European Heritage Day

I have finished my dissertation. I will write more on 9-15, the day it was due. I'm backdating a few posts to include some photos over the past week.

"Today" (the 9-12 date posted even though I'm writing on 9-17) was European Heritage Day when a lot of buildings that aren't usually open are open to the public--and buildings that have an entrance fee drop the fee.

I didn't make it to the queen's residence in Northern Ireland, Hillsborough Castle--maybe next year. I did go on a walking tour that took in a barge, which had some historic memorabilia, the Harbour Commissioner's Office and Seamen's Church.

Here's what the Harbour office looks like:

That photo was lifted from the internet. Here are my photos. Keep in mind that Belfast in the mid- to late-1880s was the world's leading producer of linen, tobacco and cigarettes, rope, and ships. The Harbour Commission was run by the wealthiest men in town. Upstairs landing.

Stairway:

Great hallway:

All the way around the room there are half-circle stained glass windows with the seals of countries with which Belfast traded, including the United States, Italy, Russia, whatever South Africa was called at the time. Throughout the building there are incredible maritime paintings. The Irish oak parquet floor is beautiful. Next: The table built for the captain of the Titanic. It wasn't finished in time for the launch, so here it sits.

My camera ran out of batteries when we got to Sinclair Seamen's Presbyterian Church. However, I found a 360-degree photo tour, which you can take on the link provided. Everything in the church is related to the lives of sailors and there are many memorials to sailors who died. The church pulpit is shaped like the bow of a ship. The collection is taken using little wooden boats. All the stained glass windows have nautical themes. It's a remarkable place. Like many old churches here, it is down to a few dozen members. It's hard to know what its future will be.
9-12