Belfast Maps 1570-1900
Image reproduced by kind
permission of Libraries NI
This database records the maps listed in A Union List of Belfast Maps to 1900 published by the LISC Local History Panel in 1998. The initial intention of the database is to give researchers easy access to information about the original maps including their locations.
You have a number of search options. The keyword search is probably of most use if you are looking for a map detailing a particular part of the city, e.g. the Harbour or a specific townland, or maps associated with a particular personal name, e.g. Marcus Ward. You can also browse through and click on the names of the numerous surveyors and engineers who created or contributed to the maps. If you are interested in maps from a particular period of time you can browse by date ranges.
You can find further background information to the maps recorded in the database in the original introduction to the Union List, which can be downloaded in full. This explains that the list covers both manuscript and printed versions up to 1900 held by Belfast Central Library, by the Linen Hall Library, by the Ulster Museum and by the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland. Excluded are Ordnance survey maps and plans (see Northern Ireland Town Plans PRONI, 1981) while only those which depict a clearly discernible street plan and cover a large area of the city have been included.
If you wish to comment on this resource or have any queries
please contact Linda Houston, LISC Director.
