|
BELFAST
GENERAL & COMMERCIAL
DIRECTORY
for 1819
containing an Alphabetical List of the
Merchants, Manufacturers and Inhabitants in General:
and
A History of Belfast and its Institutions;
with a
Directory and History
of
LISBURN
also, a List of English, Scotch and
Irish Bankers and other local information
with
A New Plan of Belfast
by
THOMAS BRADSHAW
Price, Subscribers, 5s. -
Non-subscribers, 6s. 8d.
Belfast
~~~~~~~~
Printed by Francis D. Finlay
1 Corn Market
~~~~~~~~~
1819
~~~~~~~~~~~
ADVERTISEMENT
~~~~~
The Compiler of the present work, truly
grateful for the kind attention he has experienced through the
progress of his compilation, cannot omit this opportunity of
expressing his gratitude to the inhabitants of
Belfast, and its vicinity, for the promptitude with which all
ranks of society have contributed their quota
of authentic, ancient and modern information. The clerical and
mercantile gentlemen have both evinced
a wish, and shown a disposition, to assist in rendering the
work of that utility, which no pains nor expense
have been spared to attain. With a becoming diffidence, the
Editor purposes continuing this publication
triennially; and any alterations that may occur in the
interim, shall be correctly delineated in the map, or
any useful improvement his friends may suggest, will be
adopted. The arrangement of the different trades
under their respective heads, in the easy alphabetical manner
in which they appear, will be found extremely
useful; and the more the public are acquainted with it, they
will better know how to appreciate its utility.
The Subscriber, when employed in a similar work in the sister
kingdom, frequently anticipated the
pleasure he would experience, from the completion of a
Directory in the place of his nativity; and as there
is almost an universal disposition in the heart of man, to
revisit the spot which was the theatre of his juvenile
amusements, and to enjoy solid satisfaction in the
conversation of those remaining acquaintances who have
survived - this was the magnet which drew him Lancashire, and,
in all probability, will transfix him here.
The ancient survey, in the year 1660, when contrasted with
that of 1819, will show in a strong point of view the
industry, spirit, and taste, of the present generation. As in
our time much has been done, and as our predecessors have not
been inactive, within these last thirty years, the town has
been literally rebuilt.
In 1660, there were not more than 150 houses (many of them
miserable thatched cabins) in the town, the
castle and its appurtenances excepted;- now, see what an
influx of wealth and population commerce has
produced!
LISBURN has also an imperative demand on my gratitude,
insomuch that I am deficient in language, to
express my sentiments on that subject. I have not, in the
exercise of my public capacity, experienced more disinterested
friendship; and, considering its population, my subscribing
friends have been numerous. The arrangement of their
Directory, and List of Trades, will be found correct; and
their epitome of ancient history having been taken from the
most authentic sources, will be found useful and entertaining.
I contemplate with pleasure the increase of its markets,
recent improvements in commerce, literature, and taste; and
may justly conclude, that a progressive increase in knowledge
and industry, will be productive of the more lasting
advantages. It stands unrivalled, in a great degree, in the
manufacture of Damask, Diaper, etc.; and the Cotton
manufacture, notwithstanding the present depression, is
carried on with a degree of spirit, scarcely to be expected.
For the favours mentioned, the publisher shall ever feel
grateful; and trusts, he will retain that confidence he at
present has the honour to enjoy.
Thomas Bradshaw
Belfast, July, 1819
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
CONTENTS
~~~~~~
ALL ON THIS PAGE :-
Historical
Account of the Town of Belfast
Population
Trade
Excise Customs
Ships belonging to
Belfast
Ballast Office
Government of the Town
Police
Committee
Chamber of Commerce
Banks
Saving Bank
White Linen-hall
Brown Linen-hall
Markets
Public Bakery
House of Industry
House of Correction
Exchange
Commercial Buildings
Custom House
Post Office
Inns
Post-Chaises,
Coaches and Jaunting Cars, etc.
Arrival
and Departure of the different Mail and Stage Coaches
News Rooms
Newspapers
Resident Magistrates
Constables appointed at Court leet
Smithfield Market
Spring Water
Warm Baths
Dispensary and Fever Hospital
Lying in Hospital
Female Society for clothing the Poor
Academical Institution
Belfast Academy
Sunday and daily Lancasterian School
Public Library
Belfast Literary Society
Association for Discountenancing Vice
Old Church
St. Ann's Church
Chapel of Ease
Meeting-House of First Presbyterian Congregation
ditto
Second
ditto
Third
ditto
Fourth
Meeting-House of Independents
Methodist Chapels
Reformed Presbyterian Meeting-House
Friends' or Quakers' Meeting-House
Seceders' Meeting-House
Baptists' Meeting-House
Roman Catholic Chapels
Poor-House and Infirmary
Steam Packets
Lagan Navigation
Addenda to Ballast Office
List of Churches, etc., in Belfast, with their situations,
Preachers, and times of service
Miscellaneous Notes respecting Belfast
Reference to the Streets of Belfast
Penalties for breaches of the Police Act
Directory of Belfast
- Names Alphabetically
Trades and
Professions in Belfast
Historical Account of the Town of Lisburn
Directory of Lisburn - Names Alphabetically
Trades and
Professions in Lisburn
Gentlemen,
Merchants, etc., in the neighbourhood of Belfast, not in the
Directory
Bank of England
London Bankers
English and Scotch Provincial Bankers
Bank of Ireland
Dublin Bankers
Irish Provincial Bankers
ADDENDA
~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Long Bridge of Belfast
A report, upon oath, having been made,
November, 1817, by McLarkin, as surveyor to the general Post
Office, of the total insufficiency of this bridge, and the
danger attending it - the Editor of the Directory trusts, that
the following two measurements of the River Lagan, about the
parts where a new bridge may probably be erected, will, in the
present early stage of the subject, be an interesting document
to the noblemen, gentry, and others interested in the
connexion between the two great and flourishing counties of
Down and Antrim.
The River Lagan, in a direct line, in continuation of May
Street, passing the south side of the markets, measures, from
bank to bank, at high water, six hundred and twenty six
feet. This line would enter the County of Down near the
road from Saintfield.
Do. in continuation of Chichester Street, passing the north
side of the markets, measures thirteen hundred and fourteen
feet. This line would enter the County of Down near the
east end of the present bridge, running diagonally across the
river.
~~~~~~~~~~
Customs of Belfast
The Editor has not been able to ascertain, in
precise numbers, the customs paid by the great
commercial city of Cork, so as to present a comparative view
of them, with those of Belfast; but it is certain, that
Belfast exceeded Cork, last year, about Sixty Thousand
Pounds! Were Belfast on a footing with Cork and Waterford
in Parliamentary Interest - a town which pays more
customs that the one, and out of all comparison more than the
other, it would experience a fairer share of public bounty,
from that source to which it so eminently contributes.
