Tom Hartley’s Balmoral Cemetery: The History of Belfast, Written in Stone is an exceptional study of one of Belfast’s lesser-known burial grounds. As the third instalment in his Written in Stone series—following Milltown Cemetery and City Cemetery—this book continues Hartley’s meticulous exploration of Belfast’s social and religious history through the lens of its cemeteries.
Balmoral Cemetery, originally known as Belfast Cemetery, Malone, opened in 1855, largely because of Presbyterian ministers Henry Cooke and Joseph Mackenzie being denied the ability to conduct a ‘proper’ Presbyterian funeral in another graveyard. The book is rich in historical detail, not only chronicling the cemetery’s origins but also the lives and legacies of those buried there. Around 2,500 individuals rest in Balmoral, many with compelling and often tragic stories. From the architect William Batt and suffragist Isabella Tod to Superintendent Thomas Johnston, who lost eight of his sixteen children, Hartley brings to life the human histories lying beneath the headstones. The book also explores figures such as Edward Anderson, lost at sea when the SS City of Glasgow vanished in 1854, and Rachel Mercer, who perished in a maritime collision in Belfast Lough in 1900.
Hartley, a historian and former Lord Mayor of Belfast, is renowned for his commitment to uncovering Belfast’s past through its cemeteries. His research takes readers beyond the names on the headstones, delving into the social, political, and religious dynamics that shaped the city. However, some readers may find the extensive discussion of Belfast Presbyterianism—including the disputes, schisms, and development of various congregations—a challenging aspect of the book. While this deep dive into religious history is relevant to Balmoral Cemetery, which was closely tied to Belfast’s Presbyterian community, it may not appeal to those seeking a more general historical overview.
Nevertheless, Hartley’s work remains a remarkable achievement. He has once again transformed a cemetery into a historical archive, using its tombstones to tell the story of Belfast. Balmoral Cemetery: The History of Belfast, Written in Stone is essential reading for those interested in Belfast’s past, particularly in the intersection of religion, social change, and the individuals who shaped the city.