Tom Hartley’s Written in Stoneis an engaging and meticulously researched account of one of Belfast’s most historically significant burial grounds. As a former Lord Mayor of Belfast and a Sinn Féin politician, Hartley might not be the most obvious choice to write a book of this nature but his approach is impressively balanced, well-written and deeply informative. He offers an impartial historical narrative that allows the cemetery’s rich past to speak for itself.
Belfast City Cemetery, officially opened on 1 August 1869, was the city’s first municipal burial ground, purchased by Belfast Corporation in 1866. Over the years it has become the final resting place for more than 225,000 people ranging from politicians and industrialists to writers, social reformers and the destitute. The cemetery contains striking examples of Victorian, Edwardian and Gothic Revival architecture and its layout reflects the sectarian and class divisions of Belfast’s history.
The cemetery also includes unique and historically significant sections such as the Jewish burial ground acquired in 1871 and the mass paupers’ graves where thousands of unmarked burials took place. The Plot Z1 Memorial, unveiled in 2019, commemorates 7,160 babies buried in unmarked graves highlighting the social history intertwined with the cemetery’s landscape.
One of the book’s key strengths is Hartley’s ability to provide detailed biographical sketches of those interred within the cemetery. He effectively uses these personal stories to explore broader historical events such as Belfast’s industrial growth, the impact of the Crimean War and the struggles of working-class communities. The book covers figures as diverse as shipbuilder Viscount Pirrie, linen merchant Daniel Joseph Jaffe and playwright Sam Thompson illustrating the diverse social, religious and political history of Belfast.
Despite his political background Hartley remains measured in his approach. Some readers might expect a more partisan perspective given his former role within Sinn Féin but his commitment to historical accuracy and fairness is evident throughout. This balanced tone makes Written in Stone a valuable resource for anyone interested in Belfast’s past regardless of political affiliation.
Hartley’s book is likely to be regarded as the definitive work on Belfast City Cemetery. It is not just a catalogue of burials but a well-structured historical narrative that brings the cemetery to life. The inclusion of suggested walking routes adds to its practical value making it both a historical study and a useful guide for visitors.