Historic
Account of the Town of Belfast
~~~~~~~~~~
Belfast is situated on the western side of the
Lagan, in latitude 54° 35' 42" north, and in longitude 6°
1' 30" west of London,** where that river runs into the
southern extremity of Carrickfergus bay. Near the present
bridge was formerly a ford at low-water, and a ferry when it
was high tide. It is supposed to have derived its present name
from Bela Fearsad, which signifies a town at the mouth
of a river, expressive of the circumstances in which it stood.
This estuary, indiscriminately called Carrickfergus Bay, or Belfast
lough, (and probably the Vinderius of Ptolemy,) is the most
safe and commodious harbour, the entrance being in breadth
about five English miles, from the point between Groomsport
and Ballyholme bay, in the county of Down, and the White Head
in the county of Antrim. The length of the bay, from the White
Head to the quays, is about twelve miles, gradually growing
narrower as it approaches the bridge, where it is much
contracted by the different landing-places on the one side,
and the embankments of Ballymacarret on the other. Formerly,
at full sea, there was not more than from eight to nine feet
water at the town; now, the depth is so much increased by the
judicious labours of the Ballast office, that vessels which
draw fourteen feet, can come close to the quays.
**Calculated by William Sloan, Esq., of
Belfast
Divis, the highest
mountain in the county, which lies to the west of the town
about two miles, and the other mountains that come in to the
north-west, con-jointly with the high lands of the county of
Down to the south-east, render it one of the most sheltered
retreats for shipping in any part of the world; the width of
its entrance giving an easy access from the channel, in
different directions, and, the anchorage being excellent, few
accidents occur. At the pool of Garmoyle, vessels ride afloat
at low water, though, within a cable's length, all is dry
around. This pool is about one mile and a half from the Antrim
shore, one mile from that of Holywood, and near five miles
from Carrickfergus. In the channel, pillars have been erected,
and buoys have been placed, to direct the mariner, at high
water, through its various windings.
Although Belfast is mentioned
by Spenser as having been wasted by Edward Bruce in his
progress, at the beginning of the fourteenth century, it is
not taken notice of by the old English writers, who enumerate
the haven towns of the north of Ireland at an early period. Of
the building of the castle there is no date known, though it
was twice taken by the Earl of Kildare, first in 1503, again
in 1512. Before the reign of Elizabeth, it was inhabited by a
Randolphus Lane; and is mentioned as being then fordable, and
lying eight miles up the river from Carrickfergus, where the
passage is over at low water.
By Elizabeth it was granted to Sir
Thomas Smith, and to Thomas Smith the younger, with a vast
tract of land, on condition that they should keep a certain
number of horse and foot, harnessed and accoutred, to be ready
in a certain number of days, after being required, to meet at
Antrim. When Sir Arthur Chichester was Lord Deputy, in the
reign of James the first, such a summons was issued, and,
neither appearing, the castle and cinament (demesne) of
Belfast were forfeited, and granted to Sir Arthur. The
charter, constituting Belfast a corporation of a Sovereign,
twelve burgesses, and commonalty, with the privilege of
sending two members to Parliament, was also granted by James
I. in the fifth of his reign, constituting Arthur Lord
Chichester, his heirs, etc.
Lords of the Castle. Thomas Vesey,
the first Sovereign, was chosen in 1613; and in the same year,
Sir John Blennerhasset, Baron of the Exchequer, and George
Trevillian, Esq. were the first members sent by this town to
Parliament. At that time, Belfast could not have been
considerable; for, in the patent, it is styled town, or
village. In the year 1635, mention is made of Lord
Chichester's house there, by an English traveller, who styles
it "the glory and beauty of the town;" but nothing
of the town is said, except, that "many Cheshire and
Lancashire men were planted in the neighbourhood by Mr. Arthur
Hill, son of Sir Moyses Hill;" Belfast itself at that
time being peopled with Devonshire men, and a number of the
Scots who came in the former reign.
In 1740. Lord Strafford purchased
from the corporation of Carrickfergus, on the part of the
crown, their privilege of importing foreign goods at one-third
of the duties payable in other places; being deprived of this
advantage, Belfast rose at the expense of the former, from
whence the Custom-house was removed to it at the same time.
This measure, of itself most judicious in Lord Strafford,
would have been of small consequence, had not the country
already been inhabited by an industrious people, who applied
themselves to agriculture, and to the manufacture of linen,
which, by their profits, enabled them to create a demand for
articles of importation. A port, without a population near it,
is of little importance. The wars, which ensued subsequent to
1741, must have caused a great interruption to the rising
prosperity of Belfast, and the adjacent counties; and, in
1648, it was taken possession of by General Monk for the
Parliament.
During the Protectorate, the country
seems to have been tolerably quiet; but in the reign of James
II. it again met with some interruption, and he endeavoured to
force a new charter upon the corporation, which, from its
attachment to William III. was never acted under. But, from
the day in which this latter monarch gave peace to the
country, and that attention was paid to its interests, by the
encouragement afforded to the already established manufacture
of linen, a wonderful fabric of prosperity was raised; and, in
the beginning of the last century, we find Belfast not only
well known on the continent, as a place of considerable trade,
but in a scale of credit appended to the names of the
different commercial towns of Europe. In the Exchange at
Amsterdam, Belfast stood in the first rank; which respectable
situation it has, since that period, continued to occupy; and,
from the credit annexed to it, joined with judicious
enterprise, it has arisen to a degree of prosperity, in a
course of years comparatively short, seldom exceeded, and not
often equalled in any age or country.
Population
of Belfast at different periods
1725 - The entire Parish of Belfast was
returned to
Parliament
Houses - Inhabitants
by the Hearth-money Collectors,
at
2,093
1757 - Town alone, returned by the
same
1,779 8,549
1782 - Town
alone
2,026 13,105
Beside
Ballymacarret
96
419
1791 - Town
alone,
3,107 18,320
Beside
Ballymacarret
270 1,208
1816 - Town
alone,
5,578 30,720
Beside
Ballymacarret
2,000
From the ancient
plan, which will be found in the map-sheet, the town then
(1660) contained only six streets, and four rows of houses.
From a survey made in 1808, it was found to contain squares,
streets, quays, lanes and entries, to the number of 114. In
1791, their number was only 75, being an increase, in
seventeen years, of thirty-nine.
It will be necessary to ascertain
limits, that the extension of Belfast may be better
understood. The following appears to be the present boundaries
of the town:
To the first arch of the long bridge
on the County Antrim side; to the mile-water bridge on the
Carrickfergus Road; to the porter's lodge on the road leading
to Old Park, and round by the path-way to the back of the
Poor-house; to the Mussenden's hole on the Lodge Road; to
Craven's bridge on the Shankhill Road; to Reid and Cavart's
factory on the Falls Road; to G. Bradberry's house on the
Pound-fields Road; to the Salt-water bridge on the Malone
Road; and to the houses at the back of Cromack bridge.
