THROUGH THE ARCHIVES: Lord Lieutenant receives enthusiastic reception in Belfast

From the News Letter, January 23, 1887
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His Excellency the Marquis of Londonderry, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland had paid his promised official visit to Belfast the previous day reported the News Letter on this day in 1887.

On arriving in Belfast he received an enthusiastic reception but as the News Letter noted: “This was only to be expected as his Excellency for many reasons is very popular.”

Much had been done to make the appearance of Belfast reflect the warm welcome.

During his visit to Belfast on this day in 1887 the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Marquis of Londonderry, took time to visit Queen’s Island and the offices of the Harbour Commissioners during which he was introduced to the board members individually by the chairmanDuring his visit to Belfast on this day in 1887 the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Marquis of Londonderry, took time to visit Queen’s Island and the offices of the Harbour Commissioners during which he was introduced to the board members individually by the chairman
During his visit to Belfast on this day in 1887 the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Marquis of Londonderry, took time to visit Queen’s Island and the offices of the Harbour Commissioners during which he was introduced to the board members individually by the chairman

The News Letter noted: “There was a profuse display of flags, the majority being Union Jacks, in almost all the principal streets, and anyone passing through the town could see that the manifestation of rejoicing at the visit of his Excellency was very general”.

Indeed, four large Union Jacks flew from the office of the News Letter in Donegall Street. During his visit the Lord Lieutenant took time to visit Queen’s Island and the offices of the Harbour Commissioners during which he was introduced to the board members individually by the chairman.

He was briefed on the shipping industry. It was during this visit that he remarked: “As an Ulsterman, I am happy and proud to learn of your interesting statement of the great progress made by the shipping trade of Belfast within the last 30 years. I congratulate you most heartily on the result which has been achieved by your energy and perseverance, and wish all success to your efforts for the further development of the splendid port.”