South Belfast History & Guide

South Belfast, as we know it today, is a creation of the 19th century, a time when people began to move to new suburbs from the old town center and the countryside. Unlike the industrial East and West, South Belfast developed as a mainly residential quarter, but one with a distinctly bohemian flavor. This history takes us along the Golden Mile, through the Botanic Gardens, and to the Knockbreda Cemetery, where some of Belfast's most influential citizens are buried. It looks at the practicalities of life in the area and the origins of its street names, a perennial subject for light-hearted debate. This guide take us past the homes of literary and industrial giants and explores the area's sparkling artistic history, all the while unearthing the fiery arguments that accompanied each new stage of development in this beautiful part of the city.

Norman Weatherall is a graduate of Queen's University. Since his retirement from teaching, he has been occupying himself with research into the history of South Belfast, where he has lived all his life. George E. Templeton is Honorary Secretary of the South Belfast Historical Society. A keen photographer, he has provided Norman with many images for use in his lectures in the greater Belfast area.