Trade of
Belfast
Rapid as the progress
of population has been in Belfast, commerce has fully kept
pace with it. The following tables of the amount of Customs
and the number of Vessels belonging to it, at different
periods will best illustrate the fact :-
Customs
Years
Amount V Ann.
1688
20,000
1772
60,000
1782
65,000
1783
73,000
1786
106,034
1812
390.129
1818 - Average of eight years previous to
February 1818 - 360,000
370,000
~~~~~~~~~~~
Ships
belonging to Belfast, 1792
Trade
to
Ships
Tonnage
West
Indies
25
4,630
Liverpool
8
720
London
8
1,235
Streights
4
800
Miscellaneous
4
1,350
America
4
700
France and
Holland
1
120
Coasters
4
200
Total
58
ships
9,765 Tons
Ships belonging to Belfast, 1819
104 Ships - 10,429 Registered
Tons - 755 Sea
Ballast
Office, Chichester Quay
Incorporated in 1785,
has power to make bye-laws, for cleaning and improving the
harbour, regulating the conduct of masters and owners of
ships, lighters, etc. Its revenue arises from a tax on
registered tonnage. It has proved of great benefit to the
port, by deepening the water at the quays to 14 feet; since
its first establishment it has enabled ships of 400 toms to
discharge at Tomb's or Donegall Quay. There have been made a
considerable time ago, a handsome graven dock; and in
addition, at present a new one, upon a more extensive scale,
is building. This additional convenience will much benefit the
shipping trade of Belfast
Government
of the Town
The Sovereign has the
government of the markets, the regulations of the cranes and
weights, and all things respecting the sale of provisions,
etc., brought into the town, of which he is the chief
magistrate, and for the time being also a magistrate of the
county of Antrim, ex-officio. By patent, he is clerk of the
market, which gives him the power, by himself or by deputy, of
settling all matters relative to it; certain established
duties and customs being payable to him, out of the sale of
different articles exposed in the market, from the revenue of
which he is paid, and the other expences of the situation
defrayed.
Commissioners and a committee of
Police are appointed, by virtue of an act of Parliament
obtained by the town in 1800. They are vested with authority
to carry into execution all regulations therein specified,
under certain penalties, respecting the paving, lighting, and
cleaning the streets, as well as many other circumstances
affecting the health, safety, and comfort of the inhabitants.
The Commissioners are twelve, chosen
for life, besides the burgesses who are so by Act of
Parliament; the committee are chosen annually in February, and
sit every Saturday. Whatever complaints may be made respecting
the expences incurred and the mode of levying the Police
taxes, the improvement of the town since its establishment is
most manifest. By a late act of Parliament, (1816) a regular
police establishment has been formed, comprising watchmen,
police serjeants, etc. and a presiding chief magistrate. The
office is in Rosemary Street
Committee
Appointed The 11th of February, 1819, To Act For One Year
John McCracken
- George Ash
William Newsam
- Robert McDowell
Robert Grimshaw
- John Barnett
Hugh Johnson -
Robert Calwell
John Ward -
John Riddle
John Gordon -
Charles Thomson
Robert Matthews
- James McAdam
Andrew McClean
- George Langtry
William Park -
Thomas How
Thomas Greer -
John Lyle
John Heron
Sit every Saturday at 11 o'clock, at the
Office in Donegall Street, James Hyndman, Clerk
Mr. William McClean, 32 North Street, Collector
of Taxes
Timothy Keenan, Surveyor
John Riddle, Fire Engine Keeper, William Street, off
Church Street, nearly opposite the Post Office
Chamber of
Commerce
A Chamber of
Commerce was established in 1800; its duty is understood to
be, to guard the mercantile interest against encroachments, as
also to arbitrate any disputes between merchants. By the
charter of Belfast, it appears the corporation had the power
of appointing a guild of merchants with a seal; but no powers
are mentioned as belonging to the body.
Belfast Banks
In Belfast there are three Banks.
The Belfast Bank, established in 1808; partners, David Gordon,
Narcissus Batt, John Holmes Houston, and Hugh Crawford.
The Commercial Bank, established in
1809; partners, William Tennent, Robert Callwell, Robert
Bradshaw, John Cunningham and John Thomson.
The Northern Bank, established in
1809; partners, Hugh Montgomery, John Hamilton, James Orr and
John Sloan
The
Belfast Saving Bank
Was instituted on the
first of January, 1816. Its object is, to afford a safe place
of deposite for the savings of the industrious poor. It is
open every Friday evening at 6 o'clock, at the office in the
House of Industry, and receives deposites as low as 10d. and
not exceeding £50. in the year from one person.
The Institution is composed of fifty
members, who meet quarterly, for the purpose of inspecting the
affairs of the Bank, and of regulating its concerns; on them
the framing of bye-laws, and the appointment of officers
rests. The Establishment for conducting the business consists
of a treasurer, secretary, cashier, two accountants, and four
directors, which four attend at the Bank on Friday evenings,
to transact the business. Besides those, three auditors are
elected at each quarterly meeting, to audit the accounts, and
to watch over the application of the funds.
Five trustees have been appointed,
agreeably to the provisions of the Act of Parliament for
regulating Saving Banks. In their name the money is lodged in
the Bank of Ireland, and drawn out of it when required. This
extensive business is managed gratuitously.
By the provisions of the Act of
Parliament, Saving Banks are entitled to receive interest at
the rate of 3d. per £100 per day, equal to £4. 11s. 3d. per
cent. per year, which is charged to the Commissioners for
redeeming the National Debt, to whose account the money is
placed in the Bank of Ireland, and the Belfast Saving Bank
allows interest at the rate of £4. 10s. per cent. to the
depositors.
The expenses of this Saving Bank are
defrayed out of an auxiliary fund, which is composed of
donations from its well wishers, and any surplus interest that
may arise from the deposites.
Belfast
White Linen-Hall
A large hollow
square, erected by subscription on the site of the Castle
Gardens in the year 1783, with intent of removing the sales of
white linen from Dublin Hall, to the heart of the manufacture.
Commission Goods Received By The Factors In Nine Years, from
1810 to 1818.
Years - - Packages
1810 -
- 159
1811 -
- 206
1812 -
- 247
1813 -
- 487
1814 -
- 561
1815 -
- 656
1816 -
- 374
1817 -
- 626
1818 -
- 1241
Total 4537 packages, average value about £65 each.
The major part of those linens were
exported to America and the West Indies.
Brown
Linen-Hall
In Donegall
Street, where a considerable quantity of fine yard-wide linen
is sold on each market day, (Friday.) This building has been
lately repaired and improved, by a subscription of the linen
merchants of Belfast and its neighbourhood.
