When Belfast was granted its Royal Charter four hundred years ago in 1613, it was just a small settlement of some two hundred hardy souls – a settlement that was positioned on a sandbank with no bridges at all. But that Royal Charter granted to the town four centuries ago this year laid the foundations for the city we know today.
By way of celebration, the Belfast 400 festival is being held over four days at Easter with an action packed and fun-filled programme set out to mark the anniversary of the Royal Charter that was granted by King James I in 1613. That occasion is further capped in 1888 when Belfast was declared a city. Taking the form of a series of exhibitions, workshops with other events, the festival runs from March 30 to April 2.
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| Belfast at night |
"This is another truly landmark year for our city, marking as it does the moment in history when the then relatively small town of Belfast was granted many of the rights which, over the last four centuries, have helped to shape the modern city we know today," he said. “The King James Charter granted Belfast the right to form a corporation, the forerunner of the modern Belfast City Council, and to appoint a 'sovereign' – the post now known as Lord Mayor – as well as many other rights, including the right to hold markets. It is important that, when we mark the anniversary of the granting of the Charter, we do so in an inclusive manner and for all the people of Belfast to enjoy."
Due to the city’s iconic connection with the Titanic, celebrations would not be complete without a connection to the famous liner, so auctioneers Henry Aldridge and Son will display White Star Line and Titanic-related artefacts and memorabilia – including band leader Wallace Hartley's violin – in the city where it was built.
Highlights of this extravaganza include:
•A Journey Through Time photographic exhibition
•Face painting, craft workshops, caricature drawings and a treasure hunt
•A Mad Hatter's tea party by Stripey Socks Productions
•Street theatre, including walkabouts and shows
•A series of talks on 400 years of Belfast’s story
•A collection of films, animations and related workshops
•Live music and a retro tea dance
•Vintage car displays
•Fashion through the ages display by Belfast Metropolitan College students
•A Belfast Times modern art exhibition
The city has prepared an interesting list of some of the lesser known facts connected to Belfast, as compiled by Sean Connolly,
1. Belfast got a Royal Charter in 1613 because a meeting of the Irish Parliament was coming up. Charters were given to several towns to ensure a Protestant majority.
2. In 1613 Belfast was still at its planning stage. There was no bridge until the 1680s.
3. Belfast was founded in 1604 by a penniless soldier called Arthur Chichester. In 1613 it played second fiddle to Carrickfergus.
4. In 1613, the population of Belfast was some 200. It is 280,000 now.
5. In 1613, John Vesey was the first sovereign, now known as Lord Mayor, a post currently held by Gavin Robinson.
6. The main street in Belfast in 1613 was Broad Street, now Waring Street.
7. In 1613 the Farset flowed through what is now High Street. It is now in an underground tunnel.
8. Belfast was a basic settlement in 1613 with people working in the port by shipping out timber, oats and beef. The port is, of course, still an integral part of the city.
9. In 1613, Belfast had one church, a Church of Ireland, where St George’s now stands.
10. The harbour was not suitable for large ships in 1613 because it was full of sludge. Big ships had to be unloaded further out into lighter boats. It remained the case until the 1840s when they dredged the harbour.
Compiled with assistance from Sean Connolly, Queen’s University Belfast Professor of Irish History. For a full programme of events, visit www.belfastcity.gov.uk/events.
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