemetery itself still bears the scars from more recent history, with many headstones showing damage from the 1970’s and 80’s. Recently, a collaborative effort between Belfast City Council and Clifton House and their Volunteers has helped remove encroaching climbers and ivy, preventing them from causing further damage to the old walls and engulfing the headstones set into the cemetery’s boundary, and ensure this historic site can continue to endure.

The creation of the New Burying Ground was born out of need. The main burial place for the citizens of Belfast in the 18^th century was the graveyard that surrounded the Corporation Church (St Georges Church), however, the church and graveyard were in such a state of disrepair that by 1798 the graveyard was closed and further burials were forbidden. This left the city of Belfast seeking a new place in which they could bury their dead. Fortunately, the board of Charitable Society had identified the closure of the corporation church graveyard as an immanent possibility and had been “preparing the ground” so to speak, for a new burial ground close to the Poor House. This process began as early as 1795:

“Requested that it is recommended to the next General Board to consider of appropriating one of the fields up the lane for the purpose of a burying ground…”

The lane in question was Buttle’s Loney, which ran along the south and west side of the Poor House, continuing to the Vicinage (home of Thomas McCabe and present-day site of St Malachy’s College). It was decided that the field which the society had previously rented to Reverend William Bristow would be the land chosen for this new venture. The land itself was in an ideal location, close to the Poor House on the outskirts of the 18^th Century city. The decision to make this land into a new Burial Ground also voided the ongoing rent agreement with Rev. Bristow. This would have been seen as a benefit for the Society as although Bristow was a man of reputation and standing in Belfast, he had also proven unreliable in paying rent on the plot.

A new cemetery was seen as a great opportunity to raise funds for the Society’s work through the sale of burial plots. The most prestigious plots were ‘Wall Plots’ which are built into the boundary wall that encircles the cemetery and were often ordained with more ornate headstones and memorials. Many of the most influential individuals of 18^th and 19^th century Belfast are buried in such wall plots, including Mary Ann McCracken, William Drennan and the Dunville Family. The cemetery was not just reserved for the social elite, as the General Board of the Belfast Charitable Society made the decision that a portion of land would be set aside for “interring such poor persons as may die not having funds for their interment in the same or some other Burial Ground.” This plot of land is still clearly marked today, in the northern part of cemetery close to the Antrim Road.

The stories contained within the New Burial Ground are a veritable encyclopedia of 18^th and 19^th century Belfast. Businessmen such as Thomas McCabe and Valentine Jones, pioneers and industrialists such as William Ritchie and bookbinders Marcus Ward, and philanthropists such as Edward Benn and John Charters all tell stories of a burgeoning Belfast and the figureheads who helped establish it. Alongside their ordained headstones, the Famine and Cholera memorials stand as reminders of the hardship that claimed the lives of thousands of citizens across the centuries. The burial ground is also testament to the Charitable Society’s ability to take the lead on initiatives that would benefit the people of Belfast. It is also an example of the shrewdness of the Society to identify ways to raise money to continue to fund their philanthropic programmes. With the commitment made by the Society that land would be set aside for the burial of the poor, the Society also continued to honour an important precedent that they set in 1752, that ultimately, the poor of Belfast deserved dignity, decency and respect. In 1774, with the building of the Poor House, it was ensured that those in need would receive these 3 basic rights in life. In 1797, with the opening of the New Burial Ground, the poor of Belfast were ensured dignity, decency and respect in death as well.