Clifton House

Clifton House Heritage Centre was the original Poor House of Belfast. Now restored to its former Georgian elegance it is a truly unique setting for tours, talks and events.

Clifton House is an impressive Georgian building, set in tranquil landscaped gardens in the heart of Belfast. Opened in 1774 by Belfast Charitable Society, the building was used until the late 1880s as Belfast’s Poor House. A great deal of what we take for granted in the city of Belfast today owes its origins to The Belfast Charitable Society. The foundation of social welfare, the supply of clean water, the city’s first hospital, funeral services, the beginnings of a police service and a municipal burial ground all began with the launch of the Society. Clifton House was entirely renovated and now is home to our archive, heritage and conference centre, residential home and sheltered accommodation. The heritage centre is available for hire for a variety of events including meetings, exhibitions, AGMs, workshops, conferences, dinner and receptions. We run tours of the heritage centre to tell the story of this truly remarkable building.

Clifton House's Content

Event

Great Place North Belfast Walking Tour

Clifton House

Join the North Belfast Heritage Cluster on a walk round some of the most historic buildings in North Belfast.

Belfast

Event

‘The Grinning Impudence which Arises from Utter Depravity’: Spies and Informers in Belfast and Ulster in 1798.

Clifton House

The latest research on the impact of spies and informers in the years leading up to the Rebellion of 1798 revealed in this latest talk from Clifton House.

Belfast

Event

The Great Famine in Belfast: Exceptionalism versus Experience

Clifton House

This talk uncovers how and why Belfast suffered in the late 1840s and delves into the specifics of how institutions like the Belfast Poor House, hospitals and the workhouse worked together in an attempt to ease the problems facing the town.

Belfast

Event

Plots and Plotters: Clifton Street Cemetery and the 1798 Irish Rebellion

Clifton House

Come and learn about the origins and of the United Irishmen and the 1798 Irish rebellion, told from the perspectives of their leaders and opponents who lie in peace in Clifton Street Cemetery.

Belfast

Event

Art & Culture Outdoor Activity

Heritage Skills Day at Clifton House, Belfast

Clifton House

Join us on Sunday 1st September 2024 for a free event celebrating 250 years of Clifton House. This event showcases and celebrates heritage skills, local crafts, live music, food and a chance to share your memories of north Belfast through our history harvest, part of the Great Place North Belfast project.

Belfast

Event

Women, Radicalism and Eighteenth-Century Belfast: Mary Ann McCracken and Martha McTier

Clifton House

What did it mean to be radical and dissenting in eighteenth-century Belfast? Belfast’s culture of religious and political dissent encouraged female participation, but not always on equal terms. Join us at Clifton House, the home of Belfast’s oldest charity, where Dr Catriona Kennedy will discuss how radical women like Mary Ann McCracken and Martha McTier’s charitable work allowed them to participate in, and influence, Belfast’s radical public sphere.

Belfast

Event

Paupers and Public Health: Belfast Charitable Society and the Sick Poor, with Dr Robyn Atcheson

Clifton House

This talk explores how the Society treated the sick within its own walls and how it endeavoured to respond to various public health issues. The Society played a key role in the provision of maternity care and the establishment of a lunatic asylum as well as dealing with epidemics of infectious and venereal diseases.

Belfast

Event

Clifton House Tour: Experience The Belfast Poorhouse

Clifton House

The history of Belfast begins at Clifton House. From the moment you step through our door you will be transported back in time to the Belfast Poorhouse – opened in 1774 – which provided sanctuary to thousands of people, from the young and old, to local citizens and passing sailors, throughout the years.

Belfast

Event

Hero of Belfast: Mary Ann McCracken Walking Tour

Clifton House

Experience Mary Ann McCracken’s Belfast, as you walk in the footsteps of this remarkable abolitionist, philanthropist and social reformer. Mary Ann McCracken, who was born over 250 years ago, is intrinsically linked to the city of Belfast. She lived her fearless life championing causes, moving from place to place, always on a mission to make life better for those less fortunate than herself.

Belfast

Event

The challenges facing refugees and asylum-seekers today

Clifton House

Vicky Tennant, UK Representative to the UN High Commission for Refugees, and the Rt. Hon Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick, will outline the issues and obstacles facing female refugees and asylum seekers today. The event, which is part of Belfast Charitable Society’s 250thanniversary celebrations, will also highlight the work that both Belfast Charitable Society and the Mary Ann McCracken Foundation are doing to support refugees and asylum-seekers in Belfast.

Belfast

More Information

Type of Organisation

VCSE

Team

Lucy Fraser