Belfast Bohemian Productions

29/06/2025

Belfast History Spotlight: THE CAVEHILL
Taken from our 2015 local history documentary 'Lesser Known Belfast'. Written by James Rea Jr and produced by Belfast Bohemian Productions.

28/06/2025

Belfast History Spotlight: THE ORIGINAL BELFAST CASTLE
For Fun, we used AI to recreate what Belfast Castle may have looked like!

The original Belfast Castle was built in the late 12th century by the Normans on what is now High Street, near the banks of the River Farset. Serving as a strategic fortification, it later became the residence of the Chichester family, who were instrumental in the early development of Belfast. Over the centuries, the structure was expanded and modified, reflecting the growing importance of the town.

However, in 1708, a devastating fire tore through the castle, destroying it completely. Rather than rebuild on the same site, the Chichester family eventually relocated to the slopes of Cave Hill, where the current Belfast Castle was constructed in the 19th century.

27/06/2025

Belfast History Spotlight: THE WHITE LINEN HALL
For Fun, we used AI to recreate what The White Linen Hall may have looked like!

Long before Belfast City Hall dominated Donegall Square, the heart of the city beat within the White Linen Hall — a grand and bustling symbol of Belfast’s 18th and 19th-century linen trade.

Built in 1788, this elegant neoclassical building once stood proudly where City Hall now stands. It was a hub for the world-famous Irish linen industry, with merchants and traders from across Europe gathering to buy the finest linen woven in Ulster.

Surrounded by a high stone wall with gated entrances, the White Linen Hall was not just a market — it was a centre of commerce and civic pride, reflecting Belfast's rise as a powerful industrial city.

By the 1890s, with the linen trade evolving and Belfast rapidly growing, the hall was demolished to make way for the iconic Belfast City Hall, completed in 1906.

Today, there’s no trace of the original structure — but its legacy lives on in the city’s rich textile heritage and in street names like Linenhall Street and Linenhall Library.

11/06/2025

Belfast History Spotlight: MARY ANN McCRACKEN
For Fun, we used AI to recreate what Mary Ann McCracken may have looked like in real life!

Mary Ann McCracken (1770–1866) was a remarkable social reformer, abolitionist, and champion of the poor in Belfast. A sister of United Irishman Henry Joy McCracken, she shared his passion for justice but dedicated her long life to peaceful activism. Mary Ann campaigned tirelessly for the rights of women, children, and workers, and played a leading role in Belfast’s anti-slavery movement. Her compassion, courage, and lifelong commitment to social change have made her one of the city's most inspiring historical figures.

11/06/2025

Belfast History Spotlight: WILLIAM DRENNAN
For Fun, we used AI to recreate what William Drennan may have looked like in real life!

William Drennan (1754–1820) was a physician, poet, and political reformer from Belfast, best known as one of the founding members of the Society of United Irishmen. A passionate advocate for civil rights, religious equality, and parliamentary reform, Drennan dreamed of a united, independent Ireland free from sectarian division. He is also credited with coining the phrase "Emerald Isle" to describe Ireland. His legacy lives on as a voice for peace, progress, and national unity.

11/06/2025

Belfast History Spotlight: FREDRICK RICHARD CHICHESTER
For Fun, we used AI to recreate what Fredrick Richard Chichester may have looked like in real life!

Frederick Richard Chichester, (1827–53), Earl of Belfast, was born 25 November 1827, second son of George Hamilton Chichester, 3rd marquess of Donegall.

In December 1852 he travelled on to Naples, where he caught scarlet fever after taking part in an amateur theatrical performance, and died, unmarried, two days later (11 February 1853). He is commemorated by a marble and a bronze statue, both by Patrick MacDowell, in Belfast city hall.

09/05/2025

Belfast History Spotlight: SIR ARTHUR CHICHESTER
For Fun, we used AI to recreate what Sir Arthur may have looked like in real life!

Arthur Chichester, 1st Baron Chichester (1563–1625), was an English soldier and statesman who played a key role in the colonization of Ulster. As Lord Deputy of Ireland, he helped shape British rule and had a lasting impact on Belfast.

Chichester oversaw the development of the town of Belfast, granted it a royal charter in 1613, and laid the foundations for its transformation into a major city. Today, he’s remembered as a controversial figure—seen by some as a builder, by others as a coloniser.

08/07/2024

11/04/2024

A photo of High Street, Belfast during the 19th Century in 3D.