Belfast. Its shipbuilding history

 Belfast 

Its shipbuilding history

Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland, one of the 4 constituent countries of the United Kingdom. The city stands on the banks of River Lagan on the east coast. 

Main building and skylines of the city of Belfast

The history of the city begins in 688 AD, when a small village was established at the lowest fording point of the River Logan. Throughout the Middle Ages, Belfast was a minor settlement; however, in 1613, King James I of England issued a Royal Charter which made provision for a town wharf- a freeport. This was a watershed moment for Belfast, and as a result, the shipbuilding industry started to develop. 

King James I of England (1603-1625) and King of Scotland as James VI (1567-1625)

The ''Eagle Wing'' was built in Belfast Lough to carry Presbyterians from Ulster to New England where they hoped to enjoy religious freedom. The ship sailed from Groomsport, County Down, in September 1636, but due to storms it was forced to return. In 1667, 9 men involved in soap production in Glasgow invested heavily and foreign trade. They built a large ship, Lyon, in Belfast, carrying 40 pieces of ordnance, with rigging, ammunition and provision.

In 1791, William Ritchie moved to Belfast from Saltcoats, Scotland to establish a successful business with his younger brother Hugh. Their first ship, Hibernia, was launched in 1792, and it would be followed by other 39 ships.

William Ritchie (1756-1834)

Hugh Ritchie set up his own shipyard in 1798 but he died a few years later and was succeeded by another brother, John Ritchie, who came over from Saltcoats to Belfast in 1807. In 1811, John joined his forces with Alexander McLaine, another Ulster-Scot, to found Ritchie & McLaine. In 1820, the company launched its first steamship, the Belfast.

During the 19th century, Belfast embarked on a process of industrialization. Along with shipbuilding, linen mills became another economic sector, thus earning its nickname ''Linenopolis''. This resulted in a massive population increase. For instance, in 1808 Belfast had a population of around 25,000 people. By 1841, it had increased to 70,000 people, and by 1911 it had reached to 385,000 people, thus making the city the most populated urban town in Ireland at that time.