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Belfast's Row of Mystery Houses: Myth, History, and the Truth Revealed

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2025/12/2 .. -houses-myth-history-and-the-truth-revealed.html
  Published in House and Home on Thursday, December 25th 2025 at 1:23 GMT by The Irish News
      Locale: Northern Ireland, UNITED KINGDOM

The Curious Case of Belfast’s “Row of Mystery Houses” – What History Really Says

Belfast’s streets are steeped in stories that stretch back centuries, from the grand Georgian facades of the city’s wealthy merchants to the humble tenements that housed the industrial workforce of the 19th‑century linen boom. Yet one particular cluster of houses on the south side of the city has long been a favourite subject for local lore: a peculiar row that many claim was built for a secret society, used as a smuggling hub, or even the site of a clandestine “Belfast underground” that still hums beneath the city. The Irish News recently revisited this popular narrative, and with the help of an independent historian, shed light on the facts versus the myth.

A Row That Captivates

The houses in question sit on a narrow, cobbled street just off Donegall Street, a side‑street that has survived the upheavals of the Great War and the Troubles with little alteration. From the outside, they appear as a typical set of Georgian townhouses: three stories high, with symmetrical sash windows, modest stuccoed façades, and thatched roofs that have long been replaced with corrugated iron. Yet the peculiar arrangement—a series of five houses that seem to have been designed with a unified internal plan—has spurred speculation.

One of the most popular tales among local “history buffs” suggests that the houses were commissioned by a clandestine group of rebels in the late 18th century, with hidden passages that linked them to the nearby River Lagan, providing a quick escape route from the authorities. Another version claims that the houses were built by a wealthy landowner in the 1700s specifically to house members of a “Belfast Underground” society that opposed the British rule and used the houses as meeting points and storage for arms.

These stories have made their way into many local guides, blogs, and even tourist brochures, where the row is highlighted as a “mystery” spot that “seems to be straight out of a spy thriller.” The narrative is so entrenched that the area even has a small plaque at the street entrance that reads: “The Row – Built for a Secret Society in 1772.” The plaque itself has become a focal point for people hoping to capture a piece of the intrigue on their social‑media feeds.

The Historian’s Investigation

Enter Dr. Fiona O’Connor, a senior lecturer in Irish history at Queen’s University Belfast, who was approached by the Irish News to research the origins of the row. Dr. O’Connor’s team conducted a thorough investigation, pulling together primary documents from the Belfast City Archives, the National Library of Ireland, and the Irish Architectural Archive. They also interviewed long‑time residents, examined architectural plans, and cross‑referenced property ownership records.

The outcome was a clear and convincing refutation of the “secret society” myth. The houses were actually built between 1798 and 1802, not in 1772 as the plaque claims, and were commissioned by James McKenna, a prosperous local merchant who specialized in the linen trade. “McKenna’s name pops up in the property registers as the owner,” Dr. O’Connor notes. “He was a very regular figure in the city’s commercial scene, not a secretive conspirator.”

Dr. O’Connor’s research also revealed that the houses were designed by a local architect, William H. Brown, whose work can be seen in other surviving townhouses on Grafton Street. Brown’s architectural plans show a clear emphasis on Georgian symmetry and functional living spaces, not clandestine passageways or hidden chambers. The internal layout of the houses consists of standard living quarters, a single-story loft area used as storage, and no evidence of concealed corridors or passages.

Architectural Analysis

An examination of the architectural details further debunks the myth. The façade’s stone lintels and pilasters align with typical Georgian design elements that were popular in Belfast from the late 18th century to the early 19th century. The houses originally had stucco finishes and iron railings that have since been replaced, but the original layout remains largely intact.

According to the Irish Architectural Archive, the houses were originally intended for middle‑class tenants—often clerks or merchants—rather than for a secret society. The street’s proximity to the River Lagan made it a desirable location for traders who needed easy access to transport their goods. The houses also share a shared back alley, a common feature in Belfast’s residential planning at the time, used for domestic purposes rather than illicit activities.

The Myth’s Cultural Roots

While the myth is historically unfounded, Dr. O’Connor points out that its persistence is rooted in the cultural memory of Belfast. The city’s history is marked by political conflict, from the 1798 United Irishmen uprisings to the 20th‑century Troubles. In a city where history often feels lived, myths like this one provide a tangible connection to a past that many feel is too distant or complex to fully grasp. As a result, stories that involve clandestine societies or hidden tunnels are particularly appealing, giving a sense of mystery and intrigue to everyday streets.

Moreover, the myth has a practical effect on tourism. Local guides have long included the row in their tours, citing the “mysterious” back‑alleys and supposed secret rooms. Dr. O’Connor is not opposed to tourism per se but advocates for historical accuracy: “Tourists should be informed of the real history so they can appreciate the true heritage of Belfast.”

A Plaque Replaced

In light of Dr. O’Connor’s findings, the Belfast City Council announced a plan to replace the misleading plaque with a new informational sign that accurately reflects the row’s history. The council’s spokesperson said, “We are committed to preserving Belfast’s heritage, and part of that commitment is ensuring that the information displayed to the public is accurate.” The new plaque will read: “Row of Georgian Townhouses – Built 1798‑1802 for merchant James McKenna. Designed by William H. Brown.”

Conclusion

While the myth of a secret society hidden among the row’s neat Georgian façades may continue to intrigue tourists and local history enthusiasts, the truth is less dramatic but equally fascinating. The houses are a testament to Belfast’s prosperous commercial era, reflecting the architectural styles and urban planning practices of the time. Dr. Fiona O’Connor’s meticulous research has clarified the true origins of the houses, correcting the narrative for future generations and preserving the authenticity of Belfast’s cultural heritage. The row remains a charming part of the city’s streetscape, and its story—rooted in commerce rather than conspiracies—offers a more grounded, if less sensational, insight into Belfast’s past.