Tracking the river Farset on old OS maps

Continuing my effort to track the course of Belfast's river Farset, I've been looking at the PRONI historical maps viewer to see some of the old OS maps coverage of the city and environs. Frustratingly, it's not possible to embed the maps or share screengrabs without breach of OSNI copyright.

Some interesting snippets: 

  • Use of what appears to be the Farset's course as a parish boundary is striking.
  • Also the array of industry from brickworks to distilleries.
  • On the OSNI Historical First Edition (1832-1846) is the notation "Stream goes under ground" near the quarries on Squire's Hill. 
  • There are an array of streams in the area, some of which must come together to form the Farset.
  • An ice house is marked on the location of modern day housing on Bombay Street. Is it related to the nearby Clonard House? By the third edition (1900-1907), the housing has been constructed.
  • Victoria Street and Queen's Square are constructed by the time of the second edition (1846-62)
  • By the third edition, there's a covered reservoir at the Horseshoe bend.

Panoramic view over Belfast and the Belfast Hills from McArts Fort

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