Belfast, The Castle And Lough 1897

Photo ref: 40214

More about this scene

When Lord Ashley married Harriet Chichester, the only surviving child and heiress of the 3rd Marquess of Donegall, his father may have made it plain that if he was to become an Irish landlord he would expect him to be a good one and no absentee. His father was the 7th Earl Shaftesbury, the famed philanthropist, who fought for several Acts to protect industrial workers. The most famous was that which stopped very small children working down the coal mines - the statue of Eros in Piccadilly Circus in London marks a nation's gratitude. Ashley's father-in-law built this castle shortly before selling Ormeau House to Belfast Council. On his death, the Ashleys started to make visits and became involved in local affairs. Charities were supported, and a garden party was held for local notables. Their son inherited the title of the 9th Earl Shaftesbury and the estate. He married Lady Constance Grosvenor, a member of the Duke of Westminster's all-powerful family. Despite the grandeur Constance had known as Grosvenor, she was delighted with Belfast Castle. Perhaps she have never known a parkland which soared up over 1000 feet to enclose the massive Cave Hill. From the mansion there are splendid views across the Lough, and in Constance's time many of the ships going to and from the Belfast Harbour were under sail. All day, too, the trains could be seen puffing their way to Londonderry and Larne - the Victorians loved their railways. The pair lived a lot of their time here, and became immersed in the life of Belfast. He became an Alderman, and then Lord Mayor. He was Lord Lieutenant of County Antrim, and became the first Vice Chancellor of Queens University. Their regular visits were ended by the First World War. In 1934 the castle and park were given to Belfast.