Ulster Museum Trip

I went on a whistle-stop tour of the renovated Ulster Museum at Botanic Gardens in Belfast this afternoon. Being Easter Day, it was fairly busy.

I took the elevator right up to the top floor, where I had a good look at their Old Master collection. There are about three large oil paintings, 18th century, of Belvoir Park at Newtownbreda; painted when the house was of two storeys. Most interesting; and I chatted to a part-time attendant, telling him what I remembered about the Batesons of Orangefield (afterwards the Bateson baronets and Lords Deramore at Belvoir House). I urged him to "google" the Internet in order to view my images.

The Museum has a fairly good display containing the insignia of the Most Illustrious Order of St Patrick. It's just a shame that they aren't showing the mantle, hat and sash of the Order.

In storage are two Order of St Patrick mantles worn by Lord Shaftesbury (invested 1911 ) and Lord Londonderry as Grand Master (1886-89). Most of the following items relating to the Order are on display: Two collars, one unofficial, silver gilt, the other the normal gold; two breast stars c 1820, and the other c 1870; a gold knight's badge; a knight's badge with agate cameo, c1860.


The Grand Master's badge, worn by Lord Talbot, 1817; two miniature Grand Master's badges, one late 19th century, the other 1921; the Prelate's badge, 1817; miniature Prelate's badge, 1834.


Badge of the Usher of the Black Rod, c1879. The ceremonial tunic of the Black Rod of Ireland, 1751, is above. There are also a number of associated items, including a print for the first installation dinner, statutes and medals for the installations of 1821 and 1863.

I feel it is a shame that more of the insignia is not on display. Still, a fascinating exhibit.