A Tale of Two Buildings: The Belfast Poor House & Workhouse

The Belfast Poor House and workhouse are often confused with one another, but they were two very different buildings with distinct purposes and histories. This talk explores why both were established, what life was like within their walls, and the people whose lives became connected to them.
We’ll hear stories of some of the people who called these institutions home, as well as those who worked there and were responsible for running them. Together, these stories offer a fascinating glimpse into Belfast’s past and the social conditions, hardships and human experiences that shaped the city.