In a remarkable discovery that has captivated the imagination of Belfast, developers behind the new Amelia Hall project on Howard Street unearthed a time capsule dating back to 1923. The find, made during the demolition phase for the £11.5 million development by the Ringland Group, offers an intriguing snapshot of life in the city 100 years ago.
Discovery in the Rubble
The time capsule, a sealed lead box, was uncovered on May 23, 2023, by construction workers dismantling the foundation stone of the former Presbyterian War Memorial Hostel. The coincidence of the date – precisely 100 years to the day since the box was originally sealed – has added a layer of historical serendipity to the discovery.
Peter Ringland, co-founder of the Ringland Group, described the moment the box was found: “We were taking the stone out to preserve it and install it in the new building when we discovered there was a box wedged in at the bottom. It was completely sealed and everything inside was perfectly preserved.”
The box contained four newspapers, all dated May 23, 1923, providing a fascinating glimpse into the news of the day. Also included were original architectural plans for the building, coins, documents related to the hostel project, and a letter from the Reverend Andrew Frederick (AF) Moody, the man responsible for creating the time capsule.
A Century-Old Snapshot
The newspapers found within the time capsule include the Belfast News-Letter, The Irish News, The Northern Whig, and the Daily Sketch. Each paper offers a window into the social, political, and economic climate of 1923 Belfast.
One notable piece in The Irish News features a warning about prohibition, urging Ulster men and women not to be misled by the temperance movement, reflecting the cultural debates of the time.
The original architectural plans of the Presbyterian War Memorial Hostel, carefully preserved, were also discovered in the box. The detailed blueprints provide an intricate view of the design and layout intended for the hostel, which served as a residence and social centre for young people.
Plans for Amelia Hall
The Ringland Group, founded by brothers Peter and Ben Ringland in 2008, has built a reputation for innovative hospitality ventures in Belfast. Their latest project, Amelia Hall, is set to open its doors on Saturday, 7th September. This Italian-themed development will feature a restaurant, café, beer hall, and cocktail bar, as well as a pizzeria and bakery, all designed to breathe new life into the city’s hospitality scene.
Peter Ringland said: “We are delighted to announce that Amelia Hall will open its doors to the public on Saturday, 7th September. The plans for Amelia Hall have been in motion for a long time and it’s incredible to say we are almost ready to welcome our first customers.”
The project is expected to generate significant employment opportunities, with roles for chefs, waiting staff, and senior bar and restaurant managers, contributing an estimated £1 million worth of jobs to the local economy.
A New Era for Belfast Hospitality
The discovery of the time capsule has not only provided a tangible link to Belfast’s past but also energised the development team. Thomas Camblin, Head of Development for the Ringland Group, noted the positive impact on the project’s momentum: “We are hugely excited by this project, particularly as the designs and finish quality bring new levels of interior excellence to Belfast. We believe people will be as excited as we are once they get a chance to see it for themselves.”
The Ringland Group’s commitment to Belfast is evident in their substantial investments in both the Linen Quarter and the Cathedral Quarter. Their portfolio includes the Flint and The 1852 hotels, as well as popular bar-restaurants Town Square and Southside Social, which houses the unique Chinese takeaway, Lucky Duck.
Restoring and Preserving History
In homage to the historical significance of their discovery, the Ringland Group plans to reinstall the original foundation stone in Amelia Hall’s redeveloped venue. There are also considerations to frame some of the discovered documents and put them on public display, offering visitors a direct connection to the city’s history.
Additionally, there are discussions about creating a new time capsule, incorporating some of the original artefacts along with contemporary items from 2023. This gesture aims to provide future generations with a snapshot of today’s Belfast, continuing the tradition of preserving history for those yet to come.
A Glimpse into History: The Four Newspapers Found in Belfast’s Time Capsule
The discovery of the time capsule during the development of Amelia Hall in Belfast unearthed four newspapers from May 23, 1923. These newspapers—The Belfast News-Letter, The Irish News, The Northern Whig, and the Daily Sketch, all of which offer a fascinating glimpse into the city’s past.
The Belfast News-Letter
The Belfast News-Letter, one of the oldest English language newspapers still in publication, was first issued in 1737. Founded by Francis Joy, it began as a modest weekly publication. Over the centuries, it evolved into a daily newspaper, playing a crucial role in documenting the socio-political landscape of Belfast and Northern Ireland.
By 1923, The Belfast News-Letter was well-established, known for its comprehensive coverage of local, national, and international news. It provided a conservative perspective, reflecting the views of the Unionist community. The newspaper was instrumental in reporting on key events during the tumultuous years of the early 20th century, including the Home Rule debates and the partition of Ireland.
Today, The Belfast News-Letter continues to serve its readership with a strong emphasis on local news, maintaining its historic significance in Northern Ireland’s media landscape.
