In June 2024, we were approached by Girdwood Community Hub, enquiring about some historical figures from Belfast’s past. Whilst the enquiry focused on more prominent figures such as Mary Ann McCracken and Thomas McCabe, a more mysterious quandary caught the attention of our archivist, who took it upon himself to conduct research into the history of a plot of land known simply as “The Farm.”
In the heart of the North Belfast Heritage Cluster is a patch of land nestled between the Antrim Road and the Crumlin Road which has a storied and varied history. Whilst this plot, now called Girdwood Park is synonymous with the now demolished military barracks that stood on the site for decades, it was once the home of one of Belfast’s noble families, that stretches back to the ancient Kings of Scotland.
Jane Elizabeth Bruce was born on the 18th January 1832 on Donegall Street in Belfast to a distinguished family. Her father was Reverand William Bruce (1790-1868) who was minister of the First Presbyterian Church on Rosemary Street for 55 years. Her Grandfather, Rev. William Bruce (1757-1841) was one of the Volunteers in 1798 rebellion, and also spent much of his life in Belfast as part of the church on Rosemary Street, and at one point was close friends with William Drennan. Shortly after her birth, Jane would move to the land that would become known as Girdwood park, but in 1833 was simply known as “The Farm”. It was here that she would spend the rest of her long life.
There is not much known about Jane Bruce’s personal life. She never married and had no children; however, she was a prominent figure in Belfast and a well-respected philanthropist. She was one of the founders of the Domestic Mission for the Poor of Belfast, and took a keen interest in the medical institutions of Belfast, being one of the original governors of the Thompson Memorial Home (now Thompson House Hospital) and serving on the committees of the Royal Victoria Hospital and the Hospital for Sick Children. On a personal level, she hand-knitted garments for the poor of Belfast, which “were greatly prized by the recipients”:
“Her Philanthropy knew no bounds. Individuals and institutions benefited by her generosity”
Jane would enjoy a long and healthy life. In her obituaries it is emphasised that up until her death on the 16th July 1933, she retained all her faculties, but was aided by her niece, Helen Hutton. Newspapers recorded her interests as “Motoring, read[ing] without glasses and had no fads about food.” She was 101 years old when she died at the place she had called home for a century: “The Farm”. The Newspapers lamented the passing of Miss Bruce as she was the last representative of a prestigious family to live in Belfast, and who was allegedly descended from THAT Robert the Bruce and the Bruce clan from Scotland. The city also mourned the loss of a prominent philanthropist and an outstanding member of the city’s upper echelon.
Some time after her death, “The Farm” house was demolished, and the area was transformed into Girdwood Park. Later, the Territorial Army Barracks was built directly on top of the old family home, making the old Farm estate unrecognisable in the modern-day Belfast.
In a city such as Belfast, history is all around us. It is evident when looking at the old buildings that still survive to this day, however, it is all too easy to overlook the histories that have been forgotten; removed from our line of sight through development or demolition. Yet, when you scratch just below the surface, there is a wealth of stories waiting to be uncovered and rediscovered. By rediscovering these stories, we can help build a rich tapestry of lives lived and stories told in the places that matter most to us.
About the archivist:
James Cromey is the Archive Coordinator for the North Belfast Heritage Cluster. He has a background in Victorian, Industrial and Medical History and has received degrees from the University of Glasgow and Queens University Belfast. All research has been conducted to a high academic standard and has been fully referenced. If you would like to know more about a story or piece of research, or if you wish to tell us about your own story, email us at: archiveproject@nbheritagecluster.org