Statues & the Grounds of Belfast City Hall

Belfast City Hall sits at the heart of the city and its grounds offer a tranquil oasis to visitors and city users alike, offering a break from the bustling pace of life. Whilst City Hall itself is a stunning architectural masterpiece it is the grounds and its monuments we are taking a closer look at here.

Situated as a centrepiece directly in front of Belfast City Hall is a statue honouring Queen Victoria, who granted Belfast city status in 1888. The bronze statue depicts Queen Victoria seated on a throne, wearing her royal regalia. The statue was erected in 1903 to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria, who ruled the British Empire for over six decades from 1837 to 1901.

The Cenotaph is the city's war memorial dedicated to those lost in the World Wars and other conflicts. Erected in 1929 it serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by servicemen and women and the price paid to keep us free. The Cenotaph acts as a solemn tribute to those whose sacrificed everything. In Belfast the main occassions when acts of remembrance take place at the Cenotaph are the 1st July to mark the lives lost at the beginning of the Battle of the Somme, the 11th November to remember the end of First World War hostilities and the second Sunday of November each year, the Nation's Remembrance Day.

This memorial, was unveiled in 1920 and should not to be confused with the memorial garden. This statue commemorates the lives lost in the sinking of the RMS Titanic, which was built in Belfast. The memorial features a bronze figure of a woman with outstretched arms, representing grief and mourning.

This memorial to Edward J Harland MP, founder of the Harland and Wolff shipyard and Mayor of Belfast from 1885 until 1886 is located near the main entrance of Belfast City Hall. The statue by Thomas Brock was unveiled in 1903 and depicts Sir Edward Harland in a dignified pose, resting his left hand on a model of a ship's hull sitting upon plans.

Managing Director of the Harland and Wolff shipyard William Pirrie, served as Lord Mayor of Belfast between 1896 and 1898. The memorial was unveiled following his death in 1924 and the bust was rededicated in 2006 on the 159th anniversary of William Pirrie's birth.

This statue unveiled in 1909 commemorates Sir James Horner Haslett MP and Mayor of Belfast from 1887-1888. Haslett played a significant role in the development of Belfast was educated locally at the Academical Institute Belfast. In addition to this statue Haslett's portrait hangs in the Reception Room of City Hall.

Unveiled in 1919, this statue commemorates Robert J. McMordie, a prominent Belfast merchant and philanthropist. He was Lord Mayor of Belfast from 1910-1914 and also served as MP for Belfast East. The statue depicts McMordie standing with one hand resting on a plinth, symbolizing his contributions to the city.

One of the city's more recent monuments, the fountain unveiled in 2009 is dedicated to all the council employees who were killed or injured during 'the troubles'. The water of the fountain and trees planted in the courtyard of Belfast City Hall represent hope, rebirth and a new beginning for Belfast and its peoples.

This memorial was officially opened on 15 April 2012 to mark the 100th anniversary of the sinking of RMS Titanic. The memorial garden is set on two levels with the main upper level containing a nine metre long plinth bearing the names of all 1512 who lost their lives when RMS Titanic sank. This is known as the Belfast List and you can obtain a copy by emailing the council.

There are many more statues and memorials within the grounds of Belfast City Hall and you may well benefit from a tour.