Development and Gowth of Belfast Essay Example

exports came from Belfast.

During the late 19th century, Belfast earned the nickname 'Linenopolis' as it was recognized as the top global linen producer. In more recent times, Belfast has become renowned for its thriving shipbuilding sector. Boasting a workforce of 30,000 individuals, shipbuilding emerged as one of the city's key industries. Notably, the shipyards in Belfast played a significant role in constructing several iconic early 20th-century ocean liners such as the RMS Titanic, which found its home within Belfast harbor.

The shipbuilding industry in Belfast started in 1791 with the establishment of the Harland and Wolff shipyard by Edward J Harland and G. W Wolff. In 1845, there was a demand to deepen Belfast harbour to accommodate bigger vessels, resulting in the construction of quays like Donegall Quay. These advancements in the harbor enhanced trade efficiency as more and larger ships could reach the port. During World War Two, there was a notable surge in shipbuilding for the British Royal Navy instead of focusing on cruise ships or ocean liners.

During the Second World War, Belfast's iron foundry played a crucial role in the Royal Navy's construction of four Battle cruisers. The advancements in mechanization and modernization of linen and shipbuilding contributed to this effort. The iron foundry had seen significant growth in the first half of the 19th century, resulting in the establishment of twenty foundries by 1870. Belfast gained a reputation for producing various machinery such as steam engines, water turbines, electricity generators, steam pumps, piston rings, electric dynamos, and cotton mill engines. These products were not only used within Britain but also exported to other countries.

In Belfast, new engineering projects had an impact on

the textile and shipbuilding industries. The Sirocco works began manufacturing industrial fans in 1881, and Gustav's Belfast Ropeworks, established in 1873, produced ropes for shipyards. These ropes were essential for both sailing and steam ships. Eventually, Gustav's factory in East Belfast became the largest ropeworks globally. This expansion of industry resulted in a substantial increase in Belfast's population. From 1801 to 1811, the city experienced a surge of nearly 47%, with its population reaching almost 28,000.

Between 1816 and 1821, Belfast experienced a significant population increase as people migrated from rural areas in search of employment. This resulted in the city's population growing from 30,000 to 37,000 individuals. During this period, there were approximately 5,500 houses in Belfast.

In the era of the Potato famine (1840s-1850s), mill workers began arriving in Belfast via railroads. Consequently, three stations located on the outskirts of the town became surrounded by mills and houses specifically constructed for these impoverished workers.

Currently, Belfast has a large and irregularly growing population.

In 1851, the population of Belfast reached 87,000, leading to the expansion of the city, including the incorporation of suburbs in the north, south, and eastern areas where wealthy factory owners resided. Additionally, West Belfast and Ballymacarrett became part of the city. There was also noticeable growth in industrial housing near textile mills. By the beginning of the 20th century, Belfast's population had reached 350,000, and it further increased to 440,000 by the start of World War II.

During the late 18th century, Belfast's industrial suburbs experienced rapid expansion in both industry and residential areas. Various establishments, including brick works, glassworks, iron foundries, rope, starch, and vitriol factories, were clustered in this area. Two significant

markers of Ballymacarrett's expansion were the construction of an embankment and quay on the east bank of River Lagan and the lengthening of the bridge over the river to 50ft. This enlargement allowed carriages to pass each other on the bridge.

Ballymacarrett and nearby areas underwent growth in the industrial and commercial sectors, with an expansion in land availability for services, yards, and other premises. The mid-19th century witnessed the establishment of several iron foundries in Belfast's inner suburbs. Moreover, a notable engineering industry emerged in the late 19th century. This period also saw the rise of whiskey distilling and tobacco industries in Belfast.