Being Poor in Nineteenth-Century Belfast
[OLE3185]

Robyn Atcheson, BA, MA, PhD 

New Year 2025 

10 weekly sessions on Thursdays 7.00 pm to 9.00 pm, starting 23 January 

This course will examine what life was like in Belfast in the nineteenth century for the poorest in society.  It will explore themes such as employment opportunities, the availability of support for the poor, the workhouse and the impact of the Great Famine.  We will also think about attitudes to the poor and the specific struggles of being poor in a town that was growing so rapidly throughout the century.  We will use contemporary sources to investigate what help was available for the poor, what strategies the poor used to help themselves and try to find the voices of the poor themselves.  From cradle to grave, we will cover all aspects of life, including a typical working-class Belfast childhood, work, marriage, housing, sickness and health, religion and funerals and burials.  

Fee £92.00 (concession rate £66.00) 

10 CATS Points (Level 1) 

This class will take place on QUB campus

Concession: The concession rate is available for those who are in receipt of State Benefits (including pension), or are full-time students, part or full-time Queen’s students or are members of University staff holding a valid staff card:

Course: Full RateConcession Rate