Markets
There are in Belfast,
two markets for the sale of Flesh Meat, one in Hercules
Street, and one in Castle Place. In the latter, the shops are
fitted up in a style of neatness, which does infinite credit
to the judgment and good taste of its proprietor, Mr.
Montgomery. There are also in this market superior
accommodations for the sale of Fish, Vegetables, Meal,
Potatoes and Fruit. Its regulations are very strict and
proper, and it is well supplied with the best and earliest
productions; affording to the inhabitants of Belfast peculiar
advantages, from its contiguity to the principal streets in
town. One entrance is from the junction of High Street and
Corn Market, through Hammond's Court, and the others from
Castle Lane. Every stranger who visits this little market,
must be peculiarly gratified by its clean and handsome
appearance.
A large market, for the sale of Meal,
Potatoes, Vegetables, Butter, and Eggs, is also erected in Mr.
May's reclaimed ground, at the extremity of Chichester Street,
and lies on the Cromack Road.
A small yard in William Street South,
has also lately been converted into a Fish and Vegetable
market, under the direction of Mr. Andrews, victualler.
The markets of Belfast are, in
general, very well supplied with Meal, Potatoes, Vegetables,
and Fish; the latter coming in abundance from Ballycastle,
Colerain, Lough Neagh, Carrickfergus, Bangor, the Ballywalter
shore, and all round to Killough; and are sold, what maybe
called on comparison, extremely cheap. Meal and Potatoes are
also reasonable - but Flesh Meat is not so; neither are the
butchers properly taught how to accommodate purchasers. They
will only cut their meat into large joints, to the great
inconvenience of small families. It is trusted, as the
population of the town encreases, and as opposition makes
these butchers more anxious to retain their customers, they
will be induced to lay aside this system.
There is a market for the sale of
Pork and Butter at the bottom of Waring Street, on the opening
at Donegall Quay, where large quantities of superior pork, and
firkin butter, are daily sold, for exportation. This forms a
large branch of the Belfast trade.
The
Public Bakery, in Church Street
Was set on foot in
1800, at a period when extreme dearth prevailed, and when the
poor would have felt its effects still more keenly, had it not
been for this useful institution. It is still conducted with
great propriety; and affords not alone the advantages of
accommodating the inhabitant with good bread, at a fair value,
but operates in checking smaller bakeries from deteriorating
the quality and weight of their bread.
House of
Industry
Instituted in 1809,
partly for the purpose of abolishing mendicity, which it has
effected in a very great measure; and grants rations of
provisions and fuel to a great many poor families; it is
supported by voluntary subscription. This institution also
affords employment to hundreds of females, by giving out flax
to be spun, and paying a high price for their labour; thus
affording a stimulus to industry, and preserving in them any
remaining portion of former independence. It is regulated in
all its branches by a general committee of 28; whose conduct,
and the usefulness of the institution, have loudly called
forth the admiration of not alone the people of Belfast, but
have also stimulated the citizens of Dublin to establish a new
House of Industry, on similar principles. This may be
considered the most serviceable institution in town, for it
preserves the very existence of the forlorn and destitute.
House of
Correction
Erected by
presentment of the Grand Jury of the County of Antrim, in the
year 1817; site, south side of Henrietta Street, being a
continuation of the line of Donegall Square South; length of
its front, 236 feet, rear enclosure extends back 230 feet. The
prison is divided into two separate parts, the right for
females, and left for the male convicts. Greatest number of
persons during the current year, 74.
Public worship every Sunday, by the
respective chaplains. The chapel is so contrived, that the
males and females do not see each other at worship. A
committee of gentlemen meet on Mondays, in the house, for the
inspection if the prison discipline; and are found of
inestimable use in promoting the morals and industry of the
inmates.
Labour done from April 1, to June 29.
Woven, 2175 yards of 10 hundreds calico.
Linen yarn spun, 282 hanks, or 71 spangles
Oakum picked, 118 stone
Firkins made, 81
Cream of Tartar pounded, 5 barrels
Logwood chipped, 1 ton
Linen webs woven for sheets and shirts for the prisoners, 2
The Exchange
Of Belfast is
situated in the centre of the town, at the terminations of
Waring Street, Donegall Street, North Street, Rosemary Street
and Bridge Street. The building is handsome and light, of
brick, and partially faced with stone. Above are elegant
Assembly Rooms, and below a piazza, where the merchants
assemble - on Mondays at 12 - on Wednesdays at 12 - and on
Fridays at 11 o'clock, to transact business. This building was
erected by the late Earl of Donegall, and was generally
considered as having been given by him to the merchants of
Belfast, for the conveniency of trade; however, a new building
is now erecting, immediately opposite to the Exchange, called
the
Commercial
Buildings
By shares of £100
each; £20,000 having already been subscribed. This is
intended exclusively for the accommodation of the mercantile
trade; and a good specimen of the independence of the town. It
is building of the best granite, brought from Dublin; and,
from the plan which was approved of, may be expected to be the
handsomest building in Belfast.
Custom House
A large building,
situated on Hanover Quay, with appropriate stores and offices
for transacting the business of the port.
List of Officers
Sir Stephen May, Collector
James Green, Pro-collector
H. A. S. Harvey, Port-Surveyor
F. Coulson, G. Black, A. Handcock - Land Waiters
C. M. Skinner, Store Keeper
P. Heaney, F. Despard - Assistants
T. Smylie, Guaging Surveyor
George Bristow, Tide Surveyor
James Folingsby, Comptroller
D. Gunning, Clerk of Permits
Arthur Bailie, James Ross, Thomas Green - Clerks
J. Vaughan, R. Carson - Assistants
Henry Ross, James Cork, E. Crickard - Quay Officers
J. Algeo, Timber measurer
R. Ledwich, Land Carriage Officer
David Spence, Scale Porter
A. Hill, Porter in the dry stores
Post Office
Situate in John
Street, T. Whinnery, Postmaster. In 1796, the revenue amounted
to £2,000. In 1803, 1804 and 1805, average of these three
years, £5,500 each. For many years before, it did not exceed
£2,000 annually.
Inns
The Donegall Arms
Hotel, kept by Mr. Thomas Wilson, in Castle Street, is
considered the first in town.
Mr. Patrick Linn's White Cross
Hotel, also in Castle Street, is an old established house.
Mr. Linn himself is long and well known in town, and known
always to be extremely obliging.
Mr. Thomas Campbell, of Ann Street,
has a very excellent Hotel, much resorted to.
Mr. Francis O'Neill, Belfast Arms,
in Rosemary Street, has a commodious house, well fitted up.
Besides various other Hotels,
Taverns, etc., etc.
