Welcome to the website of the East Belfast Historical and Cultural Society (the Society). The purpose of the site is to inform you what the Society does and what we stand for.
The Society as the title states is focussed on east Belfast and the history and the culture of the area. East Belfast covers a huge area east of the River Lagan. It stretches from the Odyssey arena through the leafy suburbs of Belmont and Gilnahirk to the large housing estates of Braniel and Ballybeen. It is in the main a working class area but contains large swathes of middle class homes. Some areas of inner east Belfast are amongst the most deprived areas of Belfast.
In population terms there are in the region of 90,000 people living in the area including 3,000 who live in a small part of east Belfast called Short Strand. This area would be classified as mainly Nationalist/Republican. The Society has no interest in this area and confines itself to the Unionist/Loyalist population of east Belfast no matter what religion they are.
East Belfast has a proud history and culture of which we are rightly proud. The following are just some of the east Belfast names (of people, products, locations and firms) that are known throughout the world: -
Not bad for a tiny part of the world is it? As I said there are many more.
East Belfast is home to Ballymacarrett District Number 6 of the Orange Order as well as District Number 4 of the Royal Black Preceptory. In addition there is a strong Orange Womens District as well as several Junior Orange Lodges for those who are not old enough to join the senior Orange Order.
The band scene continues to thrive throughout the area with the following bands marching: -
The people of east Belfast are proud of their history, proud of their culture and this is reflected on the murals (wall art) in the area. There are lavish murals throughout the area. They reflect the community as the community paints them.
In the last 40 years many parts of inner east Belfast have changed dramatically. Row upon row of terraced houses was pulled down and the population dispersed to places like Bangor and Newtownards for example.
However in recent years the trend has reversed new houses are being built in many areas attracting people back to the east. Some of these people are from around the world and have come for employment. They are welcome to our community.
Some of the heavy industries like the shipyard have reduced in size but new smaller firms are taking their place.
The Society aims to promote unity amongst the people of east Belfast, educate our children and the many visitors to our city, remember the fallen and celebrate our history and culture.