building/structure

The “Peace” Line

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2013-08-22 BombaySt+

Previously we featured an image from the north (loyalist) side of the Cupar Way “peace” line, a.k.a. “war wall” or “wall of hostility” – the wall/fence separating neighbourhoods along the Shankill from those along the Falls. Here are two shots from the south (republican) side of the line, in Bombay Street. Divis tower is visible in the distance in the first. The second, below, shows the additional fencing that covers the backs of some houses.

More information about the west Belfast war wall is included in the Visual History page State Art Vs Graffiti On The West Belfast “Peace” Line.

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Copyright © 2013 Seosamh Mac Coılle
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Bonfire Flags

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Three images of flags on two republican bonfires, built to commemorate the introduction of internment in 1971. According to news reports (e.g. BBC-NI), the ‘Celebrating Our Culture’ banner on this bonfire at the base of Divis tower had been stolen from Linfield Road in south Belfast (it hung to the left of the mural to the left in this image) but was subsequently removed from the bonfire (whether or not it was returned is not reported). The image above is from Thursday (Aug. 8th). (Last year’s bonfire also had stolen PUL banners: see M08775.)

The flag in the second image (an Ulster flag with a tricolour in the corner and the words ‘The Only Ulster’ on the bottom) was on the Divis bonfire during construction on Wednesday but removed by Thursday. The third image is of a bonfire in Beechmount (between Corpus Christi and St. Paul’s schools) flying the flags of various loyalist groups, as well as the Union flag and the Northern Ireland flag.

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Copyright © 2013 Seosamh Mac Coılle
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Fermanagh Crannóg

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2013-02-17 CrannogWide+

This might not look like much, but these crannóg remains in Drumclay outside Enniskillen/Inıs Ceıthleann (according to the BBC) “may be the largest house structure of the period ever to be discovered” and archaeologists have said that “their discoveries will re-write the history books of ancient Irish life.” The crannog (a compound – in this case of 30+ houses – on stilts, forming an artificial island) was brought to the public eye last (2012) summer and archaeologists have until the end of this month (March, 2013) to complete their investigations – the find is holding up construction of a road needed for the G8 summit in June. (Previously on Extramural Activity: Putting On The Ritz.)

For more details of the find and efforts to gain more time for excavation, see Robert Chapple’s blog.

Below are images of (first) what is believed to be a game piece and (second) an archaeologist (Cathy Moore) holding up part of a vat/barrel, with an incised rim, and a disc. U.tv has a gallery of some of the more than 4,000 finds from the crannog, including combs, a shoe and shears.

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Detail of the top picture, blown up in size … in the centre, the red circle of tape indicates the location of a house, the square lighter area is a hearth.

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Copyright © 2013 Seosamh Mac Coılle
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Fernhill House, 2012

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Fernhill House, which features in various loyalist murals/boards, in its present state. In 1996 it was opened as a museum, but has since been shuttered and is gradually falling into disrepair. The house is located off the modern-day Ballygomartin Road, in Glencairn Park.

Info boards below …

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Copyright © 2012 Seosamh Mac Coılle
X00743 X00741 X00742 Glencairn was the former home of the Cunningham family, whose estate in north west belfast covered over 100 acres of land in the shadow of divis mountain the cunninghams were of scottish descent their forbear thomas left scotland during the troubles of 16?? and settled in the parish of killead co. antrim the family was involved in the west indian trade and barber cunningham a great-grandson  established himself as a tobacco manufacturer and importer in belfast barber’s son josias 1819-1895 founded the stockbroking firm of & co in 1843  in 1856 josias purchased 50 acres of land at ballygomartin and named it glencairn after the family’s ancestral home in scotland the following year he purchased a large mansion called house at its height the estate contained three imposing houses glendivis each was known for its distinctive features for its manicured lawns and wrought iron fence for its rolling pastures and stables and for its lawn tennis courts today on remains this elegant victorian villa was built around 184 by john smith a wealthy belfast butter merchant the architect is unknown but the perfect symmetry of its front and the general restraint of its lines epitomise the classical style of architecture the house symbolises a period in belfast’s history when the growing wealth and social aspirations of its middle class merchants led them to build fine homes on the outskirts of the city. were prominent unionists the ulster volunteer force paraded in the estate in 1914 and stored guns and ammunition in the stable yard beside they were well known throughout the shankill district for their work in politics the orange order the church and in education as well as for their social work during both world wars. when the three estate houses were at their peak the family employed as many as 90 local people in positions ranging from gamekeepers and grooms to household staff and drivers lived on until 1962 when the property was acquired by the corporation it has since be re-opened as a public park today visitors can wander through its 70 acres of impressive landscaped parklands and enjoy its extensive lawns and mature trees set against the backdrop of divis mountain welcome center organised walks and tours