 The 1800s saw rapid expansion on reclaimed, level, land all
directions. Belfast was part of the second wave of British industrialization,
1790-1820, a delay which affected the structure and housing stock. North
Belfast, one of the more heavily industrial parts of the city became a poor
area-characterized by terraced housing, factories, and warehouses. West
Belfast was much the same, a cramped industrial population, though with
more air than the similar conditions in city center. These areas were home
to the first slums, courts and back-to-back houses of industrial houses.
The nouveau riche industrialists moved to the southern part of the city
while the richest families chose the countryside north and south of Belfast.
This century saw the first suburban development,  residential
to the south and industrial in Ballymacarrett.
Industry focused on the port and harbor, particularly shipbuilding and
textiles, draws a huge increase in population. The port is key to importing
raw materials and exporting finished goods, creating links with the Ulster
hinterland and overseas countries. Major trade products include the import
of coal and iron, and export of bacon, butter, cows, cotton and linen yarn. |
Timeline of 1800s
| 1816-- |
Population has reached 30,720 occupying 5578 houses. |
1851-- |
Population reaches 87,000. |
| 1821-- |
Population now 37,300. |
1854-- |
The city expands to include suburbs; wealthy industrialists live in the
north, south, and eastern parts of the city. West Belfast and Ballymacarrett
are incorporated into the city. There is also a large increase in industrial
housing near linen mills-"the worst features of industrial urban morphology"
(Jones 1952) |
| 1830s-- |
A period of great expansion beyond the planning of Georgian town. Large
scale industrialization of cotton production in western sector peaked at
this time. |
1870s-- |
The first public transportation is built. A tram provides access from the
suburbs to city center, enabling more people to afford suburban living. |
| 1840-50s-- |
Potato Famine. Prospective mill workers arrive by railroad, three stations
at edges of town became surrounded by mills and houses for the poor workers.
The city now has a huge population and vast irregular growth. |
1882-- |
Two firms, Harland & Wolff and Workman & Clark, both on Queen's
Island, helped Belfast surpass Liverpool as the major ship-building port
in United Kingdom. |
| 1850s-- |
Linen surpasses cotton as major industrial product. West Belfast the southern
suburb of Ballymacarrett are the only real industrial sectors, south and
north of the city center are free of industrialization. Foundries are established
to produce engines needed in mills. |
1888-- |
Town of Belfast becomes a city |
|