Post
Chaises, Coaches and Jaunting Cars
Mr. Wilson, of the Donegall
Arms - Mr. Linn, White Cross - Mr. Thomas Campbell,
Hotel, Ann Street - and Mr. Miskelly, Commercial
Tavern, Rosemary Street, have very good Post Chaises, and
travelling coaches. They have also Hearses, well mounted; and
the two last persons have Gigs, Jaunting Cars, Dog-Carts,
Buggies, etc. for hire.
Arrival
and departure of the different Mail and Stage Coaches
Royal Mail Coach,
sets off from No. 10 Castle Street, Belfast, every evening at
4 o'clock, and arrives at the Waterford Hotel, Sackville
Street, Dublin, at 7 o'clock next morning. Leaves said Hotel,
Dublin, every evening, a quarter before 8 o'clock, and arrives
next morning in Belfast, at 11 o'clock, in time for the Mails
to Donaghadee, Londonderry, etc.
Belfast and Dublin Royal Daily
Mail, starts every morning from No. 10 Castle Street,
Belfast, at 5 o'clock, and arrives at the Waterford Hotel,
Sackville Street, Dublin, at 7 o'clock in the evening. Leaves
said Hotel, Dublin, every morning at 7 o'clock, and arrives in
Belfast at 10 in the evening.
Belfast and Londonderry Royal Mail
Coach, starts from the Donegall Arms, Belfast, at half-past
11, immediately after the arrival of the Dublin Main, and
arrives in Derry at 4 next morning. Starts from Derry at 5
o'clock in the evening, and arrives in Belfast at 9 next
morning.
James Johnston's Belfast, Lurgan
and Armagh Day Coach, starts from Magee's Hotel, High
Street, Belfast, on the mornings of Tuesday, Thursday and
Saturday, at 10 o'clock; arrives in Lurgan at 1, and Armagh at
4; leaves Armagh on the mornings of Monday, Wednesday and
Friday, at 7 in the morning; arrives in Lurgan at 10, and in
Belfast at 2 o'clock. Mr. J. also runs a Car every morning,
(except Sunday) from Lurgan to Belfast, which returns in the
evening.
The Wellington Day Coach,
starts from Larne at 6 o'clock, on the mornings of Monday,
Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, and arrives at Higginson's,
Donegall Street, Belfast, at 10; starts same evenings at 5,
and arrives in Larne at 9.
The Commerce, starts from and
returns to Larne same days and hours as above - stops at
Jameson's Inn, North Street.
The Eagle, starts from Mr. Wm.
Wilson's, Carrickfergus, on the mornings of Monday, Wednesday,
Friday and Saturday, at 8 o'clock in the morning; arrives at
Higginson's Inn, Belfast; returns at 5 o'clock on the evenings
of said days.
James Stevenson runs a Car from
Carrickfergus same days and hours as the Coaches.
Mr. McComb's Coach, starts
from Lisburn every day, (Sunday excepted) and arrives at the
Donegall Arms at 11 o'clock; returns same day at half-past 5
in the evening.
James Knowles's Car, starts
from Ballymena every Tuesday morning, and arrives at Jameson's
Inn, North Street, Belfast; returns every Thursday, at 10
o'clock in the morning.
E. Vance's Car, starts from
Antrim every Friday, and arrives at Jameson's Inn, North
Street, Belfast; returns same evening.
Robert Duffin's Car, starts
from Holywood, and arrives at Mrs. McCully's, Lower Church
Lane, every morning at 10 o'clock; returns same day at 1
o'clock.
Alexander Halliday's Car,
starts from Bangor every morning, and returns same evening.
There are Cars which generally
come three times in the week from Newtownards, and
return same day. They stop at McCully's, Lower Church Lane. News
Rooms The
Commercial News-Room, in Waring Street, is very generally
resorted to. It is extremely well supplied with English,
Scotch and Irish Papers - the Edinburgh and London Monthly
Reviews - and various Magazines. Subscription, £1. 10s. per
annum. The Linen-Hall News Room
Is situate in the White Linen-Hall buildings, and is resorted
to by private gentlemen, as well as by persons in active
mercantile life. It is also well supplied with a great variety
of London, Scotch, and Irish Papers, Reviews, Magazines, etc.
The room itself is beautiful, and very pleasantly situated.
Subscription, £2. per annum. News-Papers
Three news-papers are published in this town, and sp arranged,
that five days out of seven are supplied; the News-Letter
being published twice, the Chronicle three times and the
Irishman once a week. Resident
Magistrates G.
Bristow, Esq., Donegall Square; C. M. Skinner, Esq., Hanover
Quay; Arthur Chichester, Esq., M.P., Donegall Place; William
Clarke, Esq., Donegall Place; W. H. Ferrar, Esq., Donegall
Street; Rev. E. May, Donegall Place; Gilbert McIlveen, Esq.,
Donegall Place. Town Mayor, ? ?. High Constable, Charles V.
Joyce, Esq. Constables
appointed at Court-Leet
Messrs. J. McCutcheon, Church Quay; John McKelvey, South side
North Street; James Crawford, Old Quay; Stephen Daniel, North
side North Street; H. Montgomery, Mill Street - besides eight
county constables, residing in Belfast. Smithfield
Market Held
every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from Nine till Eleven o'clock, for the purchase and sale of wheat, barley and oats;
and for hides on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Spring
Water The town
is supplied with spring water, conveyed through the streets,
partly by wooden, and partly by metal pipes, from the
reservoir in Fountain Lane. The Spring-Water Committee meet
every Thursday at 1 o'clock, in their room in Fountain Street.
Mr. James Ferguson, Collector of the tax. Warm
Baths Have
been erected at the head of North Street, by Mr. Milliken; and
must prove, if resorted to, extremely useful to the
inhabitants of the town. He has also Cold Baths in the same
concern. Dispensary
and Fever Hospital
In September, 1792, a Dispensary was established here; since
which the Incorporated Charitable Society has been relieved
from any expenditure for medicines. This kind of charity, for
the relief of the sick poor, at their own habitations, had not
been long known, prior to this, in Britain; and had been only
partially tried in Ireland. It, however, became soon a very
popular charity; for in the first four years and four months,
it appears that 2,406 patients had received medical and
surgical advice, and medicines, at an average expense of
£120. per annum, which is the rate of 4s. 4d. per patient, or
£21. 13s. 4d. per hundred patients. Of these
1740 were cured
336 relieved
50 dismissed as incurable
280 either died, or made no report.
In the year 1797, the plan of a Fever
Hospital was laid before the public, by the same person who
had furnished the first idea of a Dispensary; and this was
brought very speedily into use, being connected, from the
first, with the Dispensary upon which it was originally
grafted, and from which it has never been yet separated. The
laws and regulations which were drawn up originally and
printed, for the Dispensary, continue to be the principal laws
of the joint institutions at present.
