Clifton House, Belfast's oldest working building, celebrates its 250th anniversary. Originally known as the Poor House, it was established in 1774 to address the social deprivation caused by a devastating famine in Ulster. The building, a fine example of Georgian architecture, stands as a testament to the city's resilience and its commitment to social welfare.
Clifton House is one of the city’s finest Grade A-listed Georgian buildings, but the stylish exterior belies the social deprivation that brought it into existence.The oldest working building in Belfast , Clifton House , which is a distinctive feature of the architectural landscape and of the city’s history, has been commemorating its 250th anniversary. Originally known as the Poor House, it was opened in 1774 by the Belfast Charitable Society.
The Dublin-based architect Thomas Cooley was consulted on the plans for the building which was designed by the printer and philanthropist Robert Joy. Cooley, who was born in London, worked in the neoclassical style on several public buildings in Dublin and together with James Gandon was part of a small team of architects. Joy had drawn an initial plan of the structure on a napkin in the George Inn where rich Presbyterian merchants and burgesses met to form the Society in summer 1752 with the aim of establishing a charitable hospital infirmary. With its spire, elegant wings, weathered brick, octagonal stone tower and original features, Clifton House stands on an eminence as one of the city’s finest Grade A-listed Georgian buildings. But the stylish exterior belies the social deprivation that brought it into existence. In 1740-41 a combination of atrocious grain harvests, shortage of milk and frost damage to potatoes led to a severe famine in Ulster with a death toll of around 300,000.Councillor Claus of Alaska – Alison Healy on the other Santa When the Poor House opened it was incorporated by an Act of Parliament in Dublin in 1774 which gave it power over the welfare of citizens, especially the vulnerable and needy. It sheltered all creeds with beds for the homeless who carried out spinning and weaving work. Regular meals of stirabout, bread, broth, cheese, milk, and “pease porridge” (a savoury pudding dish) were served, while meat – then a rare treat – was provided every Sunda
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