Format

10.30 am Coffee/tea available to purchase

11.00 am Talk begins

12 – 12.15 pm Q&A

12.30 pm Lunch

Other Information

John Gray is a well-known historian, writer and cultural commentator. He is the former Librarian of the Linen Hall Library Belfast, and he served as Chair of the United Irishmen Commemoration Society. He has written, lectured and broadcast extensively on many aspects of Ulster’s labour and radical history. He writes under the auspices of ‘Reclaim the Enlightenment’ and is committed to recalling and celebrating that progressive period in Belfast’s past. He is convinced that doing so can lend inspiration to the present.

John will look at the two social worlds of 19th century Belfast – that of the wealthy and that of the poor. Life was difficult for the men, women and children who worked in the mills and factories of Belfast, often up to 14 hours day after day. But in this period another social group evolved – a middle-class elite in a town that was developing its industry and manufacturing. It was a powerful and influential group and its members played an integral part in the British and Imperial economy.

All Club Members are very welcome and may invite guests both to the talk and to lunch. Please inform the Club of their names for our concierge at the front door and

for the Dining Room.

Lunch will be buffet style in the dining room. When booking please advise of any dietary requirements. As we do not ask for payment in advance it is important that you keep us advised of any changes to your booking.