In the original hospital, in Berry
Street, 73 patients were treated in about six months,
beginning in the summer of 1797. Of the first 60 patients that
were admitted (all of whom were attended by Dr. Stephenson,)
not one died; but when the number admitted had amounted to 73,
the deaths amounted to 3. giving a proportion of 1 death to 26
1/3. This is a statement of the general mortality in this
small number, without any exception, and is the earliest
document respecting this branch of the charity.
The Fever Hospital was shut up about
the end of 1797, partly from want of patients, the town not
being then prepared for converting it into a general hospital,
as has since been always done, whenever the fever declined so
far as to render it safe to admit other patients.
In the year 1799, the Fever Hospital
was received, and between 1st December, 1799, and 14th
October, 1800, there is a document showing that 149 patients
had been admitted, of whom 12 died; and from the last date
until 18th August, 1801, 249 were admitted, of whom 18 died;
total admissions up to the last date, 471; total mortality,
33. A calculation was made at that time upon the patients
admitted between 1799 and 1801, from which it appears, that
249 females were admitted for 150 males, and yet the mortality
in the males was greater that in the females, in the
proportion of 8 to 7; that is, while the females exceeded the
males in the ratio of 5 to 3, the deaths of the males was
greater than that of the females, in the ratio of 8 to 7.
From 1808, the Grand Juries of the
County of Antrim presented for the Dispensary, sums equal to
the voluntary subscriptions paid by individuals; and, from
1817, were enabled, under an Act of Parliament, to grant any
sums under £500. per annum towards Fever Hospitals; £400 of
which they grant to this Hospital.
These institutions are under the
direction of a President, Vice-President, Treasurer, and
Committee of 21; two attending Physicians [encreased in June,
1819, to three,] two consulting Physicians; two surgeons, and
an apothecary, all acting gratuitously, the last excepted.
The marks of a superintending
Providence seem to have been visible, in the point of time at
which an Hospital, on an extended scale, (absolutely necessary
to the occasion,) was ready to meet those unforeseen events
that were just at hand. This is apparent from the following
circumstances:
1st August, 1817 - Seventeen was the
total number of patients removed from the Old to the New
Hospital; but the dreadful typhus that was immediately to
become so general over these kingdoms, encreased the number of
patients in this Hospital to one hundred and forty one, in the
short space of thirteen weeks, ending 1st Nov.
Total number admitted in those 13 weeks (three months,)
was
461
Of which were dismissed
cured
305
Died
15
Nov. 27, Remained in
Hospital
179
Dec.
6,
191
Dec.
27,
180
Jan. 8,
1818
186
Total number admitted in these three
months
959
Of which were dismissed
cured
717
Died
46
Number in Hospital June 26,
1819
44
(But in July, visibly on the increase.)
In may fairly be alleged, that the
inhabitants of Belfast, and its neighbourhood, are indebted to
out enlarged Hospital for their not being visited with this
dreadful complaint in a quadruple proportion.
The cost of this excellent structure
was £5,000, including the Dispensary; and defrayed by
A donation from the Sovereign and Burgesses, out of Poor's
money
£400 0 0
Three Benefit Plays, by Amateurs (mostly respectable
tradesmen)
321 0 0
Bequests
206 0 0
Three Charity
Sermons
482 0 0
Surplus of a Poor's Loan
Fund,
113 0 0
Donation from Poor's
Fund
97 0 0 - 210 0 0
Gift, by the Proprietors of the White Linen
Hall
300 0 0
Sundry
Collections
400 0 0
----------
2319 0 0
Building Subscriptions, 1813 to 1817, Aug.
1.
2000 0 0
----------
Total £4319 0 0
Of the entire cost, a balance is
still due, which there is no doubt of the inhabitants
cheerfully liquidating in gratitude for the preservation of
their families from a desolating calamity, that has, by means
of this Hospital, been almost exclusively confined to the
working and poorer classes of the community.
The incalculable value of the
Dispensary alone, we have not been able to trace to any
accurate calculation of the number of families relieved, - but
we know that it has been very great, and proves of the utmost
importance to the industrious classes of society.
The attention of the Legislature to
the wants and disorders of the poor, has been very honourably
evinced, of late, in different acts of Parliament. Lying-in
Hospital
Instituted in 1794, and supported by subscriptions of the
ladies in Belfast, and a few in the country. The admission of
women for delivery in two years, December 1, 1815, and
December 11, 1817, were 251; average 125 each year. Female
Society for clothing the Poor
Commences in 1812. In the first year 90 persons received
clothes, purchased with private subscriptions; and, in a
subsequent year, 200 families received clothing. In 1817, this
institution was of the greatest importance, by affording
clothing to the poor to the amount of £192; an appropriate
part of which clothing was applied to the use of convalescent
patients, sent out to the Fever Hospital. By this judicious
application, a number of fever relapses were prevented. Belfast
Academical Institution
Planned, and subscriptions entered into in 1807, incorporated
by Act of Parliament in 1810, and opened 1814. It is now under
the superintendance of a joint board of managers and visiters.
The school department is conducted by
several masters, and the collegiate department under the
direction of a faculty, consisting of the several professors.
The buildings form a fine termination of Chichester Street,
Donegall Square North and Wellington Place; they were erected
by voluntary subscription, amounting to above £16,000 and
since enlarged to £22,000.
The school Department is conducted by
several masters, with suitable assistants. As the attention of
each master is entirely directed to one branch of education,
and the several masters are independent of each other, they
are respectively enabled to promote the improvement of their
pupils in those branches for which they are individually
responsible; while they are all equally interested in the
general prosperity of the institution.
The business in this department
continues throughout the year, with the exception of five
weeks vacation at Midsummer, and two at Christmas. Public
examinations are held twice every year, when premiums and
medals are adjudged to such scholars as are distinguished for
proficiency and good conduct.
English - Rev. H. Montgomery, A.M.,
Master - In this school the pupils are instructed in spelling,
reading, grammar, parsing, exercises, prosody, composition,
recitation, history, and chronology. The principles of
universal grammar, and the theories of the most eminent
philologists are explained to the higher classes; and those
Scholars who direct their attention to the study of History,
are taught to make moral deductions from historical facts.
Particular attention is paid to the theory and practice of
Composition, in all its varieties; so that every Pupil who
goes through a regular course in this School, has an
opportunity of preparing himself to engage in mercantile or
professional pursuits, with advantage and respectability. The
Composition and Elocution Classes are taught at such hours as
do not interfere with the regular business of the School; and
are entirely conducted by the head master 0 Half a Guinea per
Quarter.
