A-Level History students recently visited Belfast where they undertook a Home Rule tour relevant to their current Year 14 unit of study. During the guided tour, students visited Clifton Street Orange Hall. Students were fascinated by the treasure trove of historical artefacts linked to the Home Rule era including original UVF guns from the period as well as the ink well used by the leader of Unionism, Sir Edward Carson, to sign the Ulster Covenant.
As part of the tour, students also visited Belfast City Hall where they viewed the actual table the leaders of Unionism signed the Ulster Covenant and St Anne’s Cathedral – the resting place of Sir Edward Carson. Students also undertook a guided tour of Craigavon House (home of Northern Ireland’s first Prime Minister, James Craig) and Parliament Buildings, Stormont. This was an excellent day that had significant educational benefits and value for our Year 14 Historians.