History
The Merchant Hotel in Waring Street has long been admired for its distinctive architectural style. Both in its former life as the headquarters of the Ulster Bank and now, after its extensive refurbishment.
This formidable Giffnock sandstone structure was purpose built as the headquarters of the Ulster bank. The site was originally acquired in 1836. However, the decision to build was not taken until 1857. Bank Directors Robert Grimshaw and James Heron visited Glasgow and Edinburgh to glean as much information as possible on the best banking buildings. It was their earnest wish that the building should appear elegant, substantial and prosperous.
The location was deemed eminently suitable being, as it was, in the heart of Belfast’s mercantile and commercial centre. In fact Waring Street derives its name from a successful local merchant William Waring.
William Waring came from Toombridge, in the 17th century, to set up a tannery in Belfast. He was granted a lease in a street that was to take on his name. He had a daughter called Jayne whom Jonathan Swift courted for two years (he called her "Varina") but she turned down his proposal of marriage. He had been minister in Kilroot and eventually moved to Dublin to become Dean of St.Patricks. Rumour has it that Swift was inspired to write Gullivers Travels, by the distinctive “profile” of the Cavehill, which can be seen from the hotel.In a map of Belfast in the 1850's there is a part of the York Road called Lilliput Farm this may have been were Swift got the name for his book that is if the farm existed during his time in the north.
For the creation of the Ulster Bank headquarters, the directors felt it desired that the work be undertaken by local talents. 60 designs were submitted to the banks committee for the £100 offered for the best design. In the end the design of a talented Glaswegian by the name of Mr James Hamilton was selected.
The building work was undertaken my Messer’s D and J Fulton, and the spectacularly ornate plasterwork in the main banking hall was undertaken by townsman Mr George Crowe.
The exterior of the building is Italianate in style, a popular feature of High Victorian Architecture. Sculptures depicting Commerce, Justice and Britannia, look down benignly from the apex of the magnificent facade.
Under the grand central dome of the main banking hall, fruit and foliage designs surround the walls in a magnificent frieze. Four Corinthian columns feature plump cherubs depicting science, painting, scripture and music, frame the room.
Generosity of proportions and an ornate but not ostentatious style throughout the building, has ensured that it is one of the most renowned and best loved buildings in Belfast.
it is very commendable, earnest, massive, rich and suitable.."
Description in the 'London' magazine after the designs of the Ulster Bank were shown at the 1858 Architectural Exhibition.
the building offered "...every inducement to linger and ponder on wealth and its advantages.."
C.E.B.Brett writing more than a century later
In truth, The Cathedral Quarter is so culturally and historically rich, that it would take a long time to list here! Rather, let this be a taster to whet your appetite. The Concierge would be delighted to arrange a walking tour of the area for you, taking in all points of historical interest.
Further along Waring Street, diagonally opposite The Merchant Hotel, you will find Sugarhouse Entry in this entry the United Irishmen met in Peggy Barclays "Benjamin Franklin Tavern". It was not for nothing that in the 18th. century Belfast was known as the "Boston of the North" because of the actions of the radical Presbyterians who as members of the United Irishmen attempted to unite Catholic, Protestant and Dissenter.
Next to Sugarhouse entry is the Commercial Buildings (nowadays known as The Northern Whig). It was opened in 1820 and replaced four thatched cottages one of which was a woolen drapers shop owned by the famous United Irishman Samuel Neilson.
Further still, on the corner of Waring Street and Donegall Street you will find another historically significant site - The four corners, this being the point that all milestones out of Belfast were originally measured.
Thanks to Raymond O’Regan for some of the historical information made reference to in this history section.
