Скачать с ютуб History of Belfast в хорошем качестве

History of Belfast

The history of Belfast as a settlement begins during the Iron Age, while its status as a major urban centre dates to the 18th century. Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland. Belfast was throughout its modern history a major commercial and industrial centre. In the late 20th century its traditional industries, particularly shipbuilding, declined. The city's history has been marked by violent conflict between Catholics and Protestants that caused many areas to split into Catholic and Protestant areas. In recent years the city has been relatively peaceful and major redevelopment has occurred, especially in the inner city and dock areas. Early history The Belfast area has been occupied since at least the Iron Age. The Giant's Ring, a 5,000-year-old henge, is located near the city, and evidence of Bronze and Iron Age occupation have been found in the surrounding hills. One example is McArt's Fort, an Iron Age hill fort located on top of Cavehill north of the city. The original settlement of Belfast was little more than a village, based around the marshy ford where the River Lagan met the River Farset which is where modern day High Street meets Victoria Street. The Ford of Belfast existed as early as 665 AD, when a battle was fought at the site. The current Church of Ireland church at this location is built on the site of an ancient chapel used by pilgrims crossing the water. The earliest mention of the Chapel of the Ford is in the papal taxation rolls of 1306. Medieval period In 1177, during the Norman Invasion of Ireland, John de Courcy acquired land in eastern Ulster that included the small village of Belfast . To consolidate his power over the area, de Courcy ordered the construction of fortifications in Belfast and nearby Carrickfergus resulting in the erection of Belfast Castle and Carrickfergus Castle. The original site of Belfast Castle was roughly where modern-day Castle Place and High Street meet in Belfast city centre. The castle was attacked, recovered, destroyed and rebuilt many times.