The Poor House through the Centuries

The Belfast Poor House, now Clifton House, was opened in 1774 by the Belfast Charitable Society, who fundraised and built it. Now over 250 years old, it has stood witness to some of the most significant historical events in Belfast, and seen the town grow into a city. However many people don’t realise how instrumental the Belfast Charitable Society and the Poor House were in Belfast’s development.

During this talk, visitors will learn about how the Society first brought clean piped water to the town on a mass scale and the first to offer outdoor relief for the poor. They will also learn more about the role of Mary Ann McCracken and the Ladies’ Committee, who transformed the lives of the children through education, compassion and care. This talk will lead attendees through centuries of innovation and development, right up to the modern day, all while sitting in the heart of the Poor House where it all took place. Today Clifton House is a social enterprise of the Belfast Charitable Society. Profits from talks and tours continue to support those disadvantaged by poverty in Belfast and beyond.

Planning your visit:

· Please arrive 10 minutes before the start of your tour

· Free car parking onsite at Clifton House

· Please advise in advance (min 2 days prior to your visit) of any accessibility requirements. We have steps and stairs coming into the building and to the first floor, but we can make alternative arrangements with advanced notice. For more information on accessibility please visit –

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Host or Publisher Clifton House