Belfast’s City Cemetery opened in 1869 and was originally intended for the interment of both Catholics and Protestants. At the insistence of Catholic clergy who argued that the ground would not be consecrated if shared, the graveyard was created with an underground wall (shown above) nine feet in height. (Republican News) After further disputes, however, Catholics were not routinely buried in the graveyard until 100 years later; they were buried instead in the nearby Milltown Cemetery.
Here is a short video of local expert Tom Hartley at the wall:
Click image to enlarge
Copyright © 2015 Seosamh Mac Coılle
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Extramural Activity 