Writing - Mr. Thomas Spence, Master -
Besides the usual instructions in writing, the scholars are
taught an expeditious running hand, adapted to business; and
instructions in stenography, or short hand, is given to such
as require it - Half a Guinea per Quarter
Arithmetic, Book-keeping, and
Geography - James Thomson, A.M., Master - In the arithmetical
classes the pupils are instructed both in the theory and
practice of arithmetic; and while their attention is very
particularly directed to those rules that are principally
required in the counting house, they are also made acquainted,
especially when their views render it desirable, with the
rules that are preparatory to the study of the manufacturers
and commerce; the construction of maps; the use of the globes,
and various other particulars; with as much of the most
important parts of astronomy as can be understood by pupils
who are not acquainted with mathematics - Each Half a Guinea
per Quarter.
In the mathematical classes are
taught Euelid's Elements, plane and spherical trigonometry,
algebra, fluxions, and conic sections, with other parts of the
higher geometry. The pupils are also taught the application of
these theoretical branches in mensuration, surveying gauging,
navigation, and other useful practical departments of this
science. - One Guinea per Quarter
Classical School - Rev. Wm. Neilson,
D.D., M.R.I.A., Master - The business of this school consists
in the study of the Greek and Latin languages, ancient
geography, history and chronology.
The junior scholars read the Dublin
College entrance course. And while the senior study Cicero,
Livy, Tacitus, and Dalzell's Greek Collectanea Majora, they
constantly read a portion of each author in the above
mentioned course, so as to have it always fresh in their
recollection.
They are instructed in writing and
speaking Greek and Latin, During the recess of the collegiate
department, Hebrew is taught in this school - One Guinea per
Quarter
French - Adelbert D'Oisy, a native of
France, Master - The scholars are taught grammatically to read
the best French authors, and are instructed in speaking and
writing the French language - One Guinea per Quarter.
Italian - Mr. Gaetano Fabbrini, of
Florence, Master - The Italian language is taught
grammatically, and read and spoken with the Tuscan accent. The
works of Tasso, Guicciardini, Petratch, Davila, and other
eminent authors are used in this school - One Guinea and a
Half per Quarter.
Drawing - Mr. Gaetano Fabbrini, of
Florence, Master - Instructions are given in figure drawing,
ornamental drawing, and oil portrait painting, on Grecian
models, and in the style of the Florentine academy. Civil
architecture also is taught on the proportion fixed by
Vignola; and the theory of perspective, on the plan of Padre
Pozzi - One Guinea and a Half per Quarter
The Collegiate Department is under
the immediate direction of a faculty, consisting of all the
Professors. The College Session commences on the first of
November, and ends on the first of May. Every regular Student
is examined publicly in Greek and Latin, at his entrance, when
silver medals are given for superior proficiency in these
languages. At the end of each session the Students are
examined publicly in the business of the classes which they
have respectively attended during the session, and premiums
are given to those who excel. At the commencement of each
following session they are again examined on the business of
the preceding session; and at the end of the philosophical
course, those who desire a general certificate of their
proficiency, are examined in Greek, Latin, Logic, and Belles
Lettres, Moral Philosophy, Mathematics, and Natural
Philosophy; and certificates are given to those who answer
satisfactorily, authenticated by the signature of all the
professors, and by the seal of the Institution affixed/
The following classes form the
Collegiate Department of the Institution.
Greek and Latin - Rev. Dr. Neilson,
Professor - In these classes regular lectures are given on
Greek and Roman history and chronology, geography, and
topography, drama, manners and customs, and philosophy.
Universal grammar, origin and structure of the Greek and Latin
languages, and of the Romaic, or modern Greek; and select
works of the most eminent Greek and Latin authors, are read.
The students are examined, every day, on the subjects treated
of in the lectures, and write essays adapted to their course
of study. Greek, Two Guineas, Latin, One Guinea and a Half, or
both together, Three Guineas per Session.
Logic and Belles Lettres - Rev. Wm.
Cairns, A.M., Professor - The student is instructed by daily
lectures and examinations in the first principles of the
philosophy of the human mind, in the ancient logic, in the
method of writing themes, and in those different kinds of
reasoning and scientific investigation which are adapted to
the state of modern philosophy.
In Belles Lettres the scientific
principles of taste and criticism are explained and applied;
the nature of the beautiful, picturesque, and sublime
investigated; the different kinds of style and figurative
language considered, with discussions and illustrations on the
nature and different kinds of oratory and poetical
composition. The students are regularly employed in writing
essays on the subjects which are treated of in the class - Two
Guineas per Session.
Moral Philosophy - John Young, A.M.,
Professor - In this class there are daily lectures and
examinations, and weekly essays are written by the students,
which are publicly criticised.
The subjects taught are metaphysics,
or the philosophy of the human mind; and ethics, or the
science of human duty. In the former, the origin of our ideas,
the faculties of the human mind, the laws of thought, the
nature and tendency of our appetites, habits, and passions,
are traced and discussed; and , in the latter, the theory and
practice of virtue, the fundamental doctrines of natural
religion, and the general principles of jurisprudence are
explained to the student - Two Guineas per Session.
Mathematics - James Thomson, A.M.,
Professor - In the Junior Class are taught Euclid's Elements,
Plane Trigonometry, and the elementary parts of Algebra, with
several of their applications, especially in Mensuration. In
the Senior Class are taught Spherical Trigonometry, the higher
parts of Algebra, Conic Sections, and Fluxions, with many if
their most useful applications. Lectures are also delivered on
the history of Mathematics, and other interesting subjects
connected with these courses. The time of the Student's
attendance is partly occupied in hearing lectures and
instructions from the Professor, and partly in being examined
on the instructions of the preceding day - Junior and Senior
Courses, Two Guineas each.
Natural Philosophy - William Knight,
L.L.,D., Professor - In this Class, the Professor lectures
once every day, and on two days of the week twice, on
Dynamics, Mechanics, Hydrostatics, Hydraulics, Aerostatics,
Pneumatics, Electricity, Galvanism, Magnetism, Optics,
Astronomy. The lectures include mathematical demonstrations of
the subjects explained, and are illustrated by means of an
extensive philosophical Apparatus. The Students are examined
daily, and write Essays weekly, on subjects connected with the
business of the class - Two Guineas and a Half per Session.
A course of lectures on Chemistry is
also delivered by Dr. Knight, in which the history, theory,
and practice of this science are detailed, with its
application to the arts and manufacturers. These lectures also
are illustrated by means of a very extensive apparatus, a
cabinet of minerals, and a collection of those substances
which have become objects of chemical research.
Persons who attend only the lectures
on Greek, Latin, Logic, and Belles Lettres, or Moral
Philosophy, pay one guinea per session for each class; Natural
Philosophy, one guinea and a half; and students who attend
both the Mathematical classes during the same session, are not
charged for the junior course.