The Irish News
The Irish News was founded in 1891 as a nationalist daily newspaper. It emerged from the political and social upheaval of the late 19th century, aimed at providing a voice for the Catholic and nationalist community in Belfast and beyond.
In its early years, The Irish News faced significant challenges, including competition from other nationalist publications and political pressures. However, it steadily grew in prominence, known for its robust editorial stance and comprehensive coverage of issues affecting the nationalist population.
By the time the time capsule was sealed in 1923, The Irish News had established itself as a key player in Northern Irish media, offering a counterbalance to the unionist viewpoints prevalent in other newspapers. It played a critical role in covering the events leading up to and following the partition of Ireland.
The Irish News remains an influential publication today, continuing to advocate for the interests of the nationalist community while providing balanced news coverage.
The Northern Whig
The Northern Whig has its origins in the late 18th century, founded in 1795 by a group of Belfast merchants and reformers. It quickly became known for its liberal and progressive editorial stance, advocating for reform and civil rights.
Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, The Northern Whig was at the forefront of political discourse in Belfast. It supported various liberal causes, including Home Rule and social reforms. By 1923, it was a respected daily newspaper, known for its detailed reporting and willingness to challenge the status quo.
The Northern Whig faced numerous challenges in the mid-20th century, leading to its eventual decline. Despite its closure in the 1960s, its legacy endures in Belfast’s history of liberal journalism and political activism.
The Daily Sketch
The Daily Sketch, a London-based newspaper, was founded in 1909 by Sir Edward Hulton. Known for its tabloid style, it combined sensational journalism with high-quality photographic content, making it one of the pioneers of the illustrated daily press.
By 1923, the Daily Sketch had a substantial readership, providing a mix of news, entertainment, and human-interest stories. Its emphasis on photographs and eye-catching headlines distinguished it from more traditional newspapers of the time.
The Daily Sketch continued to thrive in the interwar years, capturing the public’s imagination with its vivid storytelling and visual appeal. It eventually merged with the Daily Mail in 1971, leaving behind a legacy of innovation in tabloid journalism.
Belfast in 1923: A City in Transition
In 1923, Belfast was a city marked by both progress and tension. The early 20th century was a period of significant transformation for Belfast, shaping its identity and future trajectory.
Political Landscape
1923 was a pivotal year for Belfast, coming just two years after the partition of Ireland in 1921. The Government of Ireland Act 1920 had created Northern Ireland, with Belfast as its capital. This period was marked by political unrest and sectarian violence, as the city grappled with its new identity and the implications of partition.
The Unionist government, led by Sir James Craig, dominated Northern Ireland’s political scene. Unionist policies aimed at consolidating the Protestant majority’s control often led to marginalisation and tensions with the Catholic minority. This atmosphere of sectarian division was a defining feature of Belfast in 1923.
Economic Landscape
Economically, Belfast was thriving as an industrial powerhouse. The city was renowned for its shipbuilding, linen production, and engineering industries. Harland and Wolff, the shipyard that had built the Titanic just over a decade earlier, continued to be a major employer and symbol of industrial prowess.
The linen industry, another cornerstone of Belfast’s economy, was experiencing both success and challenges. While demand for linen remained high, competition from synthetic fabrics and economic instability post-World War I presented significant hurdles.
Despite the industrial boom, economic disparities were stark. Wealth generated from industrial activities was unevenly distributed, with working-class communities facing harsh living conditions. Labour strikes and worker unrest were common, as employees demanded better wages and working conditions in the face of economic uncertainty.
Social History
Life in Belfast in 1923 was shaped by the city’s economic and political realities. The working class, which made up a significant portion of the population, lived in densely packed terraced houses. These areas often lacked basic amenities, and overcrowding was a persistent issue.
The social fabric of the city was deeply divided along religious lines. Protestant and Catholic communities lived largely segregated lives, with separate schools, social clubs, and even sports teams. This segregation was a source of tension and, at times, violence.
Education was a key focus for both communities, with efforts to provide better schooling and vocational training to the youth. However, opportunities were often limited, particularly for those in the Catholic community, due to systemic biases and economic barriers.
Culturally, Belfast was vibrant, with a rich tradition of music, theatre, and literature. The Ulster Hall, a major concert venue, hosted performances that ranged from classical music to popular bands of the day. The city’s libraries and literary societies were active, reflecting a community engaged with the arts and learning.
Daily Life
Daily life in Belfast was a mix of hard work and community solidarity. The typical workday for industrial workers was long and gruelling, often exceeding ten hours. Despite these challenges, a strong sense of community and mutual support was prevalent, particularly in working-class neighbourhoods.
Local markets were bustling centres of activity, where residents bought fresh produce, meats, and other necessities. The tram system provided essential transportation across the city, linking residential areas with industrial sites and the city centre.
Recreation and leisure were vital aspects of life, providing relief from the daily grind. Football was immensely popular, with local clubs like Linfield and Glentoran drawing large crowds. Cinemas and dance halls also offered entertainment and socialising opportunities.