Henry Joy McCracken’s mother was Ann Joy, daughter of Francis Joy, linen manufacturer and founder of the Belfast Newsletter. They both have a “blue plaque” at the northern end of the entry – see the final image, below. Henry led the Antrim uprising of the United Irishmen in 1798 and was hanged for it in Corn Market at age 30. (WP)
The peacock piece – official title ‘Peripheral Palisading’ – is by James Earley (web). It is perhaps inspired by the blue plaque’s note that the News Letter was “first printed ‘at the sign of the peacock’ in Bridge Street”. For a better shot of it, see the Visual History page on the Belfast Entries.
Also in the Entry is a large wall-painting of Olaudah Equiano.
Click image to enlarge
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