Hebrew - Rev. Dr. Neilson, Professor
- This language is taught, with points, according to the
pronunciation of Dublin College. The books used are,
Fitzgerald's Grammar, Bible and Buxtorf's, Parkhurst's, or
Frey's Lexicon - Two Guineas per Session.
Irish - The Rev. Dr. Neilson - To the
antiquarian, who would trace the origin of names and customs,
the general philologist, and the person who expects to have
intercourse with the west and south of Ireland, this language
is equally interesting - Two Guineas per Session
Elocution - Rev. W. D. H. McEwen -
This class is conducted principally with a view to the
elocution of the pulpit and the bar. The students are
exercised in reading and reciting appropriate passages from
the best English authors.
During the last session, a course of
lectures was delivered in the Institution by James L.
Drummond, M.D., on the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of
man and other animals.
Lectures on Divinity are delivered to
the students of the Synod of Ulster, by Samuel Hanna, D.D.;
and to the students of the Associate Synod, by the Rev. S.
Edgar, A.M.
At the end of the collegiate course,
which occupies at least three sessions, students who apply for
a general certificate are examined in Latin, Greek, logic,
belles lettres, metaphysics, moral philosophy, mathematics,
and natural philosophy, and receive, if they give full
satisfaction, a testimonial of their proficiency in the
collegiate course, signed by all the professors, and
authenticated by the seal of the Institution.
Besides class-rooms, the buildings
contain two excellent dwelling houses, with suitable
accommodation for boarders. One of these is at present
occupied by the Rev. Dr. Neilson, Classical head master, and
the other by the Rev. H. Montgomery, English head master. The
terms in each, exclusive of Tuition, are the same viz.
Boarding, Thirty Guineas per Annum - Washing, Three Guineas. The
Belfast Academy, Donegall Street
Was founded in 1786, under the direction of a president,
trustees, and patrons - John Holmes, Esq., President; first
Principal, James Crombie, D.D., succeeded on his death by
William Bruce, D.D., the present Principal, and master of the
boarding and classical schools. Rev. Josias Alexander, master
of the mathematical and mercantile school. Mr. Robert Telfair,
master of the writing school. Mr. James Mawhinney, master of
the English school. Monsieur Louis Le Pan, French teacher. Belfast
daily Lancasterian School, Frederick Street
This institution first originated in 1802, and was then called
the "Belfast Sunday School;" its professed object
being the communication of instruction to that class of
children, whose occupations prevented them from attending
school during the week, and also to those, whose parents were
unable to pay for their education. It was then managed by a
number of benevolent individuals belonging to the town. They
formed themselves into a Committee of twenty, the one half of
whom acted as teachers, and the remaining number were chosen
by the teachers themselves, from among the subscribers. The
Committee, not considering it their duty to exclude any
persons from the benefits of education on account of the
religious opinions which they held, opened the school to
children of all denominations; and, in conformity with the
same liberal principle, they deemed it expedient to allow no
catechisms of faith, or books of controversy, to be used in
the school. The plan of instruction adopted at that time, was
nearly the same as is taught in other Sunday schools.
The "Belfast Sunday School"
continued to be conducted on the same scale until the year
1810, when it was determined to open a daily school, for the
reception of 700 children, to be conducted on the plan
invented by Mr. Joseph Lancaster. A Subscription was entered
into for this purpose, and several hundred pounds were
collected; but that sum proving inadequate to the erection of
a building sufficiently spacious, an ingenious and useful
expedient was resorted to, to supply the deficiency - a
lottery. By the zealous and unremitting exertions of several
individuals of the Committee, this mode of raising money was
put into effect with considerable success. The profits, after
all expenses were paid, amounted to a large sum, which, with
the subscriptions that had been formerly collected, enabled
the Committee to erect the present school-house. It is now
called the "Belfast Lancasterian School," and is
open every day in the week, except Sunday, for the instruction
of children of all religious persuasions. The entire expenses
of the institution are defrayed by public subscription.
The building is calculated to
accommodate 700 children - 500 males and 200 females. The
number at present in attendance is 680.
The boys' school is conducted by Mr.
Maurice Cross; and the females are under the superintendance
of Miss Sarah Johnston. Public
Library Under
the name of the Belfast Society for Promoting Knowledge,
contains a valuable collection of books, daily increasing, and
a museum; supported by subscriptions of a guinea per annum,
and two guineas entrance. Instituted in 1788. Its rooms are in
the front of the White Line-hall, opposite Donegall Place. The
Library contains between three and four thousand volumes,
carefully selected by a committee that meets monthly; many of
them scarce and expensive books, seldom found in private
libraries. Two books lent out at a time, and complete
accommodation for readers' in the rooms. A member may sell or
bequeath his share, on condition of the person to whom it is
sold or bequeathed being approved of on a ballot by the
society. Belfast Literary Society
Instituted October 3rd, 1801, meets on the first Monday in
every month, from October till May, inclusive. Its objects are
science, antiquities and literature. The members read papers
on these subjects in rotation. Each session is opened and
closed with a discourse from the President. Association
for discountenancing Vice
A branch of this highly useful institution was established in
August, 1815, under the patronage of the Lord Bishop of Down
and Connor, for the distribution of moral and religious
tracts, at reduces prices; also, cheap Prayer-books,
Testaments, and Bibles. Mr. Robert Hull, No. 18 Castle Street,
is appointed their bookseller. PLACES
OF WORSHIP
The Old Church
The Old Church and its burying ground were at the east end of
High Street, south side; the site of the present Chapel of
Ease. The wall of Forest-Lane was the eastern boundary from
the sea, before that great square of ground was reclaimed from
it, on which Hanover and Custom House Quays, Weigh-House Lane,
Prince's Street and part of Ann Street were formed, and in
considerable part built, by G. Macartney, Esq., in the reigns
of Queen Ann, and Geo. I.
It is traditionary report, that the
Church tower had been erected by Oliver Cromwell, as a
magazine for his troops, for which it was well calculated, by
being raised on four massy arches. Probably he found it there,
and, with his usual contempt for churches, converted it into
that purpose.
In 1710, it was stated to Parliament,
that the tithes and dues received by the vicar amounted,
communibus annis, to £180. per annum.
The earliest vicar we have been able
to trace, is the Rev. Claudius Gilbert, F.T.C.D., in 1696;
after him, but how long is uncertain, the Rev. W. Tisdall, who
was succeeded by a Dr. Stewart, the immediate predecessor of
the Rev. James Saurin, who was appointed in 1746, and died in
1772, after being 26 years incumbent. He was father to the
present Attorney-General of Ireland.
In 1775, Mr. Saurin was succeeded by
the Rev. William Bristow, who officiated in the old church
till it was taken down, in 1777, in consequence of an alarm
during divine service, that it was likely to fall. The
congregation, till the opening of the new church, (St. Ann's)
were accommodated in